New Zealand inquiry criticizes police and social services for failing to protect children hidden by fugitive father
A New Zealand inquiry has criticized police and child welfare officials for their handling of a case where a man hid his children in a forest. The report found that police initially took a 'low-key' approach, mistakenly believing the children were safe, while social workers failed to inform courts about concerns raised by the mother and police. The father, who had no custody, later committed armed robberies and fatally shot a police officer during a shootout.