The New Zealand police have unveiled the initial images of the location where a man concealed his children after disappearing with them for four years.
Tom Phillips and his children – Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, nine – went missing from their residence in December 2021.
It is believed that Phillips took the children during a custody dispute with their mother, Cat.
In a mini-documentary interview with the New Zealand Herald, Andrew Saunders, who served as Acting Detective Inspector at the time, stated: “That’s effectively why we believe he has taken the children, over custody.”
At the time, an extensive search was conducted nationwide, but despite sightings, Phillips managed to avoid capture until recent events.
This week, the situation escalated when police responded to reports of an attempted burglary at a rural farm supply store.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers engaged in a shootout with Phillips, resulting in his death and an officer sustaining injuries.
One of Phillips’ children was present at the scene. The child reportedly assisted police in locating their two siblings, who were confirmed to have been found later that day at a campsite in the Waikato region.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers stated: “They are with police officers now, and are being removed from that location.
“I can confirm that the children are well and uninjured, and they will be taken to a location this evening for medical checks.”
Police have now released images of the area where the two children were located.
“The makeshift camp was located by specialist Police, acting on information from one of the children, about 2 kilometres from the scene where Phillips died after he shot and critically injured a Police officer,” they explained.
“The camp area in Waitomo and the scene of the shooting remain active crime scenes, with forensic staff on site today to gather evidence.
“Three firearms, including the weapon used by Phillips, have been recovered from the scene of the shooting. Several firearms have been located from the area where Phillips was camping, and further details will be shared when they become available.”
Meanwhile, Rogers mentioned that the children are now in the care of Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children.
“Our staff described the children as being engaged and they readily spoke with our staff, who provided them with snacks and drinks while they waited to be brought out of the camp site,” she said.
“While they are now in the care of Oranga Tamariki, we will continue to work closely with the children, taking the time and sensitivity that is needed after the ordeal they have been through.”
Their mother expressed her relief that she finally knows where her children are, according to RNZ, saying: “First and foremost, we are deeply relieved that for our tamariki (children) this ordeal has come to an end.
“[The children] have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care.
“At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.”
Phillips and his three children initially disappeared in September 2021, prompting a police search. However, he reemerged at his parents’ farm 19 days later.
Phillips faced charges for wasting police time but vanished with the children once more by December 2021.
A recording seemingly showing the missing children surfaced in October last year, captured by a group of teenagers.
Cat, the children’s mother, expressed her gratitude for the witnesses who captured the footage, likening it to an early Christmas present.
Another sighting occurred last month, following CCTV footage that showed two individuals in full-body clothing, with the police feeling ‘confident’ it was Phillips and one of his children.
The footage depicted the pair breaking into a store in the small town of Piopio during the early hours before departing on a quad bike.
Authorities believe Phillips took the children after losing legal custody to Cat. Speaking to the New Zealand Herald for a documentary on the case, Andrew Saunders, who held the role of Acting Detective Inspector at the time, stated: “That’s effectively why we believe he has taken the children, over custody.”
Following the reunification with her four children, the mother shared a statement with Radio New Zealand.
“[The children] have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care,” Cat said.
“At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.”