Interview with Neville and Julia Phillips: How to End the Hunt for Son Tom Phillips and Grandchildren Jayda, Maverick, and Ember

The manhunt for fugitive Tom Phillips and his three children Jayda, Maverick, and Ember has been ongoing since December 2021 in King Country bush. The police believe Phillips is responsible for several crimes, including a bank robbery and shooting incidents, with numerous sightings, most recently by teenage pig hunters last month.

Parents of Wanted Man Tom Phillips: “Just Leave Him Alone, Walk Away”

Neville Phillips, the father of wanted man Tom Phillips, expressed his view that the years-long hunt for his son and grandchildren could end if they were left alone. He spoke to Stuff from their King Country home.

Allegations and Criticisms: Media, Police, and Family Court Reporting

Neville Phillips claimed that the media and police had lied about certain aspects of the incident and criticized reporting on matters before the Family Court. He also asked, “Do you know how it feels to have your family’s life turned upside down because of misinformation?”

The Disappearance and Re-emergence of Tom Phillips

In September 2021, then-34-year-old Tom Phillips vanished with his children from a beach near Marokopa. This led to a major land and sea search, after which he returned three weeks later, claiming he needed “time out.”

Alleged Crimes Committed by Tom Phillips

• An arrest warrant was issued for Phillips on December 9, 2021, after he failed to appear before court on a charge of wasting police resources.
• In May 2021, Phillips is alleged to have robbed an ANZ bank and shot at a supermarket worker in Te Kūiti, leading to charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawfully possessing a firearm.
• In November 2021, CCTV footage showed Phillips and one of his kids smashing the window of a business in Piopio.
• Three months later, Phillips was allegedly seen driving a stolen ute from near Kāwhia and getting into a fight with its owner.
• Phillips is also alleged to have stolen a quad bike from a rural Waikato property and broken into a Piopio shop with one of his children under the cover of darkness.

The Ongoing Manhunt: Checkpoints, CCTV Footage, and Sightings

In June 2022, police set up checkpoints into Marokopa during an unsuccessful operation to find Tom Phillips and his three children. The Ōtorohanga father is still wanted by the police for these alleged crimes.

The Impact on the Family: A Call for Understanding and Compassion

Julia Phillips, wife of Neville and mother of Tom, expressed her hope that people would understand their situation and show compassion. “We want our grandchildren back safe and sound. We just want this nightmare to end,” she said.

A Plea for the Return of Tom Phillips and His Children

Neville Phillips appealed to anyone who might have information about his son’s whereabouts: “Please, if you know anything, contact the police. We just want our grandchildren back.”