‘Not allowed to talk about it’: Sister shares last conversation before dad kidnapped siblings

The older sister of three children who vanished with their fugitive father has recalled a final conversation she had with her siblings before they went missing.

The older sister of three children who vanished with their fugitive father into the New Zealand wilderness has shared her final conversation with her siblings before they disappeared three years ago.

Jubilee Dawson’s half-siblings Jayda, 11, Maverick, nine, and Ember, eight, and the younger children’s father Tom Phillips, have been missing since September 2021.

The man and three kids briefly returned home later that month, but disappeared again in December and have been living off the grid ever since.

They were recently spotted by teenage pig hunters walking on a remote coastal farm near Marokopa on October 3. But they have not been seen since.

Missing kids Jayda, 11, Maverick, 9, and Ember, 8, taken by their father Tom Phillips, have been missing since 2021. Picture: Waikato Police

In an unearthed interview from 2023, Jubilee recalled the brief time she spent with her siblings when they returned home after going missing for 19 days in September in 2021.

“When the kids came back the first time, it was the most that I cried over the whole corse of the 19 days,” Jubilee told 1News in a heartbreaking interview, adding she was filled with “relief”.

At the time, the children described their weeks away as a ‘camping trip’ and shared only a handful of details – namely what they ate while out in the wilderness.

“They were asking me and (my other sister) Storm to stay the night, they said there were spare rooms,” Jubilee recalled.

“They were told they weren’t allowed to talk about it – the ‘camping trip’,” she continue.

“They said their rice went mouldy, they said they were near water, and Maverick said they did lots of walking. That is all the information that they gave us.”

Jubilee said the children weren’t allowed to talk about the ‘camping trip’. Picture: 1News

Jubilee said she believed the children understood they were missing.

After the returned, their mother took them to a playground and the eldest child, Jaya, asked a

stranger if they knew who she was.

“So I think they were well aware they were missing, they’re well aware they were on TV the first time, and I think they do know they’re not supposed to be gone.”

Weeks later, Mr Phillips disappeared with the children from his parent’s farm for a second time.

Jubilee and her mother, Cat, found out they had been taken when they phoned Mr Phillips’ parents and said they hadn’t seen him for a few days.

The children’s mother quickly called police and began looking around the entrance of the bush but the children were no where to be seen.

They tried to organise a search for the children in the bush but it was called off by police over concerns for public safety.

Missing kids Jayda, 11, Maverick, 9, and Ember, 8, taken by their father Tom Phillips. They are pictured with mum Cat. Picture: Facebook

Since then, the children have missed out on key moments of their childhood with their family, including birthdays and Christmases.

“I want people to understand that these are kids … I think they’re just going to be traumatised and scared,” she said, holding back tears.

Describing her siblings, Jubilee said: “Jayda is the more outgoing one … she’s definitely the most confident of the three … loves talking to everybody.

“Maverick is more introverted, I’d say he’s more shy … Ember is the youngest, and more sweet and bubbly.”

Jubilee said she decided to speak to the outlet as herself and her family have exhausted all other options to try and find the children.

“We love them very much and we’re just waiting for them to come home,” she said, becoming emotional.

“I want them to know that they were missed and that we were waiting for them.”

Jubilee said she believes the children are going to be “traumatised and scared”. Picture: 1News

Children spotted in bushland

Earlier this month, the children and their father were spotted walking on a remote coastal farm near Marokopa by teenage pig hunters on October 3.

All four were dressed in camouflage, carrying large backpacks, with Phillips walking ahead of the children.

One of the hunters recalled a brief exchange with Jayda, which the mother has now interpreted as a plea.

When the teens called out, Jayda responded with “Yeah … duh” and said that only the hunters knew they were there.

There mother, Cat, has questioned if the response was a cry for help.

“Is that ‘Does anybody know that we’re here? Is anyone coming for us?‘” Cat told Mata Reports in an emotional interview.

“It’s like she’s trying to say something without actually saying it because her father is right there. And she’s worried if she says the wrong thing and words it the wrong way, she’s worried about later repercussions.”

The missing kids were spotted for the first time since 2021. Picture: TVNZ

Tom Phillips is also missing with the children. Picture: Waikato Police

This sighting marked the first time Cat had seen any footage of her children in nearly three years. She said she was relieved at seeing them alive but said she was extremely concerned about their condition after years of isolation.

“It was really good, they’re carrying their own gear, it’s the best news that anybody could hope for,” she continued.

“I can’t imagine what they’ve endured in these three years, it’s just wrong on so many levels.”

Police descended on the area that night and two helicopters, including a military chopper equipped with night vision, were deployed.

The sighting has been described by investigators as sparking “a positive line of inquiry”.

“Patrols began in the area on Thursday night and a search was launched the following morning,” Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said.

“While nothing further of significance was located, investigators will now assess information gathered to determine any next steps.

“This is the first time all three of the children have been sighted, which is positive information, and we know it will be reassuring for the children’s wider family.”

Cat said she was extremely concerned about the children’s condition after years of isolation. Picture: Facebook

But Cat says she was frustrated by their response, saying authorities only contacted her the day after the footage was reported.

“The system has failed my children miserably,” she added. “They shouldn’t have to live like this. They deserve friends, parks, and McDonald’s.”

Phillips is also wanted for questioning in connection with an armed robbery of a bank in Te Kuiti, with CCTV showing him riding a motorbike.

Despite several unverified sightings, the recent footage is considered the most credible lead to date.

In June, an $80,000 reward was offered for information leading to the children’s whereabouts, but it expired after eight weeks with no breakthrough.

Despite over 40 significant sightings, Cat is left grappling with feelings of guilt and helplessness, still hoping for the return of her children. “

I just want my babies home,” she said.

Police focused on ‘safe return’

Police are remaining tight-lipped about what their next steps are “for operational reasons”.

“While we cannot go into detail, we want to reassure the public that we have the resources in place to respond to any information or reports of sightings that come in.

“Our focus is very much on the safe return of Jayda, Maverick and Ember to their whānau [the Maori word for family] and we are doing all that we can to make that happen.”

An arrest warrant was issued for Phillips shortly after he disappeared in late 2021. He is also wanted for allegedly robbing a bank in Te Kuiti at gunpoint in May 2023.

A few months after that, police say he was spotted in a supermarket wearing a disguise, before getting into a fight with a member of the public and allegedly stealing a car.

In November last year, police believe Phillips and one of the children smashed the front window of a store before stealing a bicycle.

Members of the public have been warned not to approach him if spotted, as he may be armed.

Originally published as ‘Not allowed to talk about it’: Sister shares last conversation before dad kidnapped siblings