Philip RECORDON Obituary

Missing your presence on earth so very much Sir.

I fondly remember Philip Recordon from St Kentigern years. I was a couple of years behind Phil and sadly I never got to know him that well. But from my earliest memories he shone as being one of the least judgmental people I have ever known - paradoxically he became a judge with a heart that poured out healing and reconciliation. If only there were more like him, how much better this world would be.

I recall with joy the few memorable times I happened to bump into Phil around Auckland - he never failed to lift my spirits and make me feel like a long-lost brother.

Understanding and humility radiated from Phil´s presence. He transited from this world with the greatest gift of having so positively changed so many lives through his loving care and thoughtful kindness.

So sad to see the passing of this man whom I hadn´t seen since adolescent years.
WelI I recall cutting more than one or two fine Friday classes at school and with a few others head for the surf at Piha in Phil´s car.
None of us were exponents on the boards then.
While we may have shared 3rd= class place in Form 6B in 1964, Philip went on to an illustrious career, never losing that whimsical look in his eye or the genuine warmth in the care behind that pukish smile.
Fond early remembrances.

Gerald Turnbull

Je peux dire, aujourd'hui, que Philip et Geneviève ont fait de moi un homme meilleur. Je suis arrivé vers eux en garçon timide et apeuré, j'en suis reparti avec des rêves plein la tête et du feu dans le ventre. Philip m'a marqué de manière indélébile. Son sourire, sa confiance en l'humain, son enthousiasme ont durablement façonné mon existence.
Je prie pour lui, pour vous, chaque jour que Dieu fait.
Tibo

It was a million years ago I worked at Nicholson Gribbin with Phil .... he was 23, I was 19 and he was loved by everyone. I was with a group of friends at a bar and although I wasn't drinking, those of us under 20 were in trouble! Phil appeared on my behalf and got it sorted. I've never forgotten his kinsness and his cheeky smile. Debby Lewis.

Many of you will know that one of Piripi's favourite books is Viktor Frankl's " Mans search for meaning"
He would be happy to know you have read it and if not he would urge you too.
He bought many copies to give as gifts over the years.
Rest in peace dear friend, love and light always.
Shalon

Phil worked with me for a time when I was a partner at Nicholson Gribben. He also helped me build a driveway at the house I was living in with my wife and family. He was a delight to be with and I have followed his career ever since with increasing admiration for his accomplishments. The numbers at his funeral were testament to his courage, his empathy and his desire to help others.

One of the best humans I have had the privilege to meet. What a gift to have appeared before you. Always a delight to catch up at Bar dinners and events and I will fondly remember a great BBQ during covid-19 times at the Paratai Palace (Gen beautifully put together while you wore the famed black rugby shorts and carried a packet of sausages). In Court, we would brace our clients for an inevitable remand in custody or prison sentence but then you would walk in with your cup of tea, and we would turn to them and say "hold on.. let me see what I can do". Mercy would follow. The defendants will miss you and your belief in their potential for redemption. You brought hope to the darkest of situations. You were kind and generous without exception. You really are an inspiration on how to live life and the truest expression of love. Rest well- your legacy will continue through all who met you. Arohanui, Sir. Emma Priest

I experienced mere moments of time in your presence. But each moment is treasured. Your kind words, your ability to remember everyones name and how they "fit", was inspiring. What a blessing it was to hear your voice one last time during your service. Moe mai, okioki mai ki nga Taonga nga Rangatira ko te iwi Maori o nga tangata a Aotearoa.

Earth´s loss but heaven´s gain - au revoir Phil
Bernie Allen

Great memories of working with a very special guy at Nicholson Gribbin Lawyers in the 1970's.

A good human being on this planet.
I wish his family peace and comfort .

