Tom Phillips: New Zealand apologies to children forced to live in bush for years with fugitive dad

New Zealand has apologized to the three children of Tom Phillips after an inquiry found authorities failed to protect them during years they spent hidden with their fugitive father. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the government had “missed opportunities” and that agencies “underplayed, minimised or overlooked” the harm caused by the children’s prolonged isolation. Phillips took the children, then aged five, seven and eight, into the bush in December 2021, and they weren’t found for nearly four years. Police initially did not launch a search and rescue operation due to a “misconceived” view about their welfare. Phillips died in a police shootout on 7 September 2025 in Piopio.