Thomas Phillips and his three children. Courtesy: New Zealand Police. Two years on the run! A father, his three kids, and a trail of chaos—what really happened in New Zealand's most mysterious case?

After Wild Crime Spree, New Zealand Father and Children Still Missing After Two Years!

Two years on the run! A father, his three kids, and a trail of chaos—what really happened in New Zealand’s most mysterious case? 🌐 #News #WorldNews #NewZealand #Crime

AUCKLAND, NZ – More than two years have passed since Thomas Phillips and his three children vanished in New Zealand. Authorities are still searching for answers in a case that has mystified the nation.

Reward and Immunity Offered in Search

In June 2024, New Zealand authorities announced a reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars for any information leading to the family’s discovery. In a surprising move, they also offered immunity from prosecution to anyone who comes forward with credible information.

This highlights the seriousness and desperation surrounding the ongoing search.

The Mysterious Disappearance

Thomas Phillips is believed to be on the run, accused of a series of crimes that have left a trail of chaos in his wake.

Allegations against him include robbing a bank, shooting at a supermarket employee, stealing vehicles, and attempting a break-in, according to reports.

Phillips disappeared with his three children—Jayda, Ember, and Maverick—who are now 8, 9, and 10 years old. Authorities have confirmed that Phillips no longer has legal custody of the children, adding another layer of urgency to the search.

Map and flag of New Zealand

Last Known Whereabouts

The last confirmed sighting of Phillips was in December 2021, when investigators believe he fled into the dense Waikato bush. Since then, the case has grown cold, with only sporadic reports and alleged sightings.

In June 2024, police scoured the Marokopa settlement in King Country after receiving tips, but the search yielded no new leads.

A Troubled History of Disappearances

This is not the first time Phillips and his children have gone missing. In September 2021, they vanished for three weeks, prompting an extensive land and sea search after Phillips’ car was found abandoned on a remote beach.

When the search was called off, authorities believed the worst—that the family had perished. However, Phillips and his children emerged from the forest, claiming they had been camping.

Following this incident, Phillips was charged with wasting police time and resources. He was due in court in January 2022, but before the hearing could take place, he disappeared once again with his children.

This time, the police were slow to act, as Phillips had informed his family that he was taking the children on another trip. When they failed to return, the authorities began their search once more.

Fingerprints in police file.

Renewed Efforts and Ongoing Mystery

Rumors and alleged sightings have persisted, with some believing that Phillips may have changed his and the children’s identities to evade capture.

In 2023, there were multiple reports of Phillips being seen in the area where he originally disappeared, which led to renewed search efforts.

Feel-Good Stories. Heartland Travel. Visit Jack and Kitty's Bookstore now.

Despite these efforts, Phillips and his children remain missing, leaving behind a trail of questions and a family desperate for answers.

As time goes on, the mystery only deepens, and authorities continue to hope that someone will come forward with the information needed to bring this case to a close.

Reminder: All parties are considered innocent before proven guilty.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

SHARE This Article With Family And Friends…

Leave a Friendly Comment or Thought