The search for Tom Phillips and his three children, Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, has become one of New Zealand's most perplexing and heart-wrenching mysteries, now stretching across the globe. What began as a local custody dispute has escalated into an international manhunt, marked by desperate acts and fleeting sightings.
The Initial Disappearance
On December 11, 2021, Tom Phillips failed to return his three children to their mother, his estranged partner, in the coastal town of New Plymouth. This breach of a custody agreement triggered an immediate police search. For 19 agonising days, the community held its breath until the family was discovered living in a remote campsite near Marokopa, having simply vanished into the wilderness.
A Pattern of Vanishing Acts
This was not to be an isolated incident. In a devastating repeat, Phillips and the children disappeared again on March 16, 2022. This time, they were missing for three weeks before being found in the same rugged, bush-clad region. The resilience of the young children surviving in such conditions stunned the public and authorities alike.
The Descent Into Crime and a National Manhunt
The case took a darker turn in late 2022. Phillips became the prime suspect in a series of armed robberies at local banks in Te Kūiti and Hamilton, where a firearm was presented. The New Zealand Police, now treating him as armed and dangerous, significantly upgraded their search efforts. The Interpol issued a yellow notice, broadening the alert to the international stage, particularly relevant given Phillips's known UK connections.
A Trail of Fire and Fear
The desperation escalated further in October 2023. Phillips is alleged to have committed two arson attacks on properties linked to the children's mother in the New Plymouth area, sending a clear and terrifying message. These acts confirmed to police his willingness to engage in extreme violence, raising grave concerns for the welfare of Jayda, Maverick, and Ember.
The Ongoing Search and a Mother's Plea
Despite numerous potential sightings and extensive land and air searches, Tom Phillips and his three children remain missing. The New Zealand Police continue to pursue all credible leads, operating on the belief they are still in the country. The children's mother, alongside their extended family, continues to plead for their safe return, a constant reminder of the human tragedy at the centre of this complex police investigation.
