An officer was also wounded in the confrontation after being shot in the head, police said.

“The formal identification has yet to take place but we believe him to be Tom Phillips,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers told reporters.

Search for remaining children underway

The police have continually expressed their grave concerns for the well-being of the children, who are estimated to be 9, 10, and 12 years old. They have been out of contact with their mother since the father did not return them home.

A massive police operation is now underway in rural area near Marakopa, where Phillips and the children were believed to be hiding out in dense bush.

“Police urge the media and the public to adhere to the operation protocols and respect the boundaries in place to ensure everyone’s safety,” the New Zealand police stated.

Two weeks prior, police had released surveillance footage depicting whom they suspected to be Phillips and one of the children during an early morning break-in at a convenience store situated in the same area as Monday’s incident.

Last June police offered a reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars ($71,000) for information leading to their location and safe return.

Phillips is accused of a series of crimes, including an armed bank robbery this past May, where two individuals were caught on camera making a getaway on a motorcycle with stolen cash.

Phillips already faced a range of charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The children’s mother, referred to as Cat, expressed her “immense relief that this ordeal has ended for our children,” in a statement provided to CNN affiliate RNZ on Monday morning.

“They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care,” she said

“At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.”