First Images Reveal Campsite of New Zealand Fugitive and His Children

Mon Sep 15 2025 10:54:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Newly released photographs provide insight into the camp where fugitive Tom Phillips hid with his children before a dramatic police shootout ended his long evasion. Authorities assure the children are receiving necessary care.

Police have shared the first images of the campsite belonging to Tom Phillips, a fugitive who evaded capture with his three children for nearly four years. Following Phillips' death in a shootout, authorities located two of the children, reportedly in good spirits but affected by their ordeal. Investigations continue into how Phillips managed to remain at large and the circumstances surrounding his case.

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

Two of Phillips' children were found at the site in the Waikato region on Monday, shortly after Phillips was killed in a shootout with the police. The children are reported to be 'doing well' but will require time to recover from their harrowing experience.

Phillips disappeared with his children – Jayda, Maverick, and Ember – shortly before Christmas 2021, following the loss of their legal custody. Police have stated that they believe he had 'no regard' for his children's safety.

Authorities discovered a stash of firearms and ammunition at the campsite, which is located in a dense bush area. By the time they arrived, the search for the children had been ongoing for nearly 12 hours.

Phillips' case has gripped New Zealand since he became a fugitive nearly four years ago, and as police try to find out how he eluded capture, they are focusing on the wellbeing of the children, who are now in the care of social services.

In a statement, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers affirmed the agency's commitment to ensuring the children are provided with the necessary assistance following their distressing ordeal.

The children's mother expressed her relief that the 'ordeal has come to an end' yet acknowledged the sadness surrounding the circumstances of their father's death.