Fugitive dad Tom Phillips has been shot dead by police after being on the run with his three children for almost four years on the North Island of New Zealand.

Local police were called to an address in Waitomo, in western Waikato, after reports of a burglary at a commercial property about 2.30am on Monday.

"During the response, a man and police officer were shot," NZ Police said in a statement.

"The man was provided immediate first aid, however died at the scene."

Later, Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed the deceased's identity as Phillips, describing the incident as "devastating news for Tom Phillips' family as well, and the outcome no one wanted."

Phillips' sister Rozzi also confirmed to RNZ that her fugitive brother was the man killed during the police incident.

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