Sister of Fugitive Father Reflects on Tragic Timeline of Missing Marokopa Children

The disappearance of three Marokopa children alongside their fugitive father, Tom Phillips, has cast a long shadow over New Zealand for nearly three years. This week, the family broke its silence, with Phillips’ sister sharing an emotional reflection on the tragedy that has left the nation searching for answers.

A Painful Reflection

In a heartfelt statement, Phillips’ sister said, “We only hoped to be reunited one day, but who could have imagined this?” Her words echoed the anguish of a family divided not only by physical distance but also by a father’s desperate flight from authorities.

The children — Jayda, Ember, and Maverick — vanished with their father in September 2021. While they briefly returned home later that year, they disappeared again in December and have remained missing ever since. Police believe the group has been living in remote bushland in the Marokopa area of Waikato, sustained by survival tactics and occasional community support.

The Timeline of Disappearance

The saga began in late 2021, when Tom Phillips failed to return from what he claimed was a routine trip. Alarm quickly turned to panic as it became clear he had taken his three children into the wilderness.

Police mounted extensive searches, supported by helicopters, drones, and ground patrols. There were sporadic sightings — including one by teenage hunters in October 2023 — but no successful recovery.

Earlier this year, Phillips became the subject of further police interest after a series of burglaries in the region were linked to him. Officers believe he used stolen supplies to sustain his life off-grid, dragging his children deeper into a lifestyle of isolation.

A Family’s Plea

For Phillips’ sister, the past three years have been defined by grief and unanswered questions. Her recent comments mark one of the few public statements from the family.

“Every day, we hoped they would come home. Every birthday, every holiday, every moment was a reminder of what was missing,” she said. “Our only dream was that one day, we would be reunited. But none of us imagined it would go on this long, or become this tragic.”

Her words follow an earlier plea from the children’s mother, Cat, who described the situation as “child neglect, endangerment, abandonment, and abuse.” Cat also highlighted serious medical concerns for her daughter Ember, who suffers from asthma and requires treatment that cannot be provided in the bush.

Police Response

Authorities have continued to urge the public to come forward with information. In June 2024, police announced an $80,000 reward for tips leading to the safe recovery of the children.

“Someone in the community knows more than they’re saying,” Inspector Andrew Berry said at the time. “Our focus remains on the safe return of these three children, and we will not give up.”

Despite dozens of calls, searches, and community reports, the children remain hidden. Police believe sympathizers may be sheltering Phillips and the children, complicating the already difficult task of locating them in rugged terrain.

A Community Divided

The Marokopa saga has split public opinion. Some see Phillips as a survivalist father protecting his children from outside influences, while others condemn his actions as reckless and harmful.

In the King Country region, where Phillips is believed to be hiding, locals speak of sightings and rumors. Some describe the situation as “bush talk” — stories whispered but rarely confirmed.

For the family, however, the narrative is far simpler: three children denied a normal life. “My babies deserve better,” Cat said earlier this year.

The Emotional Toll

For Phillips’ sister, the disappearance has reshaped every aspect of life. Birthdays pass without celebrations, milestones go unmarked, and uncertainty looms over every day.

“The hardest part is not knowing,” she said. “Are they safe? Are they scared? Do they even know how much we love them and want them home?”

Her words reflect the broader pain felt across the community and country: the anguish of children growing up in isolation, cut off from healthcare, education, and extended family.

Conclusion

The story of the missing Marokopa children is no longer just a mystery — it is a national wound, marked by hope, anger, and heartbreak. As the sister of Tom Phillips reflects on the tragedy, her words underscore what is at stake: three young lives caught in the crossfire of a father’s choices.

“We only hoped to be reunited one day,” she said. Whether that reunion will come in safety and peace remains one of New Zealand’s most urgent and painful questions.