Missing Marokopa family: Credible sighting of Tom Phillips and three children confirmed by police

• Police are again searching for Tom Phillips and his three children, who have been missing from Marokopa since December 2021.
• An $80,000 reward was previously offered by police for information that would lead to their safe return – but it expired in June.
• Police were deployed to Marokopa on Thursday and two helicopters swept the area over the weekend.

Police have determined the sighting of missing man Tom Phillips and his three children last week was “credible”.

Phillips and Ember, Maverick and Jayda have been missing since December 2021.

Police were dispatched on Thursday night after receiving a tip that Phillips had been seen in bush west of Coutts Rd in Marokopa with the three children.

“This is the first time all three of the children have been sighted, which is positive information, and we know it will be reassuring for the children’s wider family.”

After a three-day search, including the use of a military helicopter, “nothing further of significance” was found, according to police.

“Investigators will now assess information gathered to determine any next steps,” said Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders.

“Police continue to urge those in the Marokopa community to remain alert and report any suspicious activity, no matter how minor, to us.”

Pig hunters reported seeing the missing family on Thursday night, the Herald understands.

Police ramped up search efforts in Marokopa and surrounding areas for the missing family in June.

Local residents say Marokopa is a "little place with a lot going for it". Photo / Maryana Garcia

The children of Tom Phillips: (left to right) Jayda, Maverick and Ember. Photo / NZME

An $80,000 reward was offered for two weeks in June in return for information leading to the children’s safe return.

While the family was not found, police received 50 tips “deemed worthy of consideration” before the June 25 deadline.

Before Thursday’s sighting, police alleged Tom Phillips was seen on November 2, 2023 on CCTV after an attempted burglary at a Piopio store.

Security footage from the shop showed a masked pair, believed to be Phillips and one of his children, smashing the front glass and fleeing north after the alarm was set off about 2am.

Phillips vanished for the first time with his three young children on September 11, 2021.

The family returned home three weeks later, but on December 9 an arrest warrant was issued for Phillips after he failed to appear before court.

In a video message this year, the children’s mother Cat said: “I am standing here before you today begging you for your help to bring my babies home”.

”They are just innocent children, they do not deserve to be treated this way. They do not deserve the life that is being provided to them right now.”

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