Podcasts about Waitomo

On Monday, four years on from taking his three children and fleeing into the bush, Tom Phillips was shot dead by police after opening fire on an officer on a rural road. His children are now with authorities. Journalist Michelle Duff speaks to Nour Haydar from Waitomo about how Phillips managed to survive in the remote wilderness and why many questions remain unanswered

I've really surprised myself. Because, even though I think it's totally shameful that people have been helping Tom Phillips keep his kids in hiding for nearly four years, I'm torn when it comes to how important it is that these people face consequences for their actions. To the point where I've realised that it's not as important to me as I thought it would be to me. Locals in the area are already poo-pooing the chances of the police tracking them down. Especially if they're going to rely on people dobbing them in or people giving themselves in. Local farmer and former Waitomo mayor Mark Ammon is one of them. He says it's unlikely. He says: "If it was me, I'd be just keeping quiet and hoping whatever leads the police get, didn't lead to me.” He reckons the vast majority of locals back the police, but he doesn't think anyone will pipe-up because everyone knows everyone and, even though they support the police, they won't want to narc. He does say though that it may also depend on the three children's willingness to share information. Which brings me to psychologist Kirsty Ross, who is saying some really interesting things which I think are relevant to the likelihood of them spilling all the beans. In the short-to-medium term, anyway. She's saying today that they will have been told a story that justified their father's decisions and actions, saying “they've been in an echo chamber for four years”. “They will have been a really tight unit. This was such an impressionable age when they were taken and four years is such a long period of time to have one person as their sole protector, provider, teacher. That influence cannot be underestimated.” It can't be underestimated. And what I would add to that is, can it be undone? Can that influence over four years be eroded to the point where the kids are happy to give away details of who has been helping their father? And who's to say they even know? Which is why the likes of Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad are saying today that these kids are going to have to be treated with the proverbial kid gloves. Which is not going to involve much drilling for information, is it? But back to how I'm feeling about the police setting out to find the people who have supported their father while they've been in hiding. And why I'm torn about it, even though I think these people are despicable for what they've done. Here are the reasons in my head as to why the police should go after them. If they provided the firearm used to shoot the officer the other morning, then they have blood on their hands. And by enabling Phillips to keep his kids hidden for so long, this person or these people have been complicit in denying the kids of all the things kids shouldn't be denied – time with both their parents, an education, freedom. I could go on. But here are the things I'm thinking about that make me wonder whether it's worth the police even trying. First and foremost, the kids are back safe. That's been the number one priority, and it's been achieved. Secondly, from what we're hearing, the locals are very unlikely to narc on their neighbours and the people who have been involved are very unlikely to come forward. And, finally, I think because of what that psychologist is saying about them being in an echo chamber for nearly four years, it's unlikely that the kids will spill too many beans. It's for those reasons, that finding these supporters is not as important to me as I thought it would be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study into the caves in Waitomo is shedding light on just how our natural land was shaped by volcanic eruptions. Author Dr Simon Barker spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Prime Minister has said the country is "thinking and praying" for the police officer that was shot in Waitomo in the early hours of this morning. A four year manhunt for Marokopa father Tom Phillips came to an end when he was shot dead by police this morning. The search continues for two of his children who remain missing, while the injured police officer is undergoing multiple surgeries. Political reporter Anneke Smith spoke to Lisa Owen. 

A day after the police shot dead fugitive Marokopa man Tom Phillips and his children were found, questions remain about how they survived in the rugged, isolated Waitomo bush country for four years. Rowan Quinn reports.

