Police checkpoints are in place tonight around Marokopa as the search intensifies for Tom Phillips and his three children.
The police Eagle helicopter is also in the area, where armed officers have revved up action after a few tip offs which have come in after a $80,000 reward was offered yesterday.
Additional police have been deployed in the area around the seaside settlement of Marokopa, about an hour from Te Kuiti.
Police hope the reward brings forward information which leads to the location and safe return of Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda, 10, who have been missing since December 2021 after they were taken by their father Tom Phillips.
Speaking live from Marokopa, 1News reporter Simon Mercep said police were taking a high profile approach — not just to locate the missing children, but to also hear from the community on where they might be.
“The message we’re getting from people here is very much they would like this all to be over with," Mercep reported. "Primarily for the sake of the children themselves, but also for they themselves to get back to life as normal.”
Mercep added residents in the area were sceptical the $80,000 reward would be enough for people who have information on the children's whereabouts.
“If I was going to say anything, I would have said it before the reward. The reward wouldn’t make the difference,” said one resident.
“I don’t think it’s enough. If somebody is hiding him or looking after him I don’t think it’s enough. They’re not going to give him up for 80 grand,” said another.
Police told 1News they were assessing the information which has come to hand so far, and were looking for anyone else who can provide credible tip offs to them.
Earlier today, Ōtorohanga District Mayor Max Baker said the community want the children back "safe and sound".
"Two-and-a-half years is a long time for these children to be missing from society. The biggest concern out there for myself and as echoed in the community is the welfare of the children.”
Baxter said the Marokopa countryside was "isolated and rugged" and police have poured a lot of resources into the investigation over the past two years.
"This here is back country New Zealand and anybody who has been for a fly over New Zealand and looked down can see how dense our bush and native flora and fauna is, you'll understand the challenges in front of the police.
"Unless you're a seasoned hunter and seasoned bushman, it’s very, very challenging when you're looking for this family."
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