Police launch new search for Tom Phillips and three children

Wednesday 12 March 2025 · 6 outlets · 7 reports · updated Wed 12 Mar 2025, 12:29pm

In this story Andy Saunders

Police have initiated a new operation to search for fugitive Tom Phillips and his children, Ember, Maverick, and Jayda, who have been missing since 2021. Officers will increase their presence north of Marokopa, including in Te Waitere and Te Maika. Detective Inspector Andy Saunders stated the move was not prompted by a specific sighting.

How they headlined it

8:54am10:27am12:29pm

1. NZ HeraldWed 12 Mar 2025, 8:54am

   Police renew search for Tom Phillips and children in Marokopa area (opens in new tab)

2. StuffWed 12 Mar 2025, 9:07am

   ‘Wider presence’ for police in Marokopa amid ongoing search for fugitive dad Tom Phillips (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsWed 12 Mar 2025, 9:19am

   Police in Marokopa as search for Tom Phillips and kids continues (opens in new tab)

   • Police near Marokopa as search for Tom Phillips and kids continues (opens in new tab) Wed 12 Mar 2025, 9:19am
4. RNZWed 12 Mar 2025, 9:27am

   Police in Marokopa searching for Tom Phillips and children (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesWed 12 Mar 2025, 10:27am

   Search renewed for missing Marokopa family (opens in new tab)

6. Waikato Times via StuffWed 12 Mar 2025, 12:29pm

   The small, quiet settlements where police are now searching for fugitive Tom Phillips and his kids (opens in new tab)

   Also on Stuff (opens in new tab)