Camilla Jessen
Four-year-long manhunt finally comes to an end.
Tom Phillips disappeared in 2021 with his three children, sparking one of New Zealand’s most closely watched missing persons cases.
Now, after years in hiding and months of near-sightings, the case has ended in a deadly shootout.
Four Year Manhunt
Tom Phillips, the New Zealand man who vanished with his three children in 2021, was fatally shot by police in the early hours of September 8 after an armed confrontation in the rural town of Piopio.
The deadly encounter followed a burglary attempt at a farm supply store, according to authorities.
One officer remains in critical condition after being shot in the head.
New Zealand’s Most Wanted
Phillips, 36, had been one of New Zealand’s most wanted fugitives.
Before his confrontation with police, he was believed to be living off-grid in remote areas of the North Island.
Despite an active police search and an $80,000 reward for information, no arrests had been made. Until now.
Disappearance Rooted in Custody Dispute
Phillips disappeared in 2021 with his three children—Jayda (now 12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9)—after reportedly losing custody to their mother, Cat.
The initial disappearance was thought to be a short-term escape, but it soon evolved into a prolonged manhunt with limited clues.
Support from Locals
Over the years, authorities suspected that Phillips was receiving support from locals who helped him and his children remain hidden.
Despite various sightings and tip-offs, no clear lead ever led to their recovery.
Not until a string of recent incidents brought the case back into focus.
Recent Sightings Rekindled Public Interest
In August 2025, Phillips and one of his children were allegedly caught on CCTV breaking into a store in Piopio and fleeing on a quad bike.
The footage was grainy and taken in the early hours.
However, the video sparked renewed concern for the children’s welfare.
Spotted by Pig Hunters
Months earlier, in October 2024, a group of teenage pig hunters saw four camouflaged figures, including one adult carrying a firearm, near farmland outside Marokopa.
They later identified the man as Phillips.
Those rare sightings helped authorities narrow their search zone in recent weeks.
The Deadly Confrontation in Piopio
According to police reports, two officers responded to a burglary in progress at a rural store in Piopio around 2 a.m. on September 8.
Upon arriving, they discovered two quad bikes, one of which had been immobilized by road spikes.
As they approached the vehicle, they came under gunfire.
One officer was critically wounded. The second returned fire, fatally shooting the attacker.
Identity Confirmed
Later that morning, Phillips’ sister, Rozzi Phillips, confirmed to local media that the deceased shooter was indeed her brother, Tom.
The gunfight marked a tragic and violent conclusion to a case that had drawn public attention and sympathy across New Zealand.
Children Recovered and Receiving Care
One of Phillips’ children was with him at the time of the shootout and was not physically harmed, according to Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers.
That child helped lead officers to a remote campsite where the other two children were located safely.
All three children have since undergone medical evaluations and are now in the care of authorities. Police say they are “cooperating” but have not confirmed whether they have been told about their father’s death.
Family’s Plea Came Too Late
Just weeks before the fatal encounter, Phillips’ family broke their silence after four years.
His mother, Julia Phillips, penned a heartfelt message urging him to come home.
“Tom – I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you,” she wrote.
“Jayda, Maverick, Ember – I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives.”
What Comes Next for the Children?
With Phillips now confirmed dead and the children back in state care, attention turns to their well-being.
Authorities are expected to provide psychological support as they adjust to life outside of hiding.
As one resident told Stuff: “You always hope for a peaceful ending. This wasn’t it.”
