Police have renewed calls for information and reminded the public their offer of an $80,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of the missing Marokopa children will expire next Tuesday.
Ember, Maverick, and Jayda Phillips went missing in December 2021 when they were taken by their father Tom Phillips to a location thought to be in western Waikato within Marokopa or surrounding areas.
Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said the reward was offered for a limited period of two weeks to encourage people with credible, current information to come forward now.
He said in the 10 days since the reward was offered, police have identified over 40 reports that warrant further investigation.
"We cannot provide details while the investigation is ongoing, but we are committed to getting a result as soon as possible."
Marokopa continues to be the focus of the ongoing investigation, but inquiries are being carried out in surrounding areas including Honikiwi and Ōtorohanga.
The statement from police comes days after the children's mother posted a photo of a letter allegedly from their fugitive father Tom Phillips.
The handwritten letter, which was not dated nor signed, described the writer's love for Cat, apologised to her and said he has "a good heart and means well".
"I know if I ever give up trying to make things right I will regret it forever," the letter said.
"I'm sorry for everything I have ever said or done to hurt you," it said.
Catherine also made a video plea to the public earlier this week to help find her missing children.
"I'm standing here before you today, begging you for your help to bring my babies home," she said.
"They are just innocent children. They do not deserve to be treated this way. They do not deserve the life that is being provided to them right now," she said in the video.
She blasted their father's actions, calling them "not OK".
"It is not OK to divide and conquer. It is not OK to isolate and control.
"It is child neglect. It is child endangerment. It is child abandonment. It is child abuse. None of this is OK.
"My babies deserve better."
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