Attorney-General Judith Collins has today announced a Public Inquiry will be held into the disappearance of the Phillips children.
“The Inquiry will look into whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the safety and welfare of the Phillips children,” she says.
“The decision to establish a Public Inquiry reflects the significant public interest and concern for the children’s welfare over the almost four years they were missing.
“It is important we establish the facts and determine whether agencies could take steps to prevent or resolve similar situations more quickly and effectively in the future.”
The terms of reference have been developed with the privacy and welfare of the vulnerable Phillips children in mind.
The Inquiry will therefore be conducted in private and without public hearings.
It must also respect the independence of the courts and will not include findings on judicial decisions.
The Honourable Justice Simon Moore KC has been appointed as the sole member of the Inquiry.
Moore served as a Judge of the High Court for 11 years, including six years as the Executive Judge for Auckland.
Following his retirement from the High Court in 2024, he was appointed chair of the Electoral Commission Board.
The Inquiry will deliver a final report with recommendations by 21 July 2026.
Tom Phillips came to public attention after he disappeared with this three children, Jayda, Maverick and Ember, in the isolated settlement of Marokopa in the Waitomo District of the North Island in September, 2021.
He stayed on the run with his children for several years and was involved in multiple alleged burglaries in various locations during that time.
Phillips was eventually shot dead by a police officer following an attempted burglary of a store in Piopio on September 8 after Phillips shot at police.
Police found his children alive and well at a bush camp shortly after the incident.
READ MORE:
- BREAKING – Tom Phillips’ missing children found alive – Times
- Story and Photos: More campsites found in Tom Phillips case – Times
- Phillips’ family disappearance began four years ago today – Times
- Police release new photos of Tom Phillips’ campsite – Times
- Police release images of Tom Phillips’ bush campsite – Times
- LIVE UPDATES: Police press conference on Tom Phillips situation – Times
