Neville Phillips named finalist for LGNZ SuperHuman Award.

Gore District Councillor Neville Phillips is one of three finalists in a national award to recognisie people who go above and beyond for their community.

Cr Phillips’ contribution to Mataura, an area he has served as an elected member for 21 years, was the catalyst for his nomination for Local Government New Zealand’s SuperHuman Award.

The SuperHuman Award was added this year to LGNZ’s SuperLocal Awards, which champion the work of local government in communities throughout Aotearoa.

Gore District Mayor Ben Bell said the SuperHuman Award was for those hidden gems who exemplified what being an elected member was all about.

“Neville certainly fits into that category. He has a genuine passion for this community and is driven by a genuine desire to make Mataura the best it can be.”

Whether as a Council employee, community board member, councillor, volunteer fireman or sports administrator – Neville has spent half a lifetime serving the Mataura community and wider Gore District in one way or another, Mr Bell said.

Cr Phillips’ political career started in 2003 when he was elected to the newly created Mataura Community Board. He became the Mataura ward’s representative on the Council 10 years later.

The Mataura community centre and upgrade to Tulloch Park are just two projects he has been instrumental in bringing to life.

The SuperLocal Awards winners will be announced at LGNZ’s conference later this month.