In a tragic culmination of a nearly four-year manhunt, New Zealand police shot and killed fugitive father Tom Phillips during an armed standoff, safely recovering his three children who had been missing since 2021. The incident ended a long-running saga that captivated the nation and highlighted the challenges of wilderness survival and law enforcement in remote areas.
Tom Phillips disappeared with his children—Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9—in December 2021 amid a custody dispute with their mother. He had been evading authorities in the remote Waikato wilderness, using survival skills to sustain the family off-grid, with occasional burglaries bringing them back into the public eye. The case puzzled many, as Phillips managed to avoid detection in a country known for its close-knit communities, leading to speculation about possible aid from locals.
Early on September 8, 2025, police responded to a burglary at a farm supply store in the small town of Piopio. Officers pursued two suspects on a quad bike and deployed road spikes to halt the vehicle. When the quad bike stopped, Phillips opened fire with a high-powered rifle, critically injuring a police officer in the head at close range.
Police returned fire, killing Phillips at the scene. One child was found with him, and multiple firearms were recovered from the area. The injured officer was airlifted to Waikato Hospital with survivable but significant injuries, requiring multiple surgeries, as confirmed by authorities.
A massive search operation ensued, involving helicopters, the armed offenders squad, and about 50 personnel. Later that day, the two remaining children were located unharmed at a remote campsite in the dense bush near Marokopa. Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers stated they were well and would undergo medical checks before being reunited with family.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the events as ‘sad and absolutely tragic,’ reflecting widespread sentiment across New Zealand. The children’s mother, known as Cat, expressed relief that the ordeal had ended but sadness over the violent outcome, having always hoped for a peaceful resolution through negotiation.
The case has fascinated the public since 2021, with Phillips’ ability to evade capture in harsh terrain raising questions about community involvement. Previous efforts, including a NZ$80,000 reward and security camera footage from recent burglaries, had failed to locate the family until this confrontation.
Moving forward, the children will receive support from government agencies to reintegrate into a stable environment. The community and affected families are being offered counseling, while the focus remains on the recovery of the injured officer and ensuring the children’s well-being after years of isolation.