In a dramatic conclusion to a years-long search, New Zealand police have released images of the makeshift camp where Tom Phillips and his three children were found after they disappeared in December 2021. Phillips, who had been in a bitter custody battle with his ex-partner, took his children after losing legal custody. The family’s disappearance set off a nationwide manhunt, which finally ended this week.
A Father’s Desperate Attempt to Evade Capture
Tom Phillips, 45, and his three children—Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9—vanished from their home in December 2021. It was believed that Phillips abducted his children following a legal dispute over custody with their mother, Cat Walker. Phillips’ disappearance sparked a massive search across New Zealand, but despite multiple sightings, he managed to stay hidden until recent developments.
Discovery of the Children and Tragic End
The case took a tragic turn this week when police were alerted to an attempted burglary at a rural farm supply shop. Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered Phillips, leading to a shootout in which Phillips was fatally shot, and a police officer was critically injured. One of Phillips’ children was present during the altercation and provided crucial information that led to the discovery of the two other children at a camp site in Waikato.
The children, Jayda and Maverick, were found at a makeshift camp around 2 kilometers from the scene where Phillips died. Police later confirmed that all three children were unharmed and in good health, but emotional recovery would be a long road ahead for them.
Fugitive dad Tom Phillips (New Zealand Police)
The Camp and Investigation
Following the tip from one of Phillips’ children, police discovered the camp in the Waitomo region, where the children had been living in poor conditions for some time. The camp site, along with the scene of the shooting, were secured as active crime scenes, and forensic experts began gathering evidence. Police recovered three firearms, including the weapon Phillips used during the shootout, and other firearms from the camp.
The children are now in the care of Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children, who described the children as being engaged and cooperative. The officers provided them with food and comfort while waiting to be taken for medical assessments.
Mother’s Relief and Ongoing Healing
Cat Walker, the children’s mother, expressed deep relief after nearly four years of uncertainty about her children’s whereabouts. “They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care,” Walker said in a statement. However, she also expressed sadness at how the events unfolded, saying, “Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.”
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Two of Phillips’ children were found at the camp (New Zealand Police)
A Gripping Family Tragedy
The search for Phillips and his children has been marked by tension and heartbreak. In the months following their initial disappearance, Phillips was briefly located at his parents’ farm, but by December 2021, he had vanished again, with police receiving multiple reports of sightings. A video showing Phillips and one of his children was captured by local teenagers, offering another clue as to their whereabouts. More recently, a CCTV video from Piopio in August 2025 showed Phillips and one of his children breaking into a store before fleeing on a quad bike.
The Motive Behind the Abduction
Officials believe the abduction was linked to Phillips losing custody of his children to Cat. In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, Andrew Saunders, the Acting Detective Inspector at the time, explained that Phillips’ actions were driven by his desire to regain control over his children after the court ruling. “That’s effectively why we believe he has taken the children, over custody,” Saunders said.
Moving Forward
The children, now safely in the care of the authorities, will begin the long process of recovery after enduring such a traumatic ordeal. For Cat Walker, the end of this painful chapter brings both relief and a deep sadness for how the situation unfolded.
This case serves as a tragic reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to in custody disputes, as well as the devastating emotional toll on children caught in the middle.
Featured Image Credit: New Zealand Police