A private investigator who previously tried tracking down Tom Phillips says the area where the fugitive's campsite was found was where people expected. Phillips was killed in a shootout with police after a quad bike he was riding with one of his children was spiked by police on a rural Waitomo road yesterday morning. Following a large manhunt, the remaining two children were found at a campsite two kilometres away. Chris Budge told Ryan Bridge the area is rugged in parts, back country gravel roads, with little isolated farming communities. He says the area is quite hard to look through, which is why police weren't able to locate them over the last few years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 8th of September 2025, a full-on day as events continue to develop in the Waitomo area after the shooting of a police officer and the death of fugitive Tom Phillips. We spoke to reporters in the area and Waitomo Mayor John Robertson as police continue the search for his two children. Corrections are doing a paint job at Auckland prison at Paremoremo - Matt and Tyler discuss the value for money. Then, the age-old discussion around what makes you wealthy or rich. Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waitomo sheep and beef farmer and the chief executive of Steelfort. Today we yarn about the fugitive Tom Phillips, record weaner calf and lamb prices, and why the Dalmatians are on the acquisition trail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waitomo sheep and beef farmer (and Steelfort chief executive) who reflects on some great prices for weaner calves and store lambs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So having looked at every council in the country and the pending rate rises we are all going to have to pay, a couple of inescapable conclusions are to be drawn. 1) We need central Government to cap rates. 2) We need fewer councils. If you were to roughly use inflation as a guide, Waitomo and Whanganui are your only councils to get under the wire at 2.93 % and 2.2% – so congratulations to them. I'm sure every council could, and would, mount an argument as to why whatever it is they have come up with, whether it be the 12.9% in Taranaki or the 15.5% in Hamilton, is in some way, shape, or form, justifiable. A lot of it will be historic. In other words, if previous councils had done their job and been fiscally prudent the work being undertaken today would not be the current burden it is. But a lot of it if you were DOGE-like, or brutal, would not in fact be needed at all. Councils have become fiefdoms. They have entered areas they have no business in, but like so much in life, once you have ventured there is no turning back. Apart from the specific, like the 9.76% for Otorohanga or the 12.4% for Central Otago, you also have the more general impact. In other words, you are adding cost to the economy, and you are charging fixed-income folk who don't have the money. What you are doing is inflationary. None of us have the ability to simply add more charges. We don't simply get the pay rise we want, or up our hourly rate to the poor sap we are servicing. Life isn't like that. We cut our cloth. Could we buy more? Could we do more? Could we spend more? Of course we could, but we can't. Unless you're a council. Even if a council could say "look at what all that money got you, look at the gold plating and the shiny baubles and the tens of thousands who have flocked to our region because of our expenditure", but they can't say that because none of that has happened. 15% doesn't buy you utopia. It merely sets you up for another 15% next year because councils know a sucker when they see one. So, cap those rates and can those councils. It might well be the most popular thing this central Government does in three years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waitomo sheep and beef farmer, and Steelfort’s chief executive, reflects on some great prices for lambs and calves and the results of the methane survey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waitomo sheep and beef farmer and the chief executive of Steelfort, chews the fat on the issues of the day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petrol prices could be lower in the coming days as the price of oil slumps and the Kiwi dollar stabilises. Waitomo Group Chief Executive Simon Parham told Mike Hosking global supply is increasing, while demand is decreasing. He says prices are going to hover about where they are, creating a period of good value for Kiwi consumers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems that much of the country is still struggling to see summer, with grey and overcast weather across the motu and possible thunderstorms in Waikato and Waitomo. MetService Meteorologist Peter Little spoke to Corin Dann.

Waitomo sheep and beef farmer and the chief executive of Steelfort. Today we talk $150 store lambs and tell you how you can win a Cub Cadet ride-on mower valued at $6199.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us as we descend into the enchanting darkness of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves!

Waitomo sheep and beef farmer and the chief executive of Steelfort.Today, we talk farming, lawnmowers, Tom Philips’ whereabouts and John’s ag person of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's plan for new Interislander ferries doesn't seem to be much of a plan at all - with no new ships or details on what they'll cost. Has the government dropped the ball? Also, fuel company Waitomo and other independent service station owners say BNZ has told them there'll be no more loans and all outstanding debt must be paid by 2030 - a policy of the BNZ to meet their net zero targets. But BNZ says the decision is simply one of risk. Is it fair for BNZ to de-bank these customers? To answer those questions, Green MP and transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter and Iron Duke Partners managing director Phil O'Reilly joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand fuel retailer Waitomo says the writing is on the wall as banks move to wind up new lending to petrol stations. 

