Tom Phillips' two remaining missing children have been located unharmed, according to Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers.
The two children were found by authorities at a remote bush campsite around 4:30 pm today, after their father was shot dead in an altercation with police.
"We can say the children were found alone and the scene has been locked down and will be subject to a forensic examination that we expect will last several days," Rogers said in a press conference.
"A significant amount of work lies ahead of us, but we are grateful to see an end to what has been three years of torment for the children’s family."
Phillips' third child was with him during the incident, and taken into custody in the early hours of this morning before being provided with "wrap-around care", said Rogers.
Police said the child provided them with "crucial" information that helped them locate the siblings.
The kids have been taken for medical checks, but do not appear to have sustained any serious injuries. This morning, police said they were extremely concerned for the children's well-being. "This is an emotional development," Rogers said in her statement. "To know the children are safe, and now receiving care after nearly four years, is an absolute relief. Every person involved in this case has had the welfare of the children at heart."
Rogers also thanked the Piopio community for aiding police operations today.
"These are small, rural and tight-knit communities. They look after our people and we're very grateful for the support that they've provided this morning," she said.
This morning, police held a press conference explaining that Phillips had attempted a ram-raid at the Piopio PGG Wrightson building using a quad bike 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 after falling to the ground and taking cover during the altercation.
"He has received critical injuries and will require numerous surgeries," Rogers said.
Rogers called it "a devastating outcome for all involved".
After the news broke this morning, 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."
This afternoon, Prime Minister Chris Luxon said the whole country was "anxiously waiting" to hear about the missing children. "These are children out there and they are actually running out of daylight hours. That's obviously a big concern," he said at the time.
Tom Phillips had been in hiding with his 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.