I´ve only known Phil for the last few years, through a charitable board we were members of. His community concern was very evident and inspiring. Also evident was his professionalism and ability. Phil was a model human being. Rest in peace, faithful servant of God.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Philip Recordon. He will be dearly missed by us ALL at Manukau District Court. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathy to you all a wonderful mentor husband and father who I had the fortune to enjoy and share our school years together. You left us too soon Phil your school mates will miss you. Kindest regards David and Julie Adams

Une rencontre sacrée entre l'Auvergne et la Nouvelle-Zélande...
De magnifiques souvenirs à Villeneuve où le ballon ovale nous faisait toujours vibrer. Les matchs France Blacks auront désormais une toute autre saveur. Repose en paix Philip
Aurélie et Christophe

Only fond memories of Judge at Waitakere DC. Back in 2009, I was on the social club organizing our staff xmas function. I sent out an email to all staff to encourage gifting to support a fundraiser that was organised for the staff event. Out of the blue i received a very kind offer for a weekend at his family's Bach up north overlooking the beach. With gratitude, i asked for photos to advertise the option, when he suggested i spend the weekend there with my family to take my own photos. Of course, as this was the first gift of this magnitude, tickets for that event flew out the window, and our function was well deserved and received by staff.
The sincerity and kindness this man portrayed to staff was always felt.
He was and will always be well respected and valued by many.
Condolences to your family and loved ones.
Moi mai ra e te rangatira

A remarkable man he was. RIP Judge, you will truly be missed

Manuia lau malaga Judge Phillip Recordon. You are gone but never forgotten. Rest in the arms of our dear Lord. You will be missed by many people especially our Manukau Registry. Our deepest condolences to your beautiful family.

Such a long time supporter of Friendship House in Manukau. You were a gentleman and a caring man. Your presence will be greatly missed.

Quelle triste nouvelle, nous sommes de tout coeur avec vous, Geneviève et les enfants. Nos pensées vous accompagnent dans cette épreuve. Nous garderons le souvenir d'un homme droit, aimable et toujours préoccupé par le bien-être des autres. Yves et Dagmar

When I found out of your passing I was numb. I didn't know how to react - only because I sat in court that day with one of your good buddies Judge Fraser. However when we adjourned court, that's when I burst into tears. I was a very good actor that day.

Before your final sitting we often crossed each other in the corridors of MDC and you would always ask me, "when am I going to meet Owen" - now I regret not bringing him to you before you departed.

When we met 10 odd years ago when you were sitting in Mental Health Court back to back, you would always grind me about reports not being on file, not preparing lists properly etc etc even though it was annoying I knew it was going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

My fondest memory with you was when you came to my special day. I remember it like it was only yesterday. Before I had gone on leave to prepare for my wedding day, I walked up to your chambers and handed you and Genevieve's invitation. You told me you were super excited to see me walk down in white. Here is a photo of you and Genevieve in the church awaiting my entrance. Out of invitees I invited, I was most excited to see YOU.

Ia manuia tele lau faigamalaga lau susuga le alii faamasino Judge Filipo Recordon. Ia maua sou nofoaga mau ile lagi tafa ane o lo tatou alii faaola.

I love you and I miss you!

Phil is one of those guys you lose time with, who cares what else is going on, if he asks: are you coming, you just go with him. Cup of tea or beer in hand, robes or ponies jersey, he always had great advice, a cheeky grin and a fantastic story. What a legend. The Aroha of the man, and his whanau to share him with us all thank you!!! Reflections of you warm the heart. A true stalwart for community xox. Arohanui e hoa.

Dear Geneviève and family,

Sending you all so much aroha.

It is so easy to write words that express the amazing contribution that Phil, Judge Rec, Rocky, Matua Piripi made to the lives of many - not limited to; my family, the legal profession, the communities he served, the world, and humanity. Of course, it goes without saying how much he meant to all of you and vice versa.

What is difficult to grapple with is knowing that he is not a text, call or email away anymore, but I find comfort in the knowledge that his presence and legacy, lives on.

Everywhere he went, whether he was in crocs and his i'e faikaga, his jandals and shorts, or his robes, he spread sunshine and showed immense gratitude to everyone who crossed his path including those who appeared before him.

I remember observing him when I was an undergrad student. This was only the second time I had met him. He was presiding at 3 different Courts this day. His hair was windblown, his robes were askew, he was tired from travelling between courts, and he hadn't eaten.

I followed him in his VW Kombi, but I stopped along the way to pick up some kai. All I could muster quickly was a chicken roll, some ginger slice and a coffee. A text came through from him "where are you?". I nearly died thinking I was late.

I rushed to chambers feeling stressed only to find him with his feet up on someone's desk, book in hand, his robes on the chair beside him. He was waiting to be summoned to the courtroom.