The chief executive of Steelfort is also a Waitomo sheep and beef farmer. And his farm has certainly been in the news with the sighting of the Marakopa fugitive Tom Phillips and his three children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is a Waitomo sheep and beef farmer and the chief executive of Steelfort. Today we chew the fat over the issues of the day, including National Super, the roading infrastructure, the Chinese economy, returns for beef and lamb, and how lowering the OCR will affect the retail environment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Is a Waitomo sheep and beef farmer and the chief executive of Steelfort. Today we ask  John - which is the toughest - being a farmer or a retailer? And what does he have in common with Donald Trump?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As emails keep hitting the inbox—or the letters hitting the letterbox if you're still supporting the postal system—telling us of price increases for all sorts of things. From the cost of our energy, to insurance premiums, to our favourite streaming service, we're all still keeping a close on our household budgets and doing what we can to try and keep them under control.    So, how far do you go to make sure you are paying the best price for petrol?  For those of us who do not live somewhere with accessible or reliable public transport, or don't have the guts to put our lives at risk and get on a bike, or can afford an EV, we are at the beck and call of petrol companies and what they can charge us to fill our vehicles.    Now the Commerce Commission is getting in on the act.    Their latest analysis of fuel monitoring data shows retailers are quick to put fuel prices up in response to increased costs, but slower to bring prices down when global oil prices fall or exchange rate changes reduce costs.   It's known as the rocket and feather approach: prices rocket up with increased costs but float down slowly when those costs decrease.    They have estimated that if fuel companies drop prices as quickly as they increase them when costs change, motorists would benefit by around $15 million a year.      Now that is quite considerable and worth keeping an eye on. But what can the Commerce Commission really do about it? There have been some changes already...   BC: What's actually changed is that companies like Waitomo and Gull can now more readily get fuel at more reasonable prices. And we've seen that, they've been much more able to open stations than was the case in the past, and that is driving down prices for Kiwi motorists. So we've got evidence that it is working.  MH: How much does the punter play a part in this? In other words, if I wanted to put a bit of energy into it, get a Gaspy app, shop around, there's, there's plenty of competition and there's plenty of price variability?  BC: Yep, especially in a place like Auckland. Look, Terry Collins from the AA has been talking about that in the last day or so, he's absolutely right. If everyone shops at the lowest priced station, the others are going to have to match.  Now it's important to note that there is no suggestion of collusion here – or illegal practices, these are large corporates operating in a supply and demand market. There is competition between them – but often the consumer determines as to whether they need to act on that competition. So do you?    Do you use your GASPY app? Do you make an effort to go to the cheapest local station around? Are you doing your bit to inform the petrol companies that you understand the choice you have?  I don't think the Commerce Commission will be able to do much about this—much like the supermarket situation—except say they will be keeping an eye on things. Terry Collins, the AA Principal Policy Advisor, spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan last night saying it is a warning to the fuel companies.  TC: I mean, this is a classic shot across the bow by the Commerce Commission, but I've been talking to contacts within the industry and they're very keen because of the optics on it, not least by the media and by the Commerce Commission to ensure that the Auckland Motorists get their full 11.5 cents discount or rebate, the decrease in price, come 1 July. I know one of the large major's got a big team working on it, trying to get it done by midnight. On that day, it comes into effect across all these stations.  Of course, the big test of the ComCom warning, and consumers power will be in Auckland when the fuel tax is removed from the 1st of July. Aucklanders will expect their gas to be 11.5 cents cheaper immediately, wouldn't you?  The attention from the Commerce Commission is good. It's a reminder to us all to use whatever power we have, but it's up to us to make an impact that will help us out at the pumps.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Competition is starting to improve in the fuel market.  The Commerce Commission has called out retailers for being quick to put prices up, but slow to bring them back down.  They believe it's costing motorists $15 million a year.  Bryan Chapple, Commerce Commission Commissioner, told Mike Hosking that there's no evidence its collusion, but rather companies just aren't incentivised to lower their prices.  He said that companies such as Gull and Waitomo coming into an area and building stations forced majors to lower their prices to match.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show today: How can we avoid getting absolutely trounced when we fill up our car, and what Kiwi company Waitomo are doing to stop the chokehold that big offshore fuel companies are having on us? Waitomo CEO Simon Parham joins us. The light at the end of a tragic tunnel for the construction industry's battle with mental health - Site manager Alan Farragher has helped create a hi-viz kit that will raise money for mental health charities and start the conversation on the worksite. Fieldays and are have the farmers received the world's biggest get out of jail free card from the coalition government? Dominic George from Rural Exchange dials in from Mystery Creek. Enjoy folks - We are live again tomorrow from 7.30am on YouTube, Twitch, and Tik Tok. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fuel retailer's applauding the Commerce Commission for raising awareness about prices at the pump ahead of the removal of Auckland's fuel tax.  The commission's calling out retailers who lag in dropping prices at the pump, saying it's costing motorists millions each year.  It says it's a timely reminder, with the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax being removed at the end of this month.  Waitomo Group Chief Executive Simon Parham told Mike Hosking that they can't wait for it to be scrapped.  He says it was poorly thought-out tax and it's created complexity for both customers and themselves.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police are continuing a homicide investigation into the death of a ten-month old baby boy in Waitomo district. Child Matters chief executive Jane Searle spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Is a Waitomo sheep and beef farmer and the chief executive of Steelfort. Today we talk about the state of the Chinese economy, the effect high interest rates are having on our economy, and selling 500 weaner Angus calves at this week at Taupo.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is a Waitomo sheep and beef farmer and the chief executive of Steelfort. Today we talk about good growing conditions, poor product prices and the pressure high interest rates are putting on the economy and retail spending.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An issue with paying for fuel at outdoor pumps has been confirmed as being related to the leap year. The extra day in February has affected Allied, Waitomo, Gull and BP truck stops, stopping customers from paying for their gas. Software provider Invenco was meant to roll out a fix at 3 o'clock - but that hasn't happened. Waitomo Chief Executive Simon Parham says it's surprising because it's not the first time we've had a leap year. "I think it's near a base in the software where they've just missed this day, and then the processing couldn't happen." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In its heyday, royalty, movie moguls and superstars stayed here. A famous movie director from Hollywood even based one of his horror movies on one of the ghost stories he himself encountered during his stay there. This week Anne and Renata visit Waitomo Caves House in New Zealand to examine its haunted history.The Ghosts of Waitomo Cave House - A True Haunting Podcast Follow Anne and Renata:Facebook: @AnneAndRenata Instagram: @AnneAndRenataYouTube: @AnneAndRenataTikTok: @AnneAndRenataSubscribe, Rate & Review to True Hauntings Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-hauntings/id1537052147See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Steelfort and Waitomo sheep and beef farmer is glass half-full on farming and over the moon about the change in government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petrol prices could be set to soar as high as $3.50 a litre with the cost of oil at its highest point in a year. Brent Crude is edging towards $95 US per barrel. And S and P Global oil analyst Spencer Welch told the BBC, it could go even higher. And with Chinese refineries slowing down their output, there's a strain in other parts of the supply chain, too. Waitomo managing director Jimmy Ormsby spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Petrol companies are being asked to explain anomalies in the price of fuel. The Commerce Commission has sent letters to several petrol companies, after prices were monitored in the first year of a new regulatory regime. Commission chair John Small says he's at a loss to explain the variance in pricing. The Waitomo Group runs more than 75 petrol stations, between Paihia and Dunedin, but it hasn't been questioned by the Commerce Commission over its pricing. Waitomo managing director Jimmy Ormsby spoke to Corin Dann.

