Oranga Tamariki says circumstances are unprecedented, as they care for fugitive Tom Phillips' three children.

The four-year manhunt for the Marokopa father ended in the early hours of yesterday, when he was shot dead by police in Waikato.

Children's Minister Karen Chhour says Tom Phillips' children are Oranga Tamariki's main focus - as they remain in the agency's care.

"As an organisation, Oranga Tamariki has been working on a plan since the day they disappeared. That plan may have to change, depending on the circumstances of the young people."

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