Mr Phil Halse, MNZM, of Whangārei, for services to local government and the community
Phil Halse has served 30 years as a Whangarēi District Councillor. He helped secure funding to build the Aquatic Centre, Kensington Stadium, Gymnastic Arena and Central Library. He chaired the Inner City Development committee and was a Ruakaka Ratepayers member. He chaired the North Auckland Rugby Union, was a Board member of the Chiefs and the Blues Super Rugby franchises, and chaired Northland Rugby Union’s appointment committee. He led the formation of Te Karearea standing committee, a partnership forum with equal representation from Hapu and council, and serves as Chair. Mr Halse co-chaired the Kaipara Harbour restoration project, obtaining $100 million to restore New Zealand’s largest estuarine water body.