Police have concluded the investigation to identify those who may have supported Tom Phillips.
No charges have been laid as a result of the investigation.
Detective Superintendent Ross McKay said any prosecution is required to meet an evidential sufficiency test under the Solicitor General's Prosecution Guidelines.
“In this case, based on current admissible evidence, that test has not been met and police will not be filing any charges.
“We have always said that we believe Phillips was assisted by a small group of people at varying stages.
“Charges may be possible at a later date, if or when further information comes to light.”
The Phillips family had been notified earlier this week.
Phillips went on the run with his children in December 2021, living rough in dense Waikato bush for four years. He died after opening fire on police on September 8 last year.
The fuguitive father was with one of his children at the scene of the fatal shooting and had three firearms with him. A further five firearms were found at the main camps.
During the shootout a police officer at the scene sustained serious injuries.
The officer suffered a glancing blow to the head from one bullet, while another caused significant damage to his right shoulder.
It was also believed the police car’s laminated windscreen may have saved the officer’s life by changing the trajectory of the bullets.
In a statement to 1News on Tuesday, Superintendent Scott Gemmell said the officer has continued his recovery following the incident.
"It will take time but he’s making good progress, and we look forward to seeing that continue in the weeks and months to come," Gemmell said.
"He remains off work to focus on his recovery."
Mayor says community has moved on
Waitomo District Mayor John Robertson said the community is relieved police investigations into possible support for Phillips had come to an end.
Robertson told 1News that for most locals, the conclusion of Operation Cranmere brought a sense of closure.
"I think the community generally will be really pleased to see that come to a conclusion," he said.
"We've moved on as a community, and for the family and those close to them, it's good to see this come to an end in the way police have described."
Police maintained Phillips was assisted by a small number of people, but Robertson said speculation had circulated for years and that ultimately police would know more than anyone.
"There's been all sorts of theories over the four years he was away — who knows? Of the facts, police probably know more than anyone," he said.
While police said charges could still be laid if new evidence emerged, Robertson said from a community perspective, it was time to move on.
"We had four years of this, and I don't think it's helpful to keep digging things up. It's time for the community to move on."
He added that anyone with information should follow police guidance, but declined to speculate further.
"That's for individuals to decide. Police have been clear that if there was illegal activity, they want to hear from people," he said.
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