Photo: RNZ / Supplied / Police
The parents of Tom Phillips have made a public apology for the trouble caused by their son during nearly four years on the run with his young children.
Phillips died following a shootout with police after they were called to reports of a burglary in the early hours of 8 September.
A police officer was shot multiple times and has since been discharged from Waikato Hospital.
In a letter to the editor published by King Country News on Thursday, Neville and Julia Phillips said they did not support their son's actions.
"We would like to send our sincere apology to all those in the Waitomo/Otorohanga districts, most especially those in the Marokopa/Te Anga community for all the trouble, inconvenience, loss of privacy and property caused by Tom.
The letter to the editor from Neville and Julia Phillips in the 'King Country News'. Photo: Screenshot / King Country News
"We in no way supported him or agreed with any of his actions in the past 4 years. We are truly sorry for all that you had to endure."
Police said Phillips opened fire after his quad bike was spiked, striking the officer in the head and shoulder before being fatally shot by officers.
After the incident police have uncovered multiple makeshift camps where the family had been living. Items recovered include quad and trail bikes, tarpaulins, oil containers and tools.
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