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.
Manhunt Ends in Tragedy
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 when Phillips was fatally shot by police following a gunfight outside a farm supply store in Piopio during the early hours of Monday morning.
Children Found Unharmed
Phillips’ three children—Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9)—were later found safe and unharmed in the family’s 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.
Outside Help
Authorities believe fugitive Tom Phillips received outside assistance while hiding with his children.
Police have released new photos from a remote Waitomo campsite and say the investigation is now entering a new phase.
New Images from Hidden Campsite
Police say they have discovered what is believed to be the main campsite used by Tom Phillips and his three children in recent months, located in a remote and hard-to-access area of Waitomo.
The site, which is around 200 metres from where the younger children were found on Monday, was well-hidden in dense bush and difficult terrain.
Harsh Living Conditions
“It’s a very grim, dimly-lit area, surrounded by dense bush. The tent was well covered and dry,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders in a press release.
Photos released today, September 11, reveal the rough and isolated conditions where the family is believed to have lived.
Police Working in Challenging Terrain
Detective Senior Sergeant Saunders described the conditions as steep and uneven, with police staff working carefully to document a number of items at the site.
While much attention has been on a recent armed encounter involving Phillips earlier this week, Saunders confirmed investigators are now able to link him to a series of burglaries in the area.
“It is apparent that he had outside help,” Saunders said.
Scene Examined After Monday’s Shooting
The site is close to where the dramatic events unfolded on Monday, when two of the children were found and a police officer was injured in a shooting incident.
Last night, police vehicles and a quad bike involved in that scene were removed from Te Anga Road.
Police say they expect to continue examining the area today and tomorrow.
‘Operation Curly’ Draws to a Close
Detective Senior Sergeant Saunders paid tribute to the investigative team involved in Operation Curly, which was established to locate Phillips and return the children safely.
“It has been a challenging operation, but I am relieved and delighted that we have been able to return the children to safety,” he said.
“While no one wanted it to end in these circumstances, it is highly satisfying as an investigator that the children have been safely returned.”
Public Support
Police extended their thanks to the public for their support throughout the four-year investigation.
“In particular, we appreciate the kindness and care people have shown in respecting the children’s privacy,” Saunders added.
Press Conference Today
Police have advised that Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders will speak to the media at 1:30pm Australian time today in central Hamilton to provide further updates on Monday’s critical incident.
