Terrifying twist as father and three children mysteriously vanish.

“Residents of the small North Island coastal town were deeply shocked and dismayed by the sudden disappearance of the family, who were much loved and respected within the community.”

Phillips’ car was abandoned and later found on Kiritehere Beach, resulting in extensive searches led by helpful emergency workers, enthusiastic volunteers and concerned local residents.

After days of efforts, the family finally seemed to have taken a new direction, making their mysterious disappearance not only national news, but also one of the most talked about cases in the entire country, further increasing the attention of the media and the public.

 

New Hope

Nearly three years later, the release of this recent video has breathed new life and hope into both the rescuers involved in the search and the desperate families of the missing.

The footage shows Phillips in camouflage fatigues, followed by three smaller figures, adventuring through a densely wooded area.

They carry heavy backpacks as they walk through the hills outside Marokopa. Although the footage is unclear, it is believed to be the missing family, making this sighting promising since their disappearance.

This video brings a precious moment of relief to Catherine, the children’s mother who has lived in uncertainty for so long since they mysteriously disappeared.

“I am so happy to see all three of my babies healthy and happy,” she told the New Zealand Herald during an emotional interview in which she expressed her deep joy and gratitude that her children are all safe and sound.

 

The Disappearance

On September 11, 2021, Tom Phillips suddenly left with his three children. After his pickup truck was found submerged in a nearby river, police launched an intensive search for the family to determine their whereabouts and ensure their safety.

However, after 18 days the family resurfaced, apparently unharmed, having spent that time in a hidden tent in dense bush, where they hid and tried to survive without any form of contact with the outside world.

In December 2021, the family took a different course, and there have been no confirmed reports of Phillips and the children since then, leading to continued concern among family, friends and authorities about their whereabouts.

Since then, the case has received national attention, and emergency responders have been regularly updated on possible sightings so they can intensify their efforts and potentially uncover new clues that could help solve the mystery.

Until recently, no reliable observations were available that could serve as a basis for taking appropriate action against the looming crisis.

All this changed when new images emerged in early October 2024, marking a breakthrough and sparking a renewed intensive search for the family in remote farming areas around Marokopa, with authorities and volunteers working together to find every trace of the missing family and hopefully finally get answers to the many questions that have remained unanswered for so long.

 

Concerns and Safety Guidelines

The search focuses on the well-being and safe return of the children, but also brings new challenges, such as logistical planning and coordination of different agencies and volunteers to make the operation successful.

In January 2022, Phillips decided not to participate in the scheduled hearing in which he would explain his choices, ultimately intensifying the search for answers and causing unrest and speculation among those involved.

Since September 2023, aid workers have been eager to engage in conversation with Phillips to further clarify and understand certain circumstances.

New developments in privacy and data security make the situation even more challenging, as aid workers have been asked to be extra careful when sharing information.

This element has led to increased awareness and measures taken to ensure everyone’s well-being and safety.

It is unclear whether Phillips will be able to handle his situation himself.

 

Response from Catherine

Catherine remains fully focused on the well-being of her children, especially her youngest daughter Ember, who requires extra hard-to-get care due to her complex medical conditions and special needs that require daily support and dedication.

Catherine stresses the importance of proper care for her daughter, despite speculation about the children’s health, asking firmly: “Have you seen them?”

Catherine shares her emotions on her children’s birthdays through video calls and messages to stay involved in these important moments.

She shared a photo with the children from a previous birthday to remember happy times before they embarked on their new adventure, where they lost themselves in nostalgia and gratitude for the special moments they had shared together as a close-knit group of friends.

 

Lasting Hope

Despite the hope the new video has brought, the family’s future remains uncertain and there is still a sense of unrest and doubt about what lies ahead.

Rescuers have investigated more than 40 sightings of the family, but despite their efforts, they have still not returned home safely.

In June 2024, a reward of as much as $80.000 was offered by authorities for information leading to the successful return of the missing children to their families, in the hope that this incentive would help facilitate their safe return home.

After eight weeks without results, despite positive observations, we decided to give the project a new impetus and try an alternative approach.

Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders, a highly dedicated and experienced investigator, confirmed that emergency services strongly believe Phillips had help from accomplices throughout his remarkably adventurous life.

Aid workers are considering offering a reward to those involved if they provide information that leads to the safe return of the children.

Detective Inspector Saunders said it was in the best interests of all involved, particularly the family, but the focus remained on the welfare of the children and all information was being carefully investigated.