Police are “conducting enquiries” in the Marokopa area today after a reported sighting of Tom Phillips and his three children.
Phillips and his children Ember, Maverick, and Jayda have been missing since December 2021.
Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said this morning: “Police are conducting enquiries in the wider Marokopa area today after a reported sighting of Tom Phillips and his three children Ember, Maverick, and Jayda Phillips.
“A visible police presence will be in the area while this is ongoing.”
The NZ Herald reported the sighting came from a young group of pig hunters, who gave their findings to police on Thursday.
Phillips has been sought by police for many months, and there is a warrant for his arrest related to aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
There have been fresh sightings of missing Marokopa kids’ father Tom Phillips. (Source: 1News)
He does not have legal custody of the children.
Earlier this year, a an $80,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of the missing children was offered by police. The reward was only available for two weeks, and did not lead to the children’s return.
Police said there were at least 50 pieces of information that were worthy of consideration while the reward was outstanding.
At the time, a member of Phillips’ family has said that he was home-schooled and so was most likely home-schooling the children.
The wellbeing of the three children was a main concern for the community, those in the region said atr the time.
It was believed by locals that someone was helping Phillips, including providing food, shelter and clothing.
Waitomo District Mayor John Robertson had earlier urged Phillips to consider the long-term future of his children.
“Going on the run from police is not the way to resolve it. He needs to come back, face the consequences, but think of the children in particular. They need a future — to start living as normal children would in our society,” Robertson said.
