Four years ago, Tom Phillips and his three children disappeared into the New Zealand bush, leaving their mother distraught. Phillips, along with his children Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, vanished from the rural Waikato town of Marokopa on December 12, 2021.
After several sightings over the years, the saga came to a tragic end when Phillips was fatally shot by police following an alleged burglary. A witness reported seeing Phillips and Jayda, dressed in farm clothing and using headlamps, raiding a rural supply store in Piopio, western Waikato. Police intercepted them on Te Anga Road after a chase involving a quad bike and road spikes.
During the confrontation, Phillips struck a loan officer with a rifle, prompting backup police to shoot and kill him. Jayda was taken into custody, while the other two children, Maverick and Ember, were later found unharmed at a campsite.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers praised the search teams for their efforts in handling the high-risk situation. A male officer, critically injured by Phillips, was airlifted to the hospital for surgery.
Catherine, the children’s mother, expressed relief at their return after years of hoping for it. She also expressed sadness at the events that unfolded, hoping for a peaceful resolution. Phillips’ history of disappearing with the children was marked by legal issues and living off-grid without contact with others.
Catherine, who campaigned for her children’s return, shared a letter from Phillips asking for forgiveness. The family is now working with government agencies to facilitate the children’s safe reintegration into a stable environment.
