Joseph Nathaniel
Fugitive father Tom Phillips has been shot dead by police in Waitomo, ending nearly four years on the run.
Police confirmed this morning that Phillips, who disappeared from Marokopa in December 2021 with his three children, was killed during a confrontation at a commercial property about 2.30am on Monday.
A police officer was seriously injured in the exchange of gunfire and remains in hospital.
One of Phillips’ children was found with him at the scene and is now in the care of authorities. The search is continuing for his other two children, who remain missing.
Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers told media a “significant operation” is underway across the Waitomo area and the priority is the safety and wellbeing of the children.
Phillips had been one of New Zealand’s most wanted men, facing charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and firearms offences.
Last week, police released CCTV footage of Phillips and a child during a break-in at a Piopio store, reigniting the search. In June 2024, an $80,000 reward was offered for information on the children’s whereabouts.
Phillips’ disappearance and years of evasion in the Waikato bush made him a notorious figure, with sightings sparking manhunts and appeals.
Today’s confirmation closes one chapter but opens another: where are the remaining two children?
Update: Missing children found.
ThePaper.co.nz08/09/2025NZ News
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers said “I can tell you with great relief this evening that soon after 4.30pm today, we’ve located Tom Phillips remaining children.
“They’ve been found in a campsite not far from here, further up the Te Anga Road. They are with police officers now and being removed from that location.”
“We are very grateful for the information we received from the public this morning that supported our offices in that initial event as it unfolded this morning.
The Paper 