<\/p>\n
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Supplied \/ Police\n<\/p>\n
The parents of Tom Phillips have made a public apology for the trouble caused by their son during nearly four years on the run with his young children.<\/p>\n
Phillips died following a shootout with police after they were called to reports of a burglary in the early hours of 8 September.<\/p>\n
A police officer was shot multiple times and has since been discharged from Waikato Hospital.<\/p>\n
In a letter to the editor published by King Country News on Thursday, Neville and Julia Phillips said they did not support their son’s actions.<\/p>\n
“We would like to send our sincere apology to all those in the Waitomo\/Otorohanga districts, most especially those in the Marokopa\/Te Anga community for all the trouble, inconvenience, loss of privacy and property caused by Tom.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nThe letter to the editor from Neville and Julia Phillips in the ‘King Country News’.
\nPhoto: Screenshot \/ King Country News\n<\/p>\n
“We in no way supported him or agreed with any of his actions in the past 4 years. We are truly sorry for all that you had to endure.”<\/p>\n
Police said Phillips opened fire after his quad bike was spiked, striking the officer in the head and shoulder before being fatally shot by officers.<\/p>\n
After the incident police have uncovered multiple makeshift camps where the family had been living. Items recovered include quad and trail bikes, tarpaulins, oil containers and tools.<\/p>\n