Revelations of a Father’s Concealment: First Images from New Zealand's Bush Campsite

Thu Oct 23 2025 19:48:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The haunting first images of a bush campsite, where Tom Phillips hid with his three children for nearly four years, have come to light after a tragic shootout with police.

New Zealand police released the initial images from a campsite in Waikato region, believed to be one of multiple hiding spots for fugitive Tom Phillips and his children. Two children were discovered shortly after Phillips was killed in a confrontation with authorities. The children are now under care, while the investigation into Phillips' evasion continues, raising concerns over their past experiences.

Police have released the first images of what they believe is one of many campsites where a New Zealand father on the run hid with his three children for years.

Two of Tom Phillips' children were found at the site in the Waikato region on Monday, hours after he was killed in a shootout with police. Police found them with the help of the third child, who was with Phillips when he died. They said the children are 'doing well', but will take time to recover from the ordeal.

Shortly before Christmas in 2021, Phillips disappeared with his children – Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, then aged eight, seven, and five respectively. Police believe he did so after losing legal custody of them.

Phillips had 'no regard' for the children's safety and 'quite literally put [them] in harm's way', Police Commissioner Richard Chambers told the media on Tuesday, adding that they are now in the care of authorities.

A stash of firearms and ammunition was also found at the campsite, which is surrounded by dense vegetation. Two quad bikes are pictured parked among trees.

By the time authorities arrived at the site, the search for the two children had been underway for nearly 12 hours. In the early hours of Monday, police responded to a report of an attempted burglary at a rural farm supply shop in the small town of Piopio. This is where they entered into a shootout with Phillips, leading to the discovery of the children.

The injured officer has undergone a series of surgeries but still has a long recovery ahead. Phillips' case has gripped New Zealand, and while the shootout suggests the mystery may be resolved, police continue to seek answers regarding Phillips' evasion and access to firearms.

Authorities highlighted the need to ensure the wellbeing of the children, mentioning that they will receive necessary support for their recovery. As the search for potential family connections to the children continues, their mother expressed relief with the situation resolving but sadness over the unfolding events.