Private investigator investigates wanted Marokopa dad and his three children

Friday, 27 May 2022

The Phillips children, from left Ember, Jayda Jin and Maverick, have been in the bush with their father for almost six months.

A private investigator is hoping to lure wanted man Thomas Phillips out of the King Country bush.

Phillips went missing in December and is thought to have taken his three children into the dense bushland of Marokopa for a second time.

He failed to show up in court on a charge of wasting police resources in relation to his first disappearance, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Chris Budge said the ideal outcome was for Ember, Jayda, Jin and Maverick – all under 10 – to come out healthy and safe.

Thomas Phillips failed to show up in court on a charge of wasting police resources in relation to his first disappearance.

* Wanted Marokopa dad still on the run two weeks after court no-show

* Wanted Marokopa dad still on the run more than one week after court no-show

The Marokopa community was relieved to hear the news that the Phillips family have been found safe and well after spending 17 days in dense bush in 2021.

“There is a mother who wants to see her kids and two sisters who want to know what is going on and wondering why government agencies haven’t stepped in.”

The 60-year-old PI lived in Wellington, but was recovering from an injury and had time on his hands – so is donating his time to help.

He was formerly in the police and military and was a trained private investigator, with experience in mediation.

“I’m certain someone is helping him and knows something,” he said. He was hoping that person would give him a call.

He said Phillips loved his children, and probably went into the bush – where he was experienced – because he felt like it was the only option.

Dense bush in Marokopa where police believe Thomas Phillips may be hiding.

“But this has got to come to an end sooner or later,” Budge said.

Phillips was briefly seen by his parents when he returned to collect supplies in February, but has not been spotted since.

The winter weather was only getting worse and there were concerns about the young children's wellbeing.

“I’m not trying to get him in trouble,” Budge said. “It’s all about the kids.”

He said he would negotiate with police on Phillips behalf, and wanted the best outcome for all parties.

“He is outdoorsy, and he knows what he is doing. But I’m letting him know there is another option.

“The consequences might not be as bad as he thinks.”

Budge had already received calls from pig-hunters and from people with ideas.

“It’s nothing concrete, but there is care out there.”

An older sister of the children has organised a public search on June 11, and has launched a petition to call for government agencies to step in.

Police had received several calls from people with information following the renewed public interest in Phillips’ whereabouts, Waikato West Area Commander Inspector Will Loughrin previously said.

“This information has been followed up on and police have undertaken a number of searches in recent days, checking all possible locations of interest.”

He said officers believed Phillips was getting assistance and support from someone, and urged them to come forward with information.

People with information could call or text Chris Budge on 022 502 8916 of call police on 105 and quote file number 211218/5611.