The sister of Tom Phillips, who vanished into the New Zealand wilderness with his three children in 2021, has spoken out for the first time. Read her emotional appeal and new insights into the family’s disappearance.
It has been more than four years since New Zealand father Tom Phillips disappeared into the wilderness with his three children—Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9. Despite a nationwide search, the family remains missing, with only rare sightings over the years.
Now, for the first time, Tom’s sister Rozzi Phillips has spoken out in an emotional interview, sharing her heartbreak and her hopes of being reunited with her brother and nieces and nephew.
A Family Missing Since 2021
Tom Phillips vanished with his three children in 2021 following a custody battle with their mother, Cat. Authorities believe he has been living off-grid in the rugged New Zealand bush, where sightings have been scarce.
The most recent confirmed sighting was in October 2023, when teenage pig hunters spotted the family trekking through the bush in Marokopa. The footage brought brief hope to their mother, Cat, who feared the children were being used as “pawns” in the ongoing dispute.
A Sister’s Heartfelt Plea
Speaking to Stuff NZ, Rozzi Phillips shared the toll the disappearance has had on the family. She revealed that while her texts and emails have been marked as delivered, Tom has never responded.
In her message to her brother, Rozzi said:
“There’s a lot of love and support and we’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through. I miss you, and I miss being part of your life. I really want to see you and the kids again.”
She also sent a direct message to her nieces and nephew:
“I’m proud to be your auntie. I’d love to be part of your lives again and know for myself that all is truly well in your world.”
Who Is Tom Phillips?
Before vanishing, Rozzi described Tom as a “top man” and a “good brother” who deeply loved his kids and family. Known to be a skilled hunter, scavenger, and builder, it is believed he has built a shelter for himself and his children in the wilderness.
Rozzi said she does not believe he would allow his children to suffer, but she suspects he may fear that giving himself up could lead to the kids being placed in state care.
Trouble With the Law
Tom Phillips is also wanted by police in connection with an armed bank robbery, and authorities suspect he may have received help to avoid capture. While Rozzi hopes her brother has people to rely on, she admits she would be “angry” at anyone helping him without alerting the family.
The New Zealand police have since offered a reward of NZ $80,000 (US $47,000) for any information leading to the safe return of Tom and his children.
A Family’s Hope
Breaking her silence after four long years, Rozzi says she only wants her brother and the children safe. Her message is clear:
“Maybe he’ll see this and realize he can come home, that we are here for him, and it might just be OK.”
As the search continues, the Phillips family’s heartbreaking story remains one of New Zealand’s most haunting missing persons cases.
