Police in New Zealand are ramping up their efforts to find a father and his three children who have been missing since late 2021. Tom Phillips and his kids—Ember, Maverick, and Jayda—disappeared just before Christmas that year. Authorities believe they are hiding in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island, where they were last seen.
Phillips, who does not have legal custody of his children, reportedly had a dispute with their mother before he fled with them. Since then, he has evaded capture, despite multiple searches. In September 2021, he and the children were missing for 19 days before resurfacing at his parents’ farmhouse. At that time, he claimed they had gone camping to "clear his head." However, he faced charges for wasting police resources after the extensive search.
Recently, police announced they would search rural communities in Waikato as part of their ongoing investigation. They clarified that this renewed search is not due to a specific sighting but rather a continuation of their efforts to locate Phillips and his children. Over the past three years, there have been several reported sightings of the family, including one last October, when teenage pig hunters captured video footage of them in the bush—marking the first time all three children were seen together since their disappearance.
The children’s mother expressed relief upon seeing the footage, stating, "I’m so happy that they’re all there… I’m so relieved to see all three of my babies." However, despite these sightings, police have not been able to track them down. In November 2023, CCTV footage showed Phillips and one of his children allegedly attempting to break into a store. They fled when the alarm went off.
Phillips is also wanted for other serious crimes, including robbing a bank and shooting at a supermarket employee in May 2023. As his list of charges grows, many people in New Zealand are questioning why authorities have not been able to find him and his children. Local officials believe someone might be helping them remain hidden. The mayor of the Otorohanga district, where Phillips was born, mentioned that he still has supporters who think he is doing what’s best for his family.
Phillips’ mother has denied knowing his whereabouts but has expressed a desire for her son and grandchildren to return home. As the search continues, the hope remains that the family will be found safe.