I was very embarrassed with my meagre offerings, apologising if he was vegetarian at which point he nearly fell off his chair laughing. The gratitude he showed for such a small act, is but one example, a testament to the Rangatira he is - even though it was hard to take him seriously with mayo on his face and tie.

He would give the shirt off his back for anyone who needed it. Among other things he is a man of humility, integrity, loyalty, charm, compassion, determination and humour. His passion for social justice, equity and fairness were in my view, always delivered with respect, conviction with a hint of salt.

He spoke to my (late) father, Papa George for hours about something dear to Dad's heart, FOOD. Dad never grew up with the privilege that I was afforded, and against the odds, he had never stood before a judge let alone had a korero with one in his own kitchen! He was so in awe of how down-to-earth, caring and humble Piripi was with him that day.

Judge Rec showed such pride in my three sons, my wider whanau, their achievements, and mine. He shared korero, pearls of wisdom and kai with my (then) husband, and later offered to either punch him on the nose or give him a hug, when we went our separate ways. I won't say what my response was, but I love that about Phil, always fiercely protective but open to listening to both sides of the story before resorting to common assault :) The epitome of fairness and impartiality.

In closing - Tena koe e te kaiwhakawa, without you, (and your other judicial colleagues), I would never have completed my LLB studies. Without you volunteering Seb as my moving counsel when I was admitted to the Bar (tena koe Seb), I may never have taken that huge step. You tried to coerce me in practising, even volunteering everyone in your contact lists and networks to do so. You believed in me, more than I believed in myself.

You made a difference to the world, one person, one whanau, one hapu, one iwi at a time. You are one-in-a-million with a heart of gold, and you will always have a special place in my whanau, and my heart, and the hearts of everyone whose lives you have touched.

Moe mai ra e te kaiwhakawa, e te Rangatira.

Geneviève and whanau.
Arohanunui, love and blessings - Kathryn, Bradley and Bessie, Jeffrey and Bex, Stevie and Jacinta (mokopuna - William and Elena), Jeff and Willy - aka the Arona-Tuifana'e-Waqanivavalagi family.

A great guy and a friend to all. Will be greatly missed.

I am saddened to hear of Phil's passing. Truly a wonderful, humble person, a role model and a perfect Judge! I send my condolences to Genevieve and children, Phil's brothers and their families too.

It was with great sadness and a heavy heart that we learnt of the passing of Judge Recordon. Our deepest condolences go to his wife and family as they come to terms with their loss.

Thank you for sharing Filipo with us.

He was an amazing person who sought to look deeper into the lives of troubled youth to offer them a pathway to hope, which was why he was a strong supporter of our Toko youth suicide prevention work in the Tongan community.

We were quite chuffed when he told us he wore his Toko t-shirt with pride. It was a privilege and an honour to have worked with him in the past. One time he popped in unexpectedly to one of our Toko events at Otahuhu College, in the evening, just to show his support. We got him to do a lucky draw telling the audience that he had lived in the hood. He had no airs about him and he was totally relatable. The youth whooped in glee!

Filipo, you are at rest now, but your caring down to earth nature, and generosity of spirit will live long in our hearts.

Toka a Tangata´eiki Fakamau Filipo `i he nonga moe fiemalie `ae `Eiki.

Ofa `atu
`Alisi, Pauline and Marina

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.Condolences to the family

So sad to hear of Phil´s death. He and I were at Auckland Law School together and years later he was appointed a DCJ the day before I was. A fine and humble man who parked the oldest clapped out van in the Judges´ car park in Auckland.
He will be sadly missed.
My sympathy to all his Whanau.
David Wilson KC

Philip,
La vie était plus intelligente et plus simple avec toi...
Tu sembles manquer à beaucoup et cela ne m'étonne pas.
Quant à moi, je ne t'en parle même pas.
Michel.

Philip,
La vie était plus intelligente et plus simple avec toi...
Tu sembles manquer à beaucoup et cela ne m'étonne pas.
Quant à moi, je ne t'en parle même pas.
Michel.

Phil was a very caring and compassionate man that I was so lucky to work for over 20 years, we met in first in 1982. He had a great sense of humour and worked so hard for community whether it was for those with mental health or needing legal aid he treated everyone with kindness and respect, everyone was his equal.

