US EditionNew Zealand police investigate how a man hid his 3 children in a forest for years without discovery
Tom Phillips evaded capture for nearly four years in New Zealand's Waikato wilderness with his children after losing custody, ending in a fatal police shootout and children’s rescue.
- Tom Phillips and his three children were found in a forest after being missing since December 2021, following his death during a police shootout on September 9, 2025.
- Two of the children were recovered from a campsite in Waikato, while the third child was with Phillips during the incident.
- Police Commissioner Richard Chambers stated that investigators are looking into possible accomplices who may have aided Phillips during his time in hiding.
- The children's mother expressed relief at their recovery but felt saddened by the recent events, stating they 'have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years.
65 Articles
65 Articles
After the death of the child abductor Tom Phillips, the police in New Zealand are looking for possible helpers. New photos show the hidden camp in the dense bush where he lived with the three children.
Sydney Morning Herald
Evidence at bush camp shows fugitive father had ‘outside help’, NZ police say
Police have released further images of the campsite where Tom Phillips’ children were found after his death on Monday, which appear to show a camp kitchen and sleeping area.
Police release new photos of Tom Phillips' campsite
New photos publicly released by police today reveal more of the items found at the campsite used by Tom Phillips and his children. Photos supplied Police are today continuing the search and examination of what they believe to be the main campsite of Marokopa man Tom Phillips and his three children in recent months. The area is difficult to access, well-hidden and highlights the challenging environment the family used as their base, police say. P…
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