New Zealand’s years-long search for fugitive father Tom Phillips came to a dramatic end on Monday, Sept. 8, after a deadly confrontation with police in the rural Waikato district. Phillips, who had been hiding in the wilderness with his three children for nearly four years, was fatally shot following an alleged break-in at a farm goods store in the small town of Piopio.
What Happened in Piopio
According to New Zealand Police, officers were alerted to a burglary around 2:30 a.m. Monday. Reports soon came in of two people riding a quad bike nearby. Believing Phillips and one of his children were involved, police deployed road spikes to stop the vehicle.
When the quad bike was disabled, an officer approached but was met with gunfire at close range. The officer was struck in the head and had to be airlifted to hospital for surgery. A second officer returned fire, killing Phillips. The child on the quad bike was unharmed and is now in police custody.
The Hunt for the Other Children
Phillips had disappeared in 2021 with his three children — Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, now believed to be 9, 10, and 12. While one is safe, the other two remain missing. Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers said police have “serious concerns” for their safety and are making urgent efforts to find them.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders stressed that rescuing the children remains the top priority:
“It’s not the outcome we wanted, but we’ve got one child out safely, and our focus now is really finding the other children, getting them out safely.”
Living Off the Grid
Authorities believe Phillips and the children had been living off the land in remote bush areas. Despite multiple searches, reported sightings, and even an $80,000 NZD ($52,000 USD) reward, the family had evaded capture for almost four years.
In October 2024, pig hunters filmed Phillips and the children in the North Island wilderness. More recently, police released CCTV footage from a Piopio break-in that appeared to show Phillips with one child.
Phillips was facing serious charges, including aggravated robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, and aggravated wounding.
Reaction From the Children’s Mother
The children’s mother, Cat, expressed both relief and sadness after the news. Speaking to RNZ, she said:
“[The children] 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.”
She also thanked the community for its support and urged privacy as her children adjust to a stable and loving environment.
What’s Next
Police say their immediate focus is locating the two missing children and ensuring their safety. Meanwhile, the injured officer is recovering in hospital after surgery.
This tragic chapter closes a years-long manhunt that gripped New Zealand, leaving communities shaken but still hopeful that the remaining children will soon be found safe.
