The Prime Minister says he's seeking advice on an inquiry into the response to Tom Phillips

The Marokopa fugitive was shot dead by police in the Waikato a week ago, after four years on the run with his three young children.

Chris Luxon says there's some very reasonable questions that need answers - and he expects there will be an inquiry.

He says what form that takes and getting the terms of reference right will be important - but he wants it to look at the actions of Government departments such as Oranga Tamariki over the past four years.