The New Zealand government has announced it will conduct a public inquiry into the authorities' handling of the prolonged disappearance of Tom Phillips and his three children, who evaded capture in the wilderness for nearly four years.
The Disappearance and Tragic End
Tom Phillips vanished into the rugged North Island bush with his three children just before Christmas in 2021, amidst a custody dispute with their mother. He did not have legal custody of the children. The family remained hidden for an extensive period until the saga reached a violent conclusion in August 2025.
Phillips was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police following reports of a burglary in the remote town of Piopio. A police officer was shot during the incident and required surgery. Later that same day, two of Phillips' children were located at a campsite in Waitomo, in the Waikato district. It is understood the third child was with Phillips at the time of the fatal shooting. The children are now in the care of Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand's child protection agency.
Scope of the Public Inquiry
Attorney General Judith Collins confirmed the inquiry on Thursday, citing significant public interest and profound concern for the children's welfare. The investigation will be conducted in private to safeguard the children's safety, with a report expected by July 2026.
The inquiry will look into whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the safety and welfare of the Phillips children, Collins stated. She emphasised the importance of establishing the facts to determine if agencies could act more quickly and effectively in future similar situations.
The terms of reference describe the case as having exceptional, if not unique, facts. The inquiry, to be led by Justice Simon Moore KC as its sole member, will scrutinise agencies' engagement with Phillips both before his disappearance and during the extensive search.
The Challenging Manhunt and Ongoing Investigations
The vast and difficult terrain of the Waikato region, with its forested landscapes, limestone cave networks, and sparse rural settlements, significantly hampered police efforts to locate Phillips. This prompted multiple large-scale searches, public appeals for information, and offers of rewards.
How Phillips managed to evade detection for so long in a nation known for its close-knit communities remains a key question. Police believe he received assistance from the outside, and investigations are actively continuing to identify any individuals who aided him during his time in hiding.
