New Zealand government announces inquiry into Phillips children case

FILE PHOTO: New Zealand Defence Minister and Attorney-General Judith Collins speaks at the Five Power Defence Arrangements Meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore May 31, 2024. REUTERS/Caroline Chia/File Photo

WELLINGTON (Reuters) -The New Zealand government announced on Thursday an inquiry into the disappearance of the Phillips children, who were hidden by their fugitive father in dense bush without discovery for several years.

"The inquiry will look into whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the safety and welfare of the Phillips children," Attorney-General Judith Collins said in a statement.