Police have set up checkpoints around the rural town of Marokopa in the search for fugitive Tom Phillips and his three children. Video / Corey Fleming
A man claiming to be a family member of fugitive Marokopa father Tom Phillips says police should “leave him alone” because he has “done nothing wrong”.
Speaking to 1News tonight, Charlie Vicary, who said he’s a member of Phillips’ family, said police should forget about the missing father.
“They should leave him alone, because he’s done nothing wrong.”
“I don’t think Tom would have done it ... he’s getting the blame for everything now,” the family member told 1News.
Police say they have concerns for the welfare of the three missing Marokopa children, but will not comment on specific details of information received regarding the whereabouts of fugitive father Phillips.
Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said in a statement this evening police have continued to receive and assess information today after an $80,000 reward was posted this week for information leading to the safe return of Ember, Maverick and Jayda Phillips.
“We have concerns for the welfare of the children who have been living in isolation for the past two-and-a-half years, with no connection to others and without formal education and health care,” Saunders said.
The children of fugitive Marokopa father Tom Phillips (from left) Jayda, Maverick and Ember. Photo / NZME
“Our investigators are assessing and following up on all relevant information that has been received and we are unable to comment on specific details of reports at this time.”
Saunders said police had “regularly received reports” of alleged sightings of the family during the two-and-a-half years since the missing persons investigations began.
“All reports are assessed and followed up on by investigators as required.
“While we acknowledge that there are varying views held on this missing person investigation, police remain focused on the location and safe return of the Phillips children,” Saunders said.
It comes after the general manager of a Waikato hotel and thermal baths said police came to the remote complex the night a woman said she saw Tom Phillips there with his children.
“It’s beautiful down there, absolutely, beautiful.”
A team member at the complex near Tīrau said staff had checked the campgrounds to ensure Phillips was not there.
The complex was surrounded by bush and farmland but there was dense bush nearby.
“From our office, we look out over the Kaimais so we are not far from there.”
The woman who tipped off police said she visited the hotel for lunch on June 2 and then went for a soak with friends in one of the pools tucked away in the bush.
The private thermal pools are accessible by walking tracks through the bush and are alongside the Waihou River.
She said the man – who she believed was the fugitive dad – had some facial hair and she noted his head was shaved but the hair that remained had been bleached.
The man she saw had a large back tattoo.
She described three children she thought to be Jayda, now 10, Maverick, now 9 and Ember, now 7.
The pool and path to the remote thermal pool at the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel where a woman said she saw fugitive father Tom Phillips and missing children in early June. Photo supplied / Composite picture
The two younger children wore beanies and when they removed them she noticed what she described as “home haircuts”
She described the children as “very clingy.”
The woman called the Crimestoppers line and left an anonymous tip when she left the pools.
Police told the Herald all leads were investigated. They would not comment on whether Phillips had a large back tattoo.
Earlier this week, acting Detective Inspector Saunders announced an $80,000 reward for information leading to the return of the children.
“We wish to reiterate that Tom Phillips faces charges in relation to aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm as a result of a criminal investigation separate to the missing persons investigation,” Saunders said.
Acting Detective Inspector Andy Saunders provides an update on the missing Marokopa family. Photo / Mike Scott
Police said people in the Marokopa community had contacted police with information later that day.
The Police Eagle helicopter was deployed into the area that night and checkpoints were set up with police checking cars and drivers licences.
Today police continued to operate checkpoints and said there would be a continued police presence over the coming days.
“We are also continuing to assess and follow up on relevant information that has been received from the public since the reward was announced,” Saunders said.
“The response has been encouraging, but our focus remains on the safe return of the children.”
Police urged anyone with “credible, current information on the whereabouts of the Phillips children” to make themselves known to officers.
Phillips and the three children first went missing in September 2021 before resurfacing in December 2021 and then disappearing again. The search for them ramped up following a sighting of him last August.
Police hoped the substantial reward would tempt those assisting Phillips and lead to the children’s return.
The reward would be open until June 25 and immunity from prosecution would be considered for anyone who had been helping Phillips.
Phillips was believed to be armed and police warned he should not be approached but that any sightings be reported to 111 immediately.
Information can be provided to the investigation team by contacting the 105 reporting line, quoting the file number 211218/5611, or email op.curly@police.govt.nz.
Kirsty Wynn is an Auckland-based journalist with more than 20 years experience in New Zealand newsrooms. She has covered everything from crime and social issues to the property market and consumer affairs.
