Inquiry finds police and child services missed chances to locate missing children

An official inquiry into the Tom Phillips case determined that both police and Oranga Tamariki missed critical opportunities to safeguard the children and secure their early return. While the first disappearance was initially treated as an impromptu outing, investigators later found the explanation implausible and indicative of intent to evade family court orders. Throughout the second disappearance, the agencies relied on an assessment that the children were not at immediate risk, which the inquiry says delayed decisive action.

Credible sightings were not pursued promptly, and communication between the two bodies was fragmented. The report calls for a more consistent, collaborative approach in future child-welfare investigations.