I last saw Phil in August 2023 when he came to visit me in my home and know how blessed I am to have known this amazing man and work beside him.

Rest in peace Phil and love to all your family that you were so proud of
Jean Lindsay

I did not know Philip but he was Sally Recordon´s brother, and Sally was a school mate of mine way back when.
Sally, Pip Curtis told me of Philip´s passing and she, Deb Holland and I send our love and sincere condolences to you and the Recordon family. Reading the messages and memories of those who knew Philip so well, tells me he was a compassionate, spirited and remarkable man. I have no doubt he was also a loving brother to you, Sally and to Roger and Charles. Thinking of you and the family with much love. Vicky Pip and Deb.

As a law clerk in 1978 I worked for Stan Thorburn who had this friend Phil. They called each other "Smith and Jones". I cant recall who was Smith and who was Jones. But the joy of their friendship was infectious. Over the years I worked with Phil on ADLS committees. He was a kind, patient and discerning lawyer. A pleasure to work with. He valued relationships and showed this in his approach to difficult issues in legal practice. He was my favourite Family Court Judge. I recall one Mental Health Inpatient hearing at a hospital where Phil arrived in shorts and conducted the hearing sitting beside my client. After giving a decision that my client should remain under compulsory status, Phil reached out and gently touched my client in a beautiful expression of compassion. New Zealand Family Court at its very best. A precious man. So many precious memories. A mighty Totara has fallen.

Dear Genevieve
My condolences to you . Saddened to hear of your loss .It was a huge thing that Philip did in helping stop the tour of South Africa by the All Blacks and I admired him greatly for that . My thoughts are with you and your family .
Best wishes David Simpson

So sorry to hear the news of your passing . You were a big presence in our lives many years ago.
Much aroha to your family.
Ruth Prendergast

My sincere condolences to Genevieve and family.
It has been a pleasure to have know uch a kind and humble man.
I have known Phil for 27yrs, first as a District Inspector at Kingseat Hospital, then a Judge. Phil always treated the Mentally ill with dignity and respect, making sure their voices were heard.
R I P Judge Recordon

Rocky
I am so very sad but I know you knew we all loved you dearly.
You were unique -- you were a man of huge courage , massive generosity , so kind , so special , humble and compassionate and gifted as a lawyer and judge and always dedicated to others.
You were my friend and the friend of so many.
Salut mon ami.

" May the road rise up to meet you.
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall soft upon your fields. May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow and god hold you in the palm of his/her hand.
Until we meet again."

William John Spring.

Blessings Matua Phil for your support of our kaupapa SafeMan SafeFamily. Without your professional support we would not have achieved some of our gaols in the short space of the time given. Moe mai i roto i to moe roa.

One in a million Sir!
Your passing has had a huge impact on all those who are blessed and privileged to have crossed paths with you.
I sat in court with Judge Recordon many times over the years. His compassion and empathy towards all those that appeared before him was both touching and for me, sometimes annoying. I would take him out the back when we adjourned and tell him to stop letting everyone walk all over him! He'd laugh and tell me I'm wrong.
He was always late and his registrar for the day was always running around looking him. He was either running late or making his coffee..that he'd spill all the way to court, as he's walking up to the bench, and while in court, all over the bench. He'd blame me all the time if he lost his stamp..no lie, I got the blame even when I was on leave! If there was a file missing, you didn't look on his desk in chambers, you looked on the floor cos that's where everything was.
I walked thru the Judges basement one time and noticed the window in his can open. When I saw him in chambers, I told him and he said "yea the keys are in there too, you should've gone for a drive"
When I heard rumours that he was sick, I confronted and he denied it. Then I saw him in chambers ( I was looking for him..he was late) and he said he had been for blood tests and I noticed all these plasters on his arms. My heart sunk. I then sat with him a couple of days later and told him before we walked into court that he was a beautiful person with a beautiful heart and that I loved him. I then burst into tears and he was like "c'mon Kena we gotta and started to open the door. I pushed it shut saying " omg, let me pull myself together first "
Love you Sir and I'm so glad I got to tell you that.

There are a handful of people who you like when you first meet them, and like even more the better you know them. Rocky, as he was introduced to me 20 years or so ago at the Ponsonby club was a perfect example. His intelligence and decency was matched by his courage and his humour. I never thought of him without finding myself smiling. Every possible kind wish to his family on the loss of a beautiful man.

