Gore District Councillor Wins National Award
- Neville Phillips honoured with SuperHuman Award for over two decades of community service.
- Cr Phillips’ contributions include the Mataura Community Centre and revitalising Tulloch Park.
- His family has collectively given 600 years of service to the fire brigade or St John.
Gore District Councillor Neville Phillips has been recognised as a “SuperHuman” after winning the inaugural SuperHuman Award at Local Government New Zealand’s annual conference. The award acknowledges Cr Phillips’ exceptional service to the Mataura community, where he has represented residents as an elected member for 21 years.
Cr Phillips, who humbly accepted the award, emphasised that it was not just a win for him but for everyone he has collaborated with to better the district. He remarked that while the recognition was appreciated, his work was far from over, with several ongoing projects still in need of attention.
Community service runs deep in Cr Phillips’ family. Growing up in an environment where volunteering was the norm, he followed in the footsteps of his parents and siblings, contributing to the local volunteer fire brigade and St John. This dedication was acknowledged when he received a Gold Star for 50 years of service to the Mataura Volunteer Fire Brigade, adding to his family’s combined 600 years of service.
Cr Phillips began his contributions to Mataura in 1987, overseeing a government employment scheme at just 24. This early experience in leadership laid the foundation for his political career, which began in earnest in 2003 with his election to the Mataura Community Board. His decision to stand for election was driven by a desire to ensure the town had a voice and to restore some of the work he had been involved in during the 1980s.
One of Cr Phillips’ most significant achievements was the development of the Mataura Community Centre, a project that took 12 years to complete. Opened in January 2009, the centre became a focal point for the town, reflecting Cr Phillips’ vision for a vibrant and safe community. Another example of his long-term commitment to the town is Tulloch Park, which he has been instrumental in revitalising.
Cr Phillips is optimistic about Mataura’s future, believing the town is shedding its outdated image. He proudly embraces his identity as a “scourer from Mataura” and is committed to serving the community in every role he takes on. For Cr Phillips, public service is about making a difference for others, not personal gain.
“Neville has shown an unselfishness and willingness to affect change at all levels,” one might say of him. He is equally comfortable discussing footpaths and multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects as he is engaging in high-level diplomacy. Indeed, every town needs a Neville Phillips.