A father who had been on the run with his three children in New Zealand's wilderness for nearly four years has been shot dead by police.

Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his children in late 2021, had evaded capture despite a nationwide search and multiple sightings over the years.

The case had gripped the country and remains one of New Zealand's most enduring mysteries.

Phillips was killed in a shootout around 02:30 on Monday (14:30 GMT Sunday) in Piopio, a small town in northern New Zealand, police said.

Officers were responding to a reported robbery at a commercial property when Phillips and one of his children were spotted riding a quad bike.

Police officers then gave chase before laying road spikes to stop them. The bike hit the spikes and went off road.

When police reached the vehicle, they were met with gunfire, Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers told reporters.

The first attending officer at the scene was shot in the head and remains in serious condition, police said.

A second patrol unit then engaged Phillips, who was shot and died at the scene. While the body had not been formally identified at the time of the announcement, police were confident it was Phillips.

The other two children were found later in the day at a remote campsite in dense bush. All three children are unharmed, said Rogers.

The child he was with, who has not been identified, had provided crucial information that helped them locate Phillips' two other children later in the day.

It was unclear whether the children had been informed of their father's death.

Police have notified their mother and Phillips' parents that the children are safe, though they declined to comment on who will provide ongoing care.

The children's mother, known only as Cat, expressed relief that this ordeal has come to an end after missing her children dearly for nearly four years. However, she also remarked, We are saddened by how events unfolded today.

Authorities have stated that Phillips had been evading capture since failing to appear in court in 2022. Prior to their disappearance, Phillips and his children lived in Marokopa, where he showcased survival skills that enabled them to thrive in the wilderness.

Notably, there had been multiple sightings of Phillips and his children engaging in various thefts as they struggled for resources over the past year. Their situation raised questions about whether they received assistance from the local community.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Luxon described the events surrounding Phillips' death as sad and absolutely tragic, reflecting the sentiment of many across the nation who were concerned about the children's wellbeing. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced by families dealing with custody disputes and the implications for children's emotional health.