NZ apologises to children forced to live in bush for years with fugitive dad
Summary
New Zealand’s government apologized after an inquiry found authorities failed to protect three children who lived in the wilderness with their fugitive father for almost four years. The father died in a police shootout, and the inquiry revealed that police and other agencies missed chances to find and help the children.Key Facts
- Tom Phillips took his three children into the bush in December 2021 and stayed hidden for nearly four years.
- Authorities did not start a search right away, wrongly believing the children were safe.
- The inquiry found that agencies ignored many concerns raised by the children’s mother, including safety issues.
- Phillips died in a police shootout in September 2025 in New Zealand’s North Island.
- The children lived in poor conditions with their father during this time.
- Phillips was seen on rare occasions outside the bush, including going shopping and visiting family.
- Different government agencies did not work well together to protect the children.
- The Prime Minister and other officials apologized to the children and their mother for these failings.
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