New Zealand agencies missed red flags in child kidnapping case
An inquiry found that agencies for years underplayed the harm caused by Tom Phillips, who isolated his children from their family, friends and wider society.
New Zealand authorities missed critical warning signs about a man who kidnapped his children for four years, an inquiry found. Tom Phillips, who went on the run in September 2021, was shot dead by police in September 2025 after hiding with his three kids in the North Island's Waikato region. Despite several sightings and CCTV footage, authorities failed to pass on their concerns to the Ministry for Children, according to the report.
The investigation revealed that Phillips had a stash of guns and was worried about kidnapping his children again. Social workers ignored red flags raised by Phillips' older step-siblings in the two months before the second kidnapping, and a supervisor admitted the agency would have challenged Phillips if they had read his affidavit.
The report also highlighted that the Ministry for Children did not take all practical steps to protect the children, and government minister Louise Upston expressed deep regret for the harm caused to the children.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- New Zealand agencies missed red flags in child kidnapping case freemalaysiatoday.com
