New Zealand apologises to children who hid in bush as father fled

New Zealand has formally apologized to the children who were forced to live in the bush for years while their father, Tom Phillips, evaded police. The mayor later said authorities missed a key “circuit breaker” moment that could have stopped the ordeal sooner. An inquiry into the Marokopa case highlighted serious gaps in the country’s child‑protection system. While on the run, Phillips spent almost $6,000 on daytime shopping, buying chocolate, knives and 14 lighters. The children’s long‑term isolation and the father’s reckless spending have shocked the public. Officials say the apology acknowledges the trauma endured and aims to improve safeguards for vulnerable families. The case continues to fuel debate over how quickly authorities can intervene in similar situations.