Tom Phillips killed following police confrontation and shooting of officer
Saturday 13 September 2025 · 5 outlets · 3 reports · updated 
Tom Phillips has died after being shot by police following a confrontation on a country road. During the incident, a constable was critically injured by gunfire. The encounter resulted in the rescue of Phillips' three children, who had been missing for several years.
How they headlined it
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Waikato Times via The Post
The Tom Phillips saga: Five fast days after four slow years (opens in new tab)
Also on The Press (opens in new tab), The Post (opens in new tab)
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1News
Simon Mercep: the troubled world of Tom Phillips and the community he divided (opens in new tab)
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NZ Herald
From Marokopa to nighttime shootout: How Tom Phillips saga turned to tragedy (opens in new tab)
More on Tom Phillips search and inquiry
- Film company agrees to police control of Tom Phillips documentary
- Tom Phillips' firearms licence revoked before second disappearance+3
- Hearing on media injunction for Tom Phillips investigation concludes
- Media challenge reporting restrictions on Tom Phillips case in High Court
+4 - Public inquiry announced into handling of Tom Phillips case
Related stories
- Tom Phillips' four-year flight from authorities ends in King Country
- Fugitive Tom Phillips dead after police shootout in Waikato+3
- Police investigate after Tom Phillips is fatally shot and children found+2
- Tom Phillips previously sought help with broken down vehicle
- Police reveal details of search for fugitive Tom Phillips+4