One expert has outlined the next steps for Tom Phillips' children to recover after four years of isolation.

The manhunt for Phillips and the children came to an end yesterday, when police shot and killed him in rural Waikato.

One of his children was found with him, and the other two were located at a campsite in dense bush.

Child psychologist Sara Chatwin says for the children to feel secure, they need consistent care and unconditional love.

"Pretty much none of which these kids have had for a long time. And I'm not just talking four years, but prior to that, there was obviously some dispute."

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