Phill has lived his whole life based in the Wānaka area. He attended secondary school in Dunedin and gained a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) from Lincoln College. Returning to the family farm he remained there for his thirty-year farming career with his wife and partner Lizzie. Together they also had farming interests in South Otago. He has two wonderful adult daughters, Hillary and Fiona.
An interest in governance developed with early involvement in the Wānaka Show, Animal Health Board, Hato Hone St John and Federated Farmers. He was admitted as a Member of the Order of St John in 2013. More recently he has become a Trustee in the Otago Rural Support Trust and is currently its chairperson.
As an advocate for rural communities Phill is excited to be involved with the Otago Community Trust. He looks forward to using his experience and passion in not-for-profit community led organisations to enable and assist community groups throughout the Otago Region.