A wonderful lawyer, District Inspector and Judge and colleague who became a friend. He is loved by all who know him

Bless you Phil,

You were that shining light of love kindness and hope ,the world is a little dimmer with your passing but such was the generosity and warmth of your being that this is the indelible legacy that those of us whom have basked in your light will carry on.

Love to you always and condolences to your beloved whanau.

Lauolefale Lemalu

Dear Judge
Thank you for your wisdom, dedication, kindness, empathy and humility in everything you did.
I remember fondly when over a decade ago you spearheaded a well-received CPD event on working in the mental health regime, which was both educational and engaging.
My sincere condolences to your family, friends and colleagues.
May you rest in peace, knowing you were well loved, cherished and respected.

Thank you Judge Phillip Recordon for being kind and understanding to me while was working for the Auckland Youth Court.
I watched you in court with respect and admiration knowing that you were passionate for your job and our ra gatahi that came up in front of you in court.
Aroha nunui ki a koe me tou whanau.

I was 17 when I started at BM Prendergast - Solicitors Onehunga (1982) as the office junior and Philip Recordon was our young legal aid solicitor. I was forever grateful to get a lift home in his combi van as he lived up the road from me. Genuinely kind and caring person. RIP

Juanita Lafaele

Phil was a wonderful, kind, funny bloke who cared for mankind and I will miss our cuppa tea and conversation whenever he came in the shop. R.I.P Phil

Judge Recordon, my heart goes to your family, friends and community at this time, you truly were a remarkable soul and you will be dearly missed! Huge honour to work alongside you, a name I will never forget!! Thank you for your service!

Such an amazing human. If each and every one of us emulated Phil´s values and behaviours the world would be a better place . Rest in peace ! Susan Devoy

Very sad to hear. Loved your heart for the people . You were my mentor and example of hiw people should be treated. I honour you for your work in the Restorative Justice space and the massive contribution and wisdom as our RJ Judge in Manukau. Arohanui to your whanau. May your journey ahead be greater..

R.I.P Phil

Colin Cleave

I have always felt privileged to know my fine friend Phil and consider that he given my family and I an immense amount over many years. To me he has been a true treasure.
He has given me countless years of legal help and advice for no monetary reward.
As a friend he has helped me develop an interest in rugby and I had come to refer to him as "My Judge"
I shall truly miss him as I know that I will never meet another quite like him. May he rest in peace and his spirit live forever, regards to his family and many friends
---Ivan Ford

Rest in Peace dear Phil. I will remember you fondly. Jan x

Enjoy your rest Sir (Even though you always said to call you Phil!) You always treated my team and I with respect. We all have such tremendous memories of our time with you and it is an honour that we proudly share, to say that we kept you safe as you served the people of South Auckland. Much love to your family and those who are dear to you. On the balance of probabilities, I'd safely Judge that you have already walked through those Pearly Gates of Heaven being the person that you are. See you later on if I make it

You became a very dear friend Judge Recordon , you were very passionate in the restorative justice arena and supported me in so many ways. Your amazing compassion and understanding I will never forget. I was just speaking about you on Thursday to a client and how much I treasured your input in my life.. gone for now but will see you again .. much aroha to your family .. Ariana Te Paea...RJ MUMA ..

What an amazing human being!! Such a heart of gold had so much respect for this man!! He was my lawyer for child when I was a kid and such a great 1!! So sad to hear of his passing

Rip My deepest condolences to Genevieve and families of Phil. Such a sad loss

I was a social worker - I can't say how much I liked you Judge Recordon, you were one of the most decent people I've ever known. You were kind and generous. You would call out "I'd like to hear what Shona thinks" - and I would feel like a million bucks, thank you so much for recognising the efforts I put in. I know I earned this through our mutual desire to never give up on whanau, to see the good, and give them another chance to help themselves. Moe mai ra e te rangatira. God Bless you and your family, as they come to terms with their loss, I'm sure it will be massive. ++

You were amazing when working with our mental health patients, all spoke very highly of you. You were well respected by all staff also.
Thoughts to your loved ones.
From Lou.

