Police Locate Campsite Used by Tom Phillips and His Children, Ending Operation Curly

New Zealand police have confirmed they have located the main campsite used by Tom Phillips and his three children over the past several months. The site was discovered approximately 200 meters from where the younger children were found on Monday, nestled in a remote and challenging area of dense bush. The discovery marked a pivotal moment in a high-profile investigation that has gripped the nation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders described the location as “a very grim, dimly lit area, surrounded by dense bush,” adding that it was “difficult to access and well hidden.” Police were working on steep and uneven ground to document evidence from the scene, including a tent that was found to be well-covered and dry. Officers are currently analyzing a number of items, with Saunders confirming that it is now clear that Phillips had received outside assistance.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police vehicles and a quad bike used at the scene of Monday’s shooting were removed from Te Anga Road last night. Authorities will continue their examination of the area today and tomorrow. Meanwhile, the officer injured during the Monday morning incident remains in Waikato Hospital.

With the safe return of the children and the capture of Phillips, the operation—known as “Operation Curly”—has now officially concluded. Police are now actively seeking any individuals who may have assisted Phillips during the time he was in hiding with his children.

Saunders expressed relief at the outcome, stating, “While no one wanted it to end in these circumstances, it is highly satisfying as an investigator that the children have been safely returned.”

Police are set to hold a press conference in central Hamilton within the next hour to provide further details. Phillips was killed during Monday's incident, and the three children, who had been in hiding with their father for nearly four years, are now in the care of Oranga Tamariki.

A notable development in the case has been the involvement of a film crew from NHNZ Productions, which has been following the police investigation for the past year. The crew has been granted exclusive access to the campsite and is filming a documentary for Dame Julie Christie. This marks a rare level of media access to a police operation of this scale.

The children's mother, Cat, has expressed her uncertainty regarding the next steps in reuniting with her children. She told RNZ's Mata that she has yet to be informed of a plan or timeline for their reunion. Police Minister Mark Mitchell acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating he was sympathetic to Cat's plight but noted that authorities are bound by court orders.

This case has highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in locating individuals who have been in hiding for extended periods, as well as the emotional toll on the families involved. As the investigation concludes, the focus now shifts to the long-term care and reintegration of the children into their family and community.

The events surrounding Tom Phillips and his children have underscored the importance of collaboration between police, social services, and the public in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. As the nation reflects on this case, it remains a poignant reminder of the complexities that can arise in high-stakes investigations.