New photos have revealed two secret bush hideouts used by fugitive father Tom Phillips and his three children during their nearly four years on the run, offering a rare glimpse into the family’s isolated life in rural New Zealand.
The camps, described as “heavily concealed” and “semi-permanent,” were found deep in the rugged terrain near the coastal settlement of Marokopa.
Police say stumbling across the sites by chance would have been “almost impossible.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders described one of the main sites found in early September as “a very grim, dimly lit area, surrounded by dense bush,” hidden in steep and uneven terrain that was difficult to reach.
New photos released by police on Friday show camouflaged tents buried under thick vegetation, tarpaulins blending into the landscape, and simple living supplies such as gas bottles, drink containers and basic cooking gear.
The discovery comes weeks after Phillips was shot dead by police during a shootout on September 8, following reports of an armed burglary at a farm supply store near Piopio.
Phillips was travelling with his 12-year-old daughter, Jayda, at the time.
She later guided officers to a nearby campsite about two kilometres away, where her younger siblings, Ember and Maverick, were found hiding.
The children, who were eight, seven and five when they vanished in December 2021, are now aged 12, 10 and nine.
Investigators believe Phillips relied on these hideouts for years, supported by a small network of people who helped him evade capture.
“We are currently looking at a number of items at the site,” Detective Saunders said. “As aside from the burglaries we are now able to link to Tom, it is apparent that he had outside help.”
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said firearms were also found at one of the rural campsites where Ember and Maverick were discovered.
“What we located the other day is a site that can easily be shifted,” he said.
“It’s fairly basic sort of living conditions, and therefore we are likely to find other things in other places, and that might suggest there’s something a bit more substantial in other places.”
Authorities say the two newly discovered sites north and east of Marokopa were located by specialist Search and Rescue teams combing dense bushland.
Forensic experts are now examining clothing, tools, and other survival items found inside the camps in hopes of identifying those who may have assisted Phillips during his years in hiding.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said the focus now is on helping the children recover after years of isolation and trauma.
Phillips first disappeared in September 2021 after his truck was found abandoned on a beach, sparking a mass search operation. The family briefly resurfaced before vanishing again in December that year.
During his time on the run, Phillips was linked to several armed robberies and was believed to be armed and dangerous. Police have warned that anyone found to have helped him evade justice could face criminal charges.
Despite the tragic end to the four-year manhunt, investigators say they are relieved the children are now safe and receiving care.
Images: NZ Police
