Police watchdog finds fatal shooting of Tom Phillips was justified

Thursday 20 August 2026 · 6 outlets · 5 reports · updated Thu 20 Aug, 1:20pm

In this story Independent Police Conduct Authority

The Independent Police Conduct Authority ruled that an officer was justified in shooting Tom Phillips in self-defence on 8 September 2025. The decision follows an incident in the King Country where Phillips shot and critically wounded another officer. The report also noted shortcomings in police command and communications during the operation.

How they headlined it

10:25am1:20pm

1. 1NewsThu 20 Aug, 10:25am

   Police watchdog finds fatal shooting of Tom Phillips justified (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldThu 20 Aug, 10:28am

   Tom Phillips shooting: IPCA deems police actions justified (opens in new tab)

3. The Post via Waikato TimesThu 20 Aug, 10:28am

   Shooting Tom Phillips was justified - police watchdog (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

4. StuffThu 20 Aug, 10:38am

   Police officer’s fatal shooting of Tom Phillips ‘the only realistic option’, watchdog finds (opens in new tab)

   • ‘Confusion, lack of direction’ as police closed in on dangerous fugitive Tom Phillips (opens in new tab) Thu 20 Aug, 1:20pm