Missing Marokopa children found after father's death in police shootout

Tuesday 9 September 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 9 Sep 2025, 8:10am

The three children of fugitive Tom Phillips have been recovered after nearly four years in the Waikato bush. Phillips was shot dead by police during a shootout yesterday. The children, aged 9, 10, and 12, are now in the care of family and Oranga Tamariki.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffTue 9 Sep 2025, 4:00am

   The five biggest mysteries after Tom Phillips’ children’s recovery (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesTue 9 Sep 2025, 4:30am

   Marokopa children's recovery 'could take years' (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldTue 9 Sep 2025, 5:00am

   Tom Phillips: What’s next for Marokopa kids after four years of isolation with fugitive father (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsTue 9 Sep 2025, 8:10am

   Next steps 'very complex and tricky' for Marokopa children (opens in new tab)