UPDATE: Tom Phillips' two missing children have been found by New Zealand police.
Tom Phillips, who has been missing with his three children for the past four years, is confirmed dead after a shooting in Waikato in the early hours of this morning.
RNZ reports Tom’s sister, Rozzi Phillips, confirmed his death, but has declined to comment more on the situation.
Tom was reported to have attempted a ram-raid at the Piopio PGG Wrightson building using a quad bike in the early hours of this morning.
Speaking to media this morning, Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers said a man who they believed to be Tom Phillips was shot dead in Piopio around 2:30am.
A police officer was met with gunfire "at close range" on discovering a quad bike, which had come to a rest after police laid spikes on Waipuna Rd.
The police officer was struck in the head and taken to hospital with critical injuries after falling to the ground and taking cover during the altercation.
"He has received critical injuries and will require numerous surgeries," Rogers said.
One of the two daughters is confirmed to have been taken into custody following the event.
Police are said to be trying to locate two of the missing children and are making it "number one priority".
Rogers called it "a devastating outcome for all involved".
The mother of the three children, Cat, shared a statement with RNZ.
"We are deeply relieved that for our tamariki this ordeal has come to an end," she said. "They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care."
"At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved."
"As a whānau, we are now attempting to work in cooperation with the relevant government agencies to support the safe return and reconnection of our tamariki. They have endured a long and difficult journey, and we ask for privacy as we help them adjust and reintegrate into a stable and loving environment."
Tom had been in hiding with is three children since 2021 and was believed to be frequently moving around Marokopa bushland. He faced a range of charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
