Photo: RNZ / Supplied / PoliceMedia organisations have been granted a judicial review of reporting restrictions that were made in the Family Court regarding the Tom Phillips case. Justice Layne Harvey's decision to grant the review means the matter will be sent back to the Family Court. Then, on September 15, a Family Court judge made orders that further restricted publication. RNZ understood that Phillips' family was not told until after 7.30am, and the mother was not told until after 8am. The government also last year announced it would hold an inquiry into the case to investigate whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the safety and welfare of the Phillips children.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 30, 2026 12:30 UTC