Police in New Zealand have released images and given details of the campsite where two of fugitive Tom Phillips’ children were found, after their father was shot and killed by police on Monday. Phillips had spent nearly four years hiding in the wilderness with his children. He was killed in an exchange of fire with police after reports of a burglary in the remote town of Piopio. A police officer is recovering in hospital after being shot in the head by Phillips with a high-powered rifle in the standoff. About 11 hours after Phillips was killed, two of his children were found safe and well at the campsite in Waitomo. It is understood the third child was with Phillips at the time of the shooting.
In a press conference on Tuesday, police commissioner Richard Chambers said authorities found at least one firearm and ammunition at the campsite, about 2km from where Phillips had been killed.
“He said authorities were able to “get the support of one of the children … to locate the remaining children in dense bush”. The image released showed quad bikes, tyres and cans of soft drink in the thick bushland.”
“The campsite was about 2km from where the incident unfolded … into deep bush … not an easily found location for anyone,” Chambers said.
Chambers also said they were looking for potential accomplices who may have helped Phillips and an investigation would continue for “months”. It would examine how Phillips was able to access firearms and quad bikes and “who else may be involved.”
“[There is] a lot of work to determine whether there is anyone else involved.”
In Piopio on Tuesday, residents showed a mix of sadness and relief over the dramatic end to the four-year saga. Many expressed support for Phillips and his children, echoing a sentiment that has been prevalent online. The overwhelming feeling was relief that the children were safe, along with a sense that violent confrontation should have been avoided.
Kerry Voyle, a local council worker on the main street of Piopio, said Phillip’s death was “really traumatic,” and he felt for his friends and family in the tight-knit, rural community.
At the campsite, authorities found at least one firearm and ammunition.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/09/tom-phillips-new-zealand-remote-campsite-images-pictures-revealed
