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Tom Phillips’ children found safe at ‘very remote’ campsite; urgent injunction in place

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Mon, 8 Sept 2025, 8:02am

Tom Phillips’ children found safe at ‘very remote’ campsite; urgent injunction in place

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Mon, 8 Sept 2025, 8:02am
  • Police have found the remaining two missing children of Marokopa man Tom Phillips.
  • Phillips was shot dead by police after a four-year manhunt ended this morning.
  • One of his children was with him at the time and helped police with inquiries. His two other children were later found in the bush.
  • Phillips was found on a quad bike with a child after a burglary at a farm store in Piopio.
  • In a standoff, he shot a police officer multiple times. The officer is recovering in hospital.
  • Phillips had been on the run since December 2021, when he disappeared with his three children from their family farm in Marokopa. Jayda, Maverick and Ember were 8, 7 and 5 when they went into hiding. They are now 12, 10 and 9.
  • The children's mother said today that "they have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care".
  • The last believed sighting of the runaway dad before today was the end of August during a separate suspected burglary. 
  • The fugitive father was accused of committing a string of serious criminal offences while at large.

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