In a heart-wrenching interview with Stuff.co.nz, Rosie Phillips, sister of fugitive Tom Phillips, broke down in tears as she shared intimate details about her family and the devastating aftermath of her brother’s death on September 8, 2025. Tom, who vanished into the New Zealand bush in December 2021 with his three children—Jayda, Maverick, and Ember—sparked one of the country’s most intense manhunts. His life ended tragically in a police confrontation, leaving the nation stunned and his family grappling with grief, relief, and shocking revelations about their ordeal. Here’s the latest update on the Phillips family and the children’s surprising condition that has left everyone in disbelief.

A Typical Kiwi Family Torn Apart

Rosie described the Phillips family as “your typical Kiwi farming family—dirt on the boots, hardworking, good sorts of people.” Tom, her younger brother, was a “top man” before his disappearance, known for his sharp wit, “deadly one-liners,” and love for music, deer stalking, and his children. “He was an amazing builder, a fencer, super clever, and enterprising,” Rosie said, her voice breaking as she recalled happier times. Despite her efforts to contact Tom through emails, texts, and calls after he fled, she received no replies, leaving her in anguish for nearly four years.

The interview, conducted before Tom’s death, was Rosie’s plea for him to return: “I miss you… You’re my friend as well as my brother, and I love you. It’s okay. I want to see you again.” Tragically, that reunion never came. On September 8, 2025, Tom was shot dead by police in Piopio after opening fire on officers during a burglary attempt, critically injuring one. The nation was left reeling, and Rosie’s words now carry the weight of a family’s shattered hopes.

Shocking Truth: Tom’s Survival Skills and Alleged Support

Rosie revealed Tom’s extraordinary bushman skills, honed through childhood pig hunting, a six-month survival program at boarding school, and deer hunting. “He’s very aware of his surroundings, knowing what plants are good to eat,” she said, explaining how he survived in the rugged Waikato bush for 1,358 days. Shockingly, Rosie admitted mixed feelings about possible local aid: “Part of me hopes he was helped so he had people to rely on… but I’ll be very angry with anyone helping him and not telling us how they’re doing.” Police later confirmed suspicions of community support, finding food supplies, weapons, and a makeshift camp after Tom’s death.

Tom faced allegations of a May 2023 armed robbery, a charge Rosie found unthinkable: “No.” Yet, she vowed to support him through legal challenges, unaware those challenges would end in his death. Rosie also clarified a bombshell: when Tom fled in 2021, he had legal day-to-day care of the children, but custody later shifted to Oranga Tamariki, likely fueling his determination to stay hidden. “I would imagine so,” she said, hinting at the custody battle’s role in his actions.

The Children’s Stunning Condition: “Healthy Under the Circumstances”

The most astonishing update came after the tragic confrontation. Police found all three children—Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9)—alive and “healthy under the circumstances” in a camp 2km from the incident site. Discovered thanks to the child with Tom during the burglary, they were living in a rudimentary setup with tents, an ATV, and basic supplies like soda cans and tires. Despite nearly four years in the wilderness, missing education and social contact, their physical health shocked authorities. “They’re doing well, considering,” police reported, though psychological evaluations are ongoing to assess trauma from their isolated, survivalist life.

The children’s mother, Catherine (known as Cat), expressed profound relief through RNZ: “I’m deeply relieved my children are safe, but deeply saddened by Tom’s death.” She described the ordeal as a “living nightmare” and is now focused on reuniting with her children, who are under Oranga Tamariki’s care. “I love you so much and miss being part of your lives,” she said in a message read by Rosie. However, a High Court injunction, requested by Tom’s mother, limits further details to protect the children’s privacy.

A Mother’s Pain and Community Divide

Cat, who had legal custody before Tom’s flight, has faced vicious online trolling, with some calling her a “bad mother.” She hit back: “I’m shocked by the malicious comments… I’ve been lost without my children.” She also opposed a proposed documentary, fearing it would exploit her children’s trauma. Rosie echoed this pain, keeping unopened Christmas presents for the kids each year, a heartbreaking ritual. She described Jayda as “gorgeous and spirited,” Maverick as “quiet and clever,” and Ember as “absolutely adorable,” her tears underscoring the family’s loss.

The case has divided New Zealand. On X, posts range from calling Tom a “heroic father” (with 300+ likes for some) to a “dangerous criminal,” fueling heated debates about parenthood versus law. Locals in Marokopa, Otorohanga, and Te Kuiti felt unfairly targeted: “Makes you feel like a criminal for hiding him,” one said. Despite extensive searches, including a $80,000 reward, Tom evaded capture until the fatal encounter.

What’s Next?

As investigations continue into the shooting, community aid, and the children’s welfare, Rosie’s words linger: “I don’t know if I’d hug him first or kick him first, but ‘I love you’ would be first.” The children’s resilience has stunned the nation, but their road to recovery will be long. For now, Cat and the Phillips family await a bittersweet reunion, hoping to heal the wounds of a tragedy that gripped New Zealand for four years.