One of New Zealand's smallest fuel companies is pointing to competition as an explanation for price disparities.   The Commerce Commission has asked fuel companies to explain why significant differences exist within cities and between regions.   Waitomo Group Owner Jimmy Ormsby says some pricing in the market is hard to justify.   He told Mike Hosking that he doesn't expect the disparity to last long.   Ormsby says some markets are too competitive and that won't last, while others don't have enough competition and will be forced to by regulators.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism to Waitomo's glow-worm caves is quietly picking up but the area is struggling with the impact of extreme weather on the roads. Before the global pandemic, Waitomo hosted more tourists than any other part of the country. The damaged road network is slowing the recovery. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports.

Dip down into a valley south of Hamilton and you arrive at one of New Zealand's most unique environments - Waitomo. Covid lockdowns gave scientists an unexpected opportunity to learn more about the underground ecosystem that's famous for its caves and glow worms. Libby Kirkby-McLeod went for a visit.

Waitomo sheep and beef farmer (and chief executive of Steelfort) who has a grin ear-to-ear after a great calf sale at Taupō. He also talks about the economy and politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NIWA scientists had to resort to some old-fashioned tools to help prevent unwanted koi carp from reaching Waitomo Caves. There has been concern koi carp might get into the caves and threaten indigenous species and freshwater habitats.  NIWA scientists were called in to help with the preventative work so the fish could not get into the caves which are a major tourist attraction because of their glow-worms. NIWA principal scientist for natural hazards and hydrodynamics Graeme Smart spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Outdoorsman Kennedy Warne looks at Seaweek, a country-wide programme held annually in New Zealand which involves beach clean-ups, community snorkelling days, film screenings, lecturers and - in Waiheke - something called a conscious swim. It comes as the UN agreed on language for a new treaty to facilitate international protection of the high seas. But, Kennedy says it is is not just the undersea world that brings that quieting of the mind. So too the underworld on land. He has just spent time walking and boating through the limestone caves at Waitomo courtesy of a tourism venture aptly named Spellbound.

