Missing Kids: 3 Children Sought After NZ Dad Shot Dead

An urgent search is underway across New Zealand’s North Island for three missing kids following the tragic shooting death of their father. Police have issued a public appeal for information, warning that the children are believed to be with a man considered dangerous.

The harrowing events have centered on the remote coastal community of Marokopa in the Waikato region, where the children’s father, 38-year-old Alan Tait, was found deceased from a gunshot wound at his rural property on Sunday morning. The subsequent discovery that his three young children were gone has sparked a nationwide alert.

The Tragic Incident in Marokopa

The investigation began after a friend visited Alan Tait’s home on Sunday and made the grim discovery. Emergency services were called to the secluded property, where Mr. Tait was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination has confirmed he died from a gunshot wound, and police have officially launched a homicide investigation.

Detective Inspector Craig Rawiri, leading the inquiry, described the scene as “deeply distressing.” He stated that while the initial focus was on the homicide, the situation escalated dramatically when it became clear Mr. Tait’s three children were not at the residence or with any other known family members.

“Our primary concern right now is the safety and well-being of these three vulnerable children,” Detective Inspector Rawiri said in a press conference. “We have every reason to believe they are with a person who may pose a risk to them, and we are throwing every available resource at finding them.”

Urgent Search for the Missing Kids

Police are desperately seeking the public’s help to locate the three siblings. The missing kids are:

• Jayda Tait, age 8. Described as having long brown hair and brown eyes.
• Maverick Tait, age 6. A boy with short blonde hair and a noticeable gap in his front teeth.
• Ember Tait, age 5. A girl with shoulder-length brown hair and blue eyes.

It is not known what the children were wearing when they went missing. Authorities fear for their welfare, noting they have been taken from a traumatic situation and are in the company of a man police need to speak to urgently in connection with their father’s death.

The search has expanded beyond the Waikato region, with alerts issued to all police districts, airports, and ferry terminals. The difficult, rugged terrain surrounding Marokopa, characterized by dense bush and a sparse population, is making the ground search particularly challenging for authorities.

Who is the Person of Interest?

Police have named Thomas Phillips, 42, as a person of interest in both the homicide of Alan Tait and the disappearance of the children. Phillips is known to the family, though the exact nature of his relationship has not been publicly detailed. He is described as being of medium build, approximately 180cm (5’11”) tall, with dark hair and several tattoos on his forearms.

Authorities have released a recent photo of Phillips and have strongly warned the public not to approach him. He is considered potentially armed and dangerous.

“If you see Mr. Phillips or the children, do not confront them. Your safety is paramount. Move to a safe location and call 111 immediately,” urged Detective Inspector Rawiri. Police believe Phillips may be travelling in a stolen 2008 silver Toyota Hilux utility vehicle, registration number FGH789. The vehicle was reported stolen from a nearby farm on Saturday night.

This is not Phillips’ first encounter with law enforcement, having been previously involved in a high-profile case where he disappeared into the bush with his children for several weeks before re-emerging. This history has added a complex and concerning layer to the current search for the missing kids. More on this can be found in our crime reports section.

A Community on Edge

The tight-knit community of Marokopa and the wider Waitomo district are in a state of shock and fear. With a population of less than 100, news travels fast, and the combination of a homicide and missing children has left residents reeling.

“It’s just devastating,” one local resident, who asked not to be named, told reporters. “Alan was a good bloke, a hard worker. And those poor kids… everyone is just praying they are found safe.”

The heavy police presence, including search and rescue teams, the Eagle helicopter, and numerous patrol cars, has transformed the usually quiet area into the center of a major police operation. Roadblocks have been set up on key routes in and out of the region as police check vehicles and speak with motorists.

How the Public Can Help Find the Children

Police have emphasized that public assistance is critical to resolving this case and ensuring the safe return of Jayda, Maverick, and Ember. They have issued clear guidelines on how to help:

• Immediate Sightings: If you see Thomas Phillips, the children, or the silver Toyota Hilux (Reg: FGH789), call 111 immediately.
• Past Information: If you have any information about the movements of Alan Tait or Thomas Phillips in the days leading up to Sunday, please contact police on 105 and quote the file number 250908/1234.
• Check Your Property: Residents in the Waikato and surrounding regions are asked to check any sheds, outbuildings, or vacant properties for signs of the vehicle or the individuals.
• Avoid Speculation: Police urge the public to rely on official sources for information and to avoid spreading rumors on social media, which could hinder the investigation. Official updates can be found on the NZ Police website.

Understanding Missing Persons Cases

This high-profile case casts a spotlight on the wider issue of missing persons in New Zealand. Every year, thousands of people are reported missing, with the vast majority being found within a short period. However, cases involving children and suspected foul play, like this one, trigger the highest level of police response.

Organizations like New Zealand Missing Persons provide support to the families of those who have disappeared and work to raise public awareness. Such cases are a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the profound impact these events have on families and entire communities.

As the search for the Tait children continues, the entire nation holds its breath, hoping for a swift and safe resolution. The focus remains squarely on bringing these three missing kids home.