In 2021, Tom Phillips disappeared with his three children, Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, nine, into the New Zealand wilderness.

According to authorities, Phillips did not have legal custody of their children, and first disappeared in September before returning, leading to the father-of-three being charged with wasting police resources.

In December, the family vanished again, and numerous sightings of Phillips and his children were reported, with CCTV footage shot in August showing what appeared to be Phillips and one of his children at a small store in Piopio.

And today (September 8), authorities said that a man believed to be Phillips had been shot and killed during a shootout with police, which left one officer with critical, but ‘survivable’ injuries.

Phillips first went missing in 2021 (New Zealand Police)

One of the children was there at the scene, but was unharmed and later helped police with the search for their two other siblings, who were found safe at a remote campsite. All three children have been taken into custody for medical checks.

Their mother, Cat, has since issued a statement following the discovery of her children. She told local outlet Mata that she is relieved that the ordeal is over for her kids.

She said (via RNZ): “First and foremost, we are deeply relieved that for our tamariki (children) this ordeal has come to an end. [The children] have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care.

“At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.”

On behalf of the family, Cat also expressed compassion for the police officer injured in the shootout, who, according to the BBC, has undergone the first of several surgeries.

Cat has expressed her relief at her children’s safe discovery (YouTube/RNZ)

She added: “We also extend our aroha (compassion and love )to those in the community who have been affected, and our heartfelt gratitude to the many people who have supported us over these past four years. Your compassion has sustained us.”

“As a whānau (family), we are now attempting to work in cooperation with the relevant government agencies to support the safe return and reconnection of our tamariki.

“They have endured a long and difficult journey, and we ask for privacy as we help them adjust and reintegrate into a stable and loving environment.”

Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers said in a press conference that it is unclear if the children are aware of their father’s death; however, she declined to comment on whether their mother and grandparents would be involved in their care going forward.