$80,000 missing persons reward expires today

Tom Phillips with his children Ember, Maverick and Jayda Phillips. Photo: NZ Police.

The offer of $80,000 reward for information leading to the location and safe return of Ember, Maverick and Jayda Phillips will expire at 11.59pm today, Tuesday , June 25.

Police urge people who have credible, current information to come forward now, and not to leave it any longer.

"The Police presence in Marokopa will be scaled-back but we will continue to have a dedicated investigation team assessing information and conducting follow-up enquiries," says Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders.

"I want to acknowledge the Marokopa community who have made our staff feel welcome in the area over the past fortnight.

"We’ve had a steady flow of information since this reward offer was made on Tuesday 11 June, with over 150 new reports of information via phone, email or personal approach to Police staff."

Acting Detective Inspector Saunders says a result of their enquiries Police have identified over 50 reports that they think are worthy of consideration and which are being investigated further.

"I cannot provide details while the investigation is ongoing, but we are committed to getting a result as soon as possible," says Acting Detective Inspector Saunders.

"I can confirm that we have identified several locations of interest in Western Waikato that we’re focusing our efforts on.

"We continue to have concerns for the wellbeing and safety of Ember, Maverick and Jayda, who have been missing since 12 December 2021, when they were taken by their father, Tom Phillips, to a location unknown but thought to be in Western Waikato within Marokopa or the surrounding areas."

Police ask if anyone has credible, current information that could lead to the location and safe return of Ember, Maverick and Jayda, please email the dedicated email address [email protected] or contact Police on 105 or online at 105.police.govt.nz clicking ‘Update Report’ and referencing file number 211218/5611.

1 comment

WHY???

Posted on 25-06-2024 15:36 | By Bruja

Why has there NEVER EVER been any light shed on WHY he felt he HAD to do this? There has NEVER been even the slightest hint given from the mother's side of things as to why Tom felt compelled to do this. He seems like a man who cares deeply for his children's happiness. Were they to be separated from each other perhaps or separated from him, or both of those things? The children had been living with him in Otorohanga(?) as far as I can tell and perhaps the CHILDREN had made their feelings known to Tom as their feelings/wishes were perhaps being ignored by adults other than Tom (or his family). I smell a rat called 'total silence'.


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