Runaway family may have moved, altered appearance
Police believe missing Marokopa dad and his three children could be anywhere in the country, and might be using fake names.
Phillips, 34, was due to appear in Te Kūiti District Court on January 12 on a charge of causing wasteful deployment of police staff and resources in relation to a large-scale search for him and his children, Jayda Jin, Maverick and Ember, last September.
After he failed to appear, a warrant was issued for his arrest and the search has been going on ever since.
‘‘Despite a number of land and air searches, and regular discussions with community members who spend time in Marokopa’s extensive bush area, we have not located any signs of the family,’’ Waikato West area commander inspector Will Loughrin said.
He said officers were now considering the possibility the family may be outside the wider Marokopa area and urged anyone across the country to come forward.
People should look out for a man and three children who were new in their community or travelling inter-city on trains, buses or ferries.
The children, aged 6, 7, and 9, would not be attending local schools, he said. People should also report if fuel, food or camping supplies had disappeared.
Phillips’ family on Thursday said they had not heard from him or the children and said it was hard to go so long without contact.
The family had earlier told police he returned to a family home briefly on February 10 to pick up supplies.
He and the children were officially reported as missing by family members on January 18. In late January, police were made aware his ute had been left on Mangatoa Rd near the Mangatoa Track in Waikato.
On February 9, Phillips returned to a family member’s home in the middle of the night to take supplies and did not appear to have the children with him. Since then there have been multiple reports of sightings – most in the Waikato region and all had been followed up without success.
‘‘We are mindful the photos we have made public to date may now not accurately depict what Tom and the children look like,’’ Loughrin said. ‘‘When Tom Phillips was last seen by family in February, he had a beard and that alone will make him look considerably different than in the photos we have circulated.’’
The children’s appearance would have also changed since they were last seen in January. ‘‘They will be taller; they will have either lost baby teeth or started to get their adult teeth and will likely be wearing their hair in different styles. They could also be using different names, he said.
‘‘If you think you may have seen them, or know where they are, we want the opportunity to follow up that information.’’
The family first made headlines nearly a year ago when Phillips took his children into the bush near Marokopa.
They had last been seen on September 11. Phillips’ ute was found below the tideline at Kiritehere Beach, sparking concerns for their safety. The family unexpectedly reappeared healthy and alive after 18 days.