The children of fugitive Tom Phillips are still missing

The Marokopa father was shot dead by Police in the early hours of this morning, following a burglary in Waikato's Piopio.

He and one of his children were riding a quad bike, which was stopped by police spikes.

An approaching officer was then shot multiple times, including in the head, and is receiving surgery on his eye.

A second officer arrived at the scene and shot the gunman dead.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers says they believe his two other children are unaccompanied, and locating them tonight is a priority.

She says they're working with about three more hours of day light, and have resources in the air and on the ground.

Rogers says they'll search through the night.