Three New Zealand children have been found safe, after their father, Tom Phillips, was shot dead in a dramatic police operation.
Phillips had been on the run with his children, Jayda, Maverick and Ember, since December 2021. The siblings, aged eight, seven and five at the time, are now 12, 10 and nine.
Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed Phillips was shot and killed on a rural road in Waitomo early Monday morning after allegedly opening fire on police. One officer was critically injured with gunshots to the head and shoulder.
“To know the children are safe, and now receiving care after nearly four years, is an absolute relief,” Rogers said.
“Every person involved in this case has had the welfare of the children at heart. While they are safe, this is the start of a long journey of recovery and their welfare remains our top priority.”
The incident began when a member of the public called police to report a burglary at the PGG Wrightson store in Piopio around 2.30am on Monday.
According to the witnesses, Phillips was with one of the children and the pair were dressed in farm clothing and wearing headlamps.
“After loading a quad bike with items, they left at about 2.45am and travelled north,” Rogers said.
“Based on the descriptions provided, police believed the man was likely to be Tom Phillips, resulting in additional staff, and the Police Eagle Helicopter, being deployed.”
The bike was spiked and stopped on a gravel road shortly after. According to police, Phillips then opened fire at close range, injuring an officer. Another officer returned fire, fatally shooting Phillips.
“Police provided first aid, however the offender died at the scene,” Rogers said.
Several firearms were recovered at the scene. The injured officer was airlifted to hospital at around 4am.
On Monday morning, police announced the incident, saying: “Formal identification is yet to be completed, but police believe the man to be Tom Phillips, who has been on the run with his children since December 2021″
“With the man was a child, who was not injured in the incident. They have spoken with police this morning and receiving care. We are not in a position to identify the young person at this time.”
Police have not revealed the identity of the child but New Zealand media reported that it was eldest child, Jayda, who was unharmed and taken into custody.
Authorities later announced that the two other children were found at a nearby campsite around 4:30pm.
The children’s mother, Cat, said their safe return came with mixed emotions.
“First and foremost, we are deeply relieved that for our tamariki this ordeal has come to an end,” she told RNZ.
“They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care.
“At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the incident as a “sombre day” and offered support to the injured officer, at a post-Cabinet press conference on Monday afternoon.
A critical incident investigation has been launched, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.
Authorities are now focused on providing care and support to the children, who had been living off the grid in rugged bushland since they vanished in 2021.
Phillips did not have legal custody of his kids and in October 2024, the missing family were spotted for the first time walking on a Marokopa farm.
Last month, NZ Police released CCTV footage of who they believed were Phillips and one of his children attempting to break into a business that they previously attempted to break into in November 2023. This was the second sighting of Phillips since he disappeared.
Images: NZ Police
