The children of fugitive Tom Phillips have been located safe and unharmed after a four-year search, just hours after their father was shot dead by police. Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed the discovery of the children at a campsite around 4.30pm on Monday, describing them as safe and well.

Earlier that day, Phillips was shot during an alleged burglary at PGG Wrightson, a rural supply store in Piopio, western Waikato, New Zealand. A witness alerted authorities around 2:30am after spotting two figures, believed to be Phillips and his 12-year-old daughter Jayda, dressed in "farm clothing" and using headlamps. The pair attempted to escape on a quad bike but were intercepted about an hour later, approximately 33km away on Te Anga Road, where police deployed road spikes.

When confronted by a lone officer, Phillips allegedly opened fire with a high-powered rifle, striking the officer in the head. Following this, police backup arrived, and Phillips was shot and killed. Jayda was taken into custody at the scene. At that time, his two other children, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, were unaccounted for, prompting a widespread search.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Rogers later confirmed that Maverick and Ember were found alone at the campsite and were cooperating with investigators. She stated, "I can confirm that the children are well and uninjured, and they will be taken to a location this evening for medical checks."

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers praised the efforts of the search teams, stating, "This is a result of incredible work by police who had to contend with a high-risk situation and difficult circumstances both earlier this morning and throughout the day. I want to acknowledge our colleague who was shot and faces a long recovery."

The officer who was shot by Phillips has been airlifted to hospital in critical condition and has already undergone "the first of many surgeries after being shot multiple times," according to police reports.