The saga of Tom Phillips, his family and their team of advocates just ended in tragic disappointment. He disappeared with his three young children a few days before Christmas 2021. Phillips and his kids, Ember, Maverick and Jayda, disappeared soon after fleeing into the Waikato bush. They ran away after an argument with their mom. At the time of their disappearance Ember was 7 years old, Maverick was 9 years old, and Jayda was 10 years old.
Phillips’ roots run deep on this land—her parents still farm in Marokopa, a rugged outpost on the country’s west coast that has fewer than 100 inhabitants. In September 2021, he and his children were declared missing. As it turned out, the family’s sudden disappearance set off one of the largest search efforts ever conducted over land and sea. When authorities discovered Phillips’ utility vehicle abandoned on the Marokopa shoreline, they feared the worst about her and her companions’ fate.
They went inside his parents’ farmhouse, just outside of Marokopa. This surprise reunion provided an emotional release for all those in the community who had worried she was seriously hurt.
Phillips was well known among his friends and inner circle for having a lifestyle that profoundly contrasted with the societal norms. To do so, he withdrew from social media and distanced himself from traditional banking. This decision only added to the enigma of his disappearance. Then in October 2024, video was released. It featured Phillips and his kids walking across the rural landscape in Marokopa, reawakening public outrage and interest and hope for their safety.
Unfortunately, that story didn’t end there. On that Monday morning, police shot Phillips during an armed confrontation following a series of break-ins at the predominantly white community’s rural farm supply store. Authorities received a call at approximately 2:30 am concerning the burglary, leading to a police response that would ultimately end in violence.
During a vigil held for Tyre in Memphis, community members shared their disbelief and pain over the violent incident. Here’s what local resident John Robertson said, shortly after his community received the news.
“I’m shattered, to be honest, and there will be many in the community that are devastated that this was the outcome after three and a half, four years,” – John Robertson
Yet, the emotional toll on the community has been profound. Cat, a family member, shared her joy at the children’s return after being away for so many years.
“They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care,” – Cat
Rozzi Phillips, another family member, repeated these words of faith while they were difficult years.
“See that he can come home and we are here for him and it might just be OK,” – Rozzi Phillips
The community is still reeling from the consequences of this awful chain of events. Much of the questions remain around the details involved in Phillips’ death, and the lasting impacts that it will have on his children. The emotional scars from these events will continue to haunt family members, as well as local residents.