The government department in New Zealand responsible for the well-being of children has been preparing for years to look after fugitive Tom Phillips' kids once they were found.
Oranga Tamariki, also known as the Ministry for Children in New Zealand, is taking care of Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9 after they were found on Monday four years after they disappeared with their father.
Phillips was shot dead by police after he fired at an officer during a shootout after breaking into a store in Piopio following years of hiding with his three children in the remote bushland in the North Island.
Warwick Morehu, from Oranga Tamariki, said: 'During the last four years we have worked alongside our colleagues at police in preparation for these children being located and we have a plan in place.'
Morehu refused to go into further details, but said the sole focus was on safeguarding the children's privacy and wellbeing.
