Camilla Jessen
New Zealand police have released photos of the campsite where Tom Phillips hid with his children.
Photos released by New Zealand police show the rugged campsite where Tom Phillips lived off the grid with his three children, ending a years-long manhunt in a fatal confrontation.
Manhunt Ends in Gunfire
In 2021, Tom Phillips vanished into the New Zealand wilderness with his three children after losing a custody battle. The family remained missing for nearly four years.
Earlier this week, the search ended in tragedy.
Phillips was fatally shot by police following a gunfight outside a farm supply store in Piopio during the early hours of Monday morning.
Officer in Critical Condition
Two police officers had responded to reports of a break-in and encountered two quad bikes caught on roadside spike strips.
During the confrontation, one officer was shot in the head and remains in critical condition.
The second officer returned fire, killing Phillips on the spot.
Children Found Unharmed After Deadly Encounter
Phillips’ three children—Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9)—were later found safe and unharmed in a remote bush campsite.
One of the children was reportedly with him during the gunfight and later helped authorities locate the other two.
All three are now in the care of New Zealand’s child welfare agency, Oranga Tamariki.
A Fugitive in the Wilderness
Police have now released the first images showing how Phillips evaded capture for four years.
A network of makeshift campsites was set up deep in the bush around Waitomo, about two kilometres from the site of the shooting.
“We’ve Been Very, Very Close”
Equipped with survival skills and quad bikes for rapid escape, Phillips managed to stay hidden even as police conducted extensive searches.
In a police press release, Commissioner of Police Richard Chambers said, “It’s highly likely that we’ve been very, very close [to finding them]. They’ve been on the move and deep in the bush.”
Photos Show Remote Campsite Conditions
The released photos depict rudimentary shelters, basic supplies, and well-worn paths, evidence of a long-term presence in the area.
Police said these images offer a first look at the environment the children were raised in while in hiding.
The terrain in the region is considered extremely challenging, which likely contributed to the family’s long evasion of law enforcement.
Police Commissioner Visits Injured Officer
Commissioner Richard Chambers and Minister of Police Mark Mitchell visited the wounded officer, referred to as Officer A, in hospital.
Chambers called him “a dedicated and caring constable” and said, “I’m proud of him and the officers who arrived on the scene seconds later and dealt to the threat.”
Active Crime Scenes
Multiple sites in the Western Waikato area remain under police guard.
Forensic teams are examining both the camp and the location of the shootout.
Three firearms, including the weapon used by Phillips, have been recovered from the scene.
Ongoing Investigations
Additional weapons found at the campsite are being investigated.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed that several parallel investigations are underway, including an Independent Police Conduct Authority review, a Coroner’s inquiry, and a Critical Incident Review.
Children Reunited and Receiving Support
Rogers said the children were “engaged” and cooperated with officers.
They were provided food and drinks while being brought out of the campsite and reunited before being placed in care.
“While they are now in the care of Oranga Tamariki, we will continue to work closely with the children, taking the time and sensitivity that is needed after the ordeal they have been through,” she said.
Family’s Emotional Plea Weeks Before Shootout
Just weeks before the fatal incident, Phillips’ mother Julia made a public plea for him to come home.
In a handwritten letter, she expressed sorrow over his decision to flee.
“It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here,” she wrote.
Police Presence Increased
Additional police staff have been deployed to the Marokopa and King Country regions, where locals had long suspected Phillips was hiding.
Police now believe he was supported at times by members of the community, though no arrests have been made in connection to aiding his evasion.
Authorities say more details will be released in the coming days as the investigation unfolds.
