New Zealand police have confirmed the death of Tom Phillips, a father who vanished with his three children nearly four years ago and lived in the wilderness while evading authorities. Phillips, who disappeared in late 2021 after losing custody of his children, was killed in a shoot-out with police in the early hours of Monday in Piopio, a small town in northern New Zealand. A police officer was seriously injured in the exchange.
Authorities said the incident unfolded after officers responded to a robbery report. Phillips, accompanied by one of his children, was spotted on a quad bike and pursued by police, who deployed road spikes. When the vehicle was stopped, Phillips opened fire, striking an officer in the head. He was later shot dead at the scene by responding patrol units. Police believe his survival skills allowed him and his children to endure the rugged landscape of Waikato for years, but desperation appeared to have led to burglaries and suspected armed robberies in recent months.
Later on Monday, police located the other two children at a remote campsite. All three children were found unharmed and have since been reunited under police care. Their mother, known as Cat, expressed “deep relief” that her children were safe after “missing them every day for nearly four years,” though she said the family was saddened by the tragic end.
Phillips, in his late 30s, had become one of New Zealand’s most wanted fugitives, with sightings across rural communities and speculation that locals may have aided him. In 2024, he and his children were filmed trekking through dense bush in camouflage, fueling public fascination with the case. A warrant had also been issued last year over his alleged involvement in a bank robbery, further intensifying the manhunt.
Prime Minister Chris Luxon described Phillips’s death as “sad and absolutely tragic,” noting that while New Zealanders are relieved the children are safe, the outcome leaves deep concern for their wellbeing. Residents in the Waitomo district echoed that sentiment, saying they wished for “a happier ending” for the children, who must now adjust to life without their father after years of isolation.
