A years-long man hunt HBO came to a tragic end early Monday when fugitive father, Thomas Phillips, was fatally shot during an armed confrontation with police in the rural Waikato town of Piopio.
One of his three children was found at the scene and is now in police care, while the remaining two—believed to be aged 9 and 12—are still missing in cold, remote terrain.
Authorities say Phillips opened fire with a high-powered rifle at close range, injuring a police officer in the head before being shot and killed. The incident unfolded after officers responded to a burglary at a farm supply store in Piopio.
The wounded officer was flown to Waikato Hospital in critical but stable condition and is expected to undergo several surgeries.
Police recovered multiple firearms near a quad bike Phillips was riding. Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed a girl was found at the scene, leaving a boy and a girl still unaccounted for.
“We’ve got very young children exposed to freezing conditions. Our priority is to find them as quickly as possible,” Rogers told reporters, noting that the overnight temperature in the area could drop to around 1°C.
An extensive search is underway in the rugged bushland around Marokopa, where Phillips is believed to have been hiding out. Specialist teams and helicopters are involved in the operation.
Phillips, who had been wanted by police since disappearing with his children in September 2021, had previously resurfaced briefly before vanishing again. He was facing multiple charges including armed robbery, aggravated wounding, and illegal possession of firearms.
His years off the grid led authorities to suspect he had been receiving help. Police have not ruled out the possibility that others may now be aiding the missing children.
The manhunt gained national attention in New Zealand, with frequent sightings, public appeals, and an NZ$80,000 reward offered for information on the children’s whereabouts.
Just weeks ago, police released surveillance footage they claimed showed Phillips and one of the children breaking into a store near the location of Monday’s deadly encounter.
Phillips’ sister, Rozzi, confirmed his death. The children’s mother, known as Cat, expressed mixed emotions in a statement to public broadcaster RNZ.
“We are deeply relieved that this ordeal is finally nearing its end,” she said. “The children have been missed every single day, and we look forward to welcoming them home with love and care. At the same time, we had always hoped for a safe and peaceful resolution.”
Police reiterated that their primary focus remains on locating the two missing children.
“Finding Jayda, Maverick, and Ember remains our top priority,” Rogers said.
