The mother of Marokopa fugitive Tom Phillips’ children says there was a “wave of complex emotions for our whānau” in the wake of today’s dramatic incident.

A police officer was wounded before Phillips was fatally shot in western Waikato, after Phillips and one of the children tried to break into a store in Piopio.

Phillips had been evading police since December 2021 and along with his three young children Ember, Maverick and Jayda was spending a fourth winter on the run.

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He was shot after firing at and critically injuring a police officer during a burglary response near Piopio.

One of Phillips’ three missing children was found at the scene and was in police custody, with “urgent inquiries” underway to locate the remaining two children.

The child found at the scene was being provided “wraparound support”, police said.

A photo posted on social media by Cat of her and her three missing children during a visit to the park in November 2021 before they were taken by their father, Tom Phillips.

A photo posted on social media by Cat of her and her three missing children during a visit to the park in November 2021 before they were taken by their father, Tom Phillips. (Source: Supplied)

In a statement provided to RNZ’s Mata Reports, Cat – the mother of Ember, Maverick, and Jayda – said there was a “wave of complex emotions for our whānau”.

“First and foremost, we are deeply relieved that for our tamariki this ordeal has come to an end. [The children] have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care.”

“At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.”

She said the family expressed its “deepest aroha” to the police officer who was injured in the line of duty.

“We also extend our aroha to those in the community who have been affected, and our heartfelt gratitude to the many people who have supported us over these past four years. Your compassion has sustained us,” she said.

“As a whānau, we are now attempting to work in cooperation with the relevant government agencies to support the safe return and reconnection of our tamariki. They have endured a long and difficult journey, and we ask for privacy as we help them adjust and reintegrate into a stable and loving environment.”