What's happened
New Zealand's Attorney-General announced an independent investigation into the disappearance of Tom Phillips and his children, scrutinising government agency actions. Phillips vanished in 2021, was killed in a police shootout in September 2025, and the inquiry aims to assess if authorities did all they could to protect the children.
What's behind the headline?
The investigation will likely reveal whether government agencies adequately responded to Phillips' evasion and the children's welfare risks. The prolonged disappearance, combined with Phillips' involvement in criminal activities and the police shootout, underscores systemic issues in law enforcement's capacity to prevent such cases. The inquiry's focus on whether all practicable steps were taken highlights ongoing concerns about child protection and law enforcement effectiveness in rural New Zealand. The final report in July 2026 will be pivotal in shaping future policies and responses to similar cases, emphasizing the need for more rigorous oversight and intervention strategies in child welfare cases involving high-risk individuals.
What the papers say
The Independent articles from November 27, 2025, provide detailed accounts of the inquiry's scope, background, and recent events. They highlight the public outrage over authorities' handling of Phillips' case and the significance of the police shootout that ended the saga. Reuters emphasizes the legal and procedural aspects, noting the inquiry's focus on agency accountability and the private nature of the investigation. While all sources agree on the core facts, The Independent offers a more comprehensive timeline and contextual analysis, whereas Reuters concentrates on procedural details and the implications for law enforcement accountability.
How we got here
Tom Phillips had been involved in family court proceedings since 2018 regarding his children. He disappeared with them in December 2021 from Marokopa, a rural township. The children were found in September 2025 after Phillips was killed during a police confrontation following a robbery. Prior incidents included Phillips triggering a large search in 2021 when his truck was found abandoned, and sightings of him near the area of his disappearance. The inquiry was prompted by concerns over law enforcement efforts and the safety of the children during his years in hiding.
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