A fugitive father who had been hiding with his three children in New Zealand's wilderness for nearly four years has been shot dead by police after opening fire during a burglary investigation, authorities said on Monday.
Tom Phillips fled into the Waikato region with his children Ember, now 9, Maverick, 10, and Jayda, 12, shortly before Christmas 2021, following a custody dispute. Police were called to a burglary at a rural farm supply store in Piopio at 2.30am on Monday, where two suspects on a quad bike were spotted. Officers laid spikes, and when the quad bike came to a halt, one suspect fired a high-powered rifle, critically wounding a police officer. Police returned fire, killing the shooter, believed to be Phillips.
The children were later found safe at a local campsite. Police Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed they were well and uninjured and would undergo medical checks. The wounded officer sustained gunshot wounds to the head and is undergoing multiple surgeries.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the events as 'sad and absolutely tragic'. The children's mother, known only as Cat, expressed relief the ordeal had ended but sadness at how events unfolded, saying she 'hoped for a peaceful return'. Waitomo Mayor John Robertson said the community was devastated by the outcome.
Police recovered multiple firearms at the scene. Formal identification of the deceased is pending, but Rogers said they believe him to be Tom Phillips.
