Man claims he saw Tom Phillips three times during search

Wednesday 10 September 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Wed 10 Sep 2025, 6:53pm

A Taupō man who spent nearly 1,000 hours searching for Tom Phillips believes he spotted the fugitive on three occasions. The search ended this week after Phillips was shot dead by police following a shootout. Phillips had been evading authorities with his three children since December 2021.

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1. RNZWed 10 Sep 2025, 6:16pm

   'That's him and his kids' - man searching for Tom Phillips certain he saw him three times (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesWed 10 Sep 2025, 6:53pm

   Searcher claims he saw fugitive dad three times (opens in new tab)