The New Zealand Police are undertaking a new effort in the rugged North Island wilderness to locate a fugitive father and his three children, who have been missing for over three years. In late 2021, Tom Phillips fled into a remote Waikato area with his children, Ember, Maverick, and Jayda, following a dispute with their mother. Phillips does not legally have custody of the children.
Phillips comes from a farming background in Marokopa, a small coastal settlement with a population under 100, part of the expansive Waikato region where they are believed to be hiding. Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders stated that police presence will be more pronounced in the Marokopa area over the coming days as part of ongoing inquiries to find Tom Phillips and his children.
The police are conducting searches north of Marokopa, around the remote settlements of Te Waitere and Te Maika. These efforts are part of the continuous investigation and have not been triggered by a specific sighting. The Waikato region’s characteristics, including its sweeping coastline, forested terrain, and rural landscape, have made it challenging for police to locate Phillips.
The case has intrigued New Zealanders, who find it perplexing how Phoenix has managed to evade detection and survive in such harsh conditions. Despite there being no indication that his family is assisting him, there is speculation that community members might be aiding his evasion.
Phillips has a history of going into the wilderness with his children. In September 2021, his vehicle was found abandoned along the Marokopa shoreline, leading to a significant search operation. The family later turned up at Phillips’s parents’ farm, with Phillips claiming they had been on an extended camping trip to clear his head. He was later charged with wasting police time and resources.
In January, after failing to appear in court, a warrant was issued for his arrest. Sightings have been scarce and fleeting, including a reported theft of a quad bike and a shop break-in in Piopio, captured by CCTV. Despite several sightings in mid-2023 and an $80,000 reward for information, the trail went cold.
Phillips is described as someone who does not lead a mainstream lifestyle, avoiding social media and limiting his use of mainstream banks. He has purchased camping items and seedlings, suggesting he may be living off the land. In October, footage emerged of an adult and three children walking through Marokopa farmland, which the police believed to be Phillips and his children. search the area the next day but was unsuccessful.
The children’s mother has spoken out about her grief and has pleaded with Phillips to come forward.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/12/tom-phillips-new-zealand-police-search-marokopa-three-children-ntwnfb