On Country life this week, a Southland farmer who has a knack of bonding with cows, the hidden treasures in caves on a Waitomo farm, a kaumātua who educates farm leaders on the importance of protecting the waterways for future generations and a wrap of farming conditions from around the country.

With over 800 acres of protected land on the farm, Ben Stubbs shares the hidden treasures deep in caves that motivate him to never make the same mistake.

The chief executive of Steelfort (and Waitomo sheep and beef farmer) announces the winner of the Cub Cadet LX547 ride-on mower valued at $5,999.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Steelfort, and Waitomo sheep and beef farmer, tackles the vexed issue of pines v pasture on some of our best sheep and beef country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work is underway to build a network of hydrogen refuelling stations to power a new fleet of low-emission trucks, a move that could significantly decarbonise the country's heavy transport industry. The Taranaki-based energy company Hiringa Energy is building the network, and will be incorporated into existing Waitomo fuelling sites. Work has begun on four initial stations on key transport routes in the North Island; in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton and Palmerston North, and it's hoped to expand to 24 refuelling stations across the country over next four to five years. Hiringa Energy's chief executive Andrew Clennett says heavy transport accounts for more than a quarter of New Zealand's total vehicle emissions, despite making up only four percent of vehicles. He says in terms of emissions, taking one diesel truck off road is the equivalent to removing 150 cars. Kathryn speaks with Andrew Clennett, chief executive of Hiringa Energy and Andy Sinclair, chief executive of Hyundai NZ. Both are board members at the New Zealand Hydrogen Council.

Fuel company Waitomo has warned customers its petrol prices are about to go up from the end of the week. Waitomo Group Managing Director Jimmy Ormsby talks to Lisa Owen.  

New Zealanders are being warned to prepare for pumped up petrol prices, with rates likely to climb for some time yet. That's according to the managing director of low cost operator Waitomo, who says international and local trends all point to more price hikes. It comes as prices for premium 95 and 98 have pushed beyond $3 a litre in some places. And party politics have turned petrol politics, with National leader Chris Luxon saying it's time to scrap regional levies like Auckland's fuel tax. Here's Checkpoint reporter Nick Truebridge and cameraman Nick Monro.

In its heyday, royalty, movie moguls and superstars stayed here. A famous movie director from Hollywood even based one of his horror movies on one of the ghost stories he himself encountered during his stay there. This week we visit Waitomo Caves House in New Zealand to examine its haunted history.Follow Anne and Renata:Facebook: @AnneAndRenataInstagram: @AnneAndRenataYouTube: @AnneAndRenataTikTok: @AnneAndRenataVisit www.anneandrenata.com for more spookiness.True Hauntings is a Human Labs Original Podcast and a Frightfully Good Production.#hauntednewzealand #waitomocaveshouse #waitomocaveshauntings #waitomocaves #hauntings #hauntedhotelnewzealand #newzealandsmosthauntedsites #ghosts #apparitions #plotergeists #truehaintingspodcast #truehauntings #anneandrenata #paranormalpodcast #paranormal #ghosthunting #ghostly #spookystories See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Warning: This episode may cause extreme cases of the travel bug. With international travel beginning to open up we are so excited to bring you an episode dedicated to top surf destinations around the world. By the end of this episode you'll be setting all the flight alerts and packing your bags for the trip of a lifetime. Our episode sponsor Sin-Min will have you covered for all your travel necessities so listen to the end to find out how to win.  Episode Sponsors:  Sin-Min - https://sin-min.com  Handlebar Coffee Roasters - https://handlebarcoffee.com 

The Blissful Hiker "sidles" the steep sides of a riverbank in the Mangaokewa Reserve and learns how "un-lonely being lonely can be." In this episode: Blissful leaves Waitomo for Te Kuiti through slippery farmland, getting lost in fields of sheep poo and confusing orange triangle-shaped trail signs.The reserve begins as a Hobbit Forest in a sun shower, but soon becomes greasy sidling along the Mangaokewa Stream.All alone at the "cool campsite," she muses on when she first started thru-hiking, she was too afraid to even close her eyes. It's more sidling on the way back to farmland, where trail angels rescue her for an afternoon on a working farm. MUSIC: Soliloquy by Bernard Rogers and Night Music by Antal Dorati as played by Alison Young, flute.available on iTunesSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/blissfulhiker)