One of the campsites Tom Phillips lived in with his children. Photo: RNZ / Supplied / Police
The military has confirmed members of its elite special forces were used to search for fugitive father Tom Phillips and his children on three occasions.
Phillips was shot by police on 8 September - four years after he disappeared in December 2021.
Documents released under the Official Information Act show police requested NZSAS support for its Special Tactics Group (STG).
The police STG responds to escalating situations such as terrorism incidents, hostages, high-risk surveillance and VIP security, while the SAS is the premiere combat unit of the defence force.
The SAS was able to step in under section 9.1 of the Defence Act 1990, where the Armed Forces may be used in New Zealand or elsewhere to perform a public service.
Documents show support was provided by up to four personnel on three occasions. On 10-13 June, they provided operational advice and special reconnaissance support.
On 4-6 October, 2024, that also took the form of tracking support, and on 24-25 April, 2025, they only provided liaison and tracking support.
Their efforts did not contribute to a successful capture -
"While the NZSAS attempted to locate Mr Phillips and his children, the delay between sightings and deployment, combined with adverse weather conditions, proved challenging," Brigadier Grant Motley said in a letter released with the OIA.
He said on some occasions, personnel were authorised to carry weapons for the purpose of self-defence.
Under a heading "risk", the documents note Phillips was "very familiar with the area and is considered to be well versed moving and hiding in the nearby bush".
He had been "captured on CCTV carrying a rifle while moving around at night" and that police "hold concerns about the children's welfare".
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