Thespinoff iconThespinoffSep 15, 2026 ~1 min source read

Tom Phillips report: Family warnings ‘brushed aside’, agencies apologise, police get defensive

'Brushed aside' Phillips first disappeared with the children for 18 days in September 2021, abandoning his ute below the high tide mark on Kiritehere Beach. The report found those concerns "were not sufficiently conveyed to Oranga Tamariki." The children'...

Tom Phillips report: Family warnings ‘brushed aside’, agencies apologise, police get defensive

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'Brushed aside' Phillips first disappeared with the children for 18 days in September 2021, abandoning his ute below the high tide mark on Kiritehere Beach.

The report found those concerns "were not sufficiently conveyed to Oranga Tamariki." The children'...

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'Brushed aside' Phillips first disappeared with the children for 18 days in September 2021, abandoning his ute below the high tide mark on Kiritehere Beach. The report found those concerns "were not sufficiently conveyed to Oranga Tamariki." The children'... To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here.

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To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Children, conducted by Justice Simon Moore KC, was released yesterday. Social Development Minister Louise Upston apologised directly to the children, saying "significant opportunities were missed, particularly between the two disappearances" and agencies "did not take all practical steps to protect you".

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