A wonderful human being whose compassion, humility and deep intelligence impacted all of us lucky enough to have contact with him.
Thoughts and condolences to his family.
Jill Goldson

Sad news. Lovely guy. Worked as his secretary in the 80s in Onehunga at the time of stopping the "tour". I remember all the tense times in the office.
Regards to Genevieve and family, condolences Linda Robertson RIP Phil xxx

To My darling friend, I have just heard of your passing and am devastated, for you, Genevieve and your children and their families , and I send you all my deepest love and condolences
Philip, I am looking at my wedding photos , there you are as our Best man , Michael and I wondering what on earth you would say in your speech, a little worried as you told us you had bought a " speech" book to practice! But the words you spoke , your generosity and kindness to us is something I have never forgotten
Despite our leaving NZ to live overseas , we always kept in touch , only last year while in .France , as you were too, texting each other about the NZ / France , game results , mine long, yours as always short and sweet
I will be thinking of you and your beautiful family often , can only imagine what you are feeling Genevieve
Thanks from the bottom of my heart Philip , one of life´s beautiful people , and for a very long friendship
I can´t believe you have gone
Much love
Sandy ( Australia)

RIP Phil.
Barry Crump once wrote a book titled "Bas**ards I have met"
You were one of the good ones

Ian McDonald JP. ( St Kents, 1961 - 1965 )
Matata

My deepest condolences to Genevieve and families of Phil. It has been a real privilege knowing him, my mentor and friend. He is a legend of empathy, humanity and generosity.

Phil The Judge
You are a legend
I thank you for your wise Counsel and support and your Bravery during a difficult time for NZ during the Eighties
Rest in Peace I will treasure the memories
Kind regards to your Family
John Hynds

It is with tremendous sadness I hear of Phil's passing. He was one of life's truly special gentlemen. His empathy and compassion and kindness to all was legendary. My sincere condolences to his family. May his passing be a blessed memory for us all. Rest in peace Phillip.

Phil was a hugely kind and helpful colleague. I was thinking of him just yesterday when I saw his photo on the front cover of the St Kentergern's magazine which I was about to forward to my son. What a huge loss to his family, colleagues and friends. I am thinking of you all.

Sad news I was pleased to have known you and worked for many years through mental health when you were a district inspector then a judge

In loving memory of Judge Recordon, a true example of grace, decency, and humanity. His presence will be dearly missed, but his legacy of fairness and kindness will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Judge Recordon.

Our condolences to whanau for the passing of our dear friend Piripi, love from Aroha and Brody

Love and prayers to the families of Judge Recordon. Judge was a pleasure to know and work with over the years. A very special person that I will hold close in my heart.
Manuia lou malaga Sir

It didn´t matter who you were, Piripi always treated people with kindness and aroha, asked how they were and asked after their whanau. He would somehow remember all of this and after the customary hug would ask for an update. So respected and comfortable in every environment with a huge heart. A brave and humble man who spoke of surfing rugby and fishing at the lake, very grateful to have known you. Picture from Dec 22. Vicki x

Moe mai ra e te Rangatira Judge Phillip Recordon

I remember being brand new to my career working as a registrar at the Auckland District court and just feeling completely inspired by you.

You presided with compassion, humility and genuine care for all those who appeared before you. Some of whom were the most vulnerable in the system, whether it be in the criminal court, mental health courts or youth courts.

You treated everyone with respect and dignity, no matter the crime they were accused of. You always saw the human underneath and acknowledged that first.

I remember one day you were late to Orakei marae for court. No one knew where the `Judge´ was until we saw your old "combi" van rattle up the hill you jumped out apologising profusely, you told us you "just had to change your tyre". You then threw on your `gown´ from the front passenger seat and got straight into it.

I remember you giving discharges to youths that day in court, saying to them " do you know what that means? A s262 discharge? It means this" then you ripped and screwed up the charge notices and threw them behind you in front of the whole court.
As I scrambled to pick the charges up (for the file lol) I couldn´t help but feel both bemused and bewildered...in the best possible way.

I recall thinking that no matter how far I get in this profession, I want to remain just like you...down to earth yet capable, empathetic yet fair.
A true ally to Maori.
A true Champion of Justice

I remember after working with you for a while, you sent me an email out of the blue. In it, you reminded me of the responsibility and privilege I carried as a young Maori lawyer. You told me about other Polynesian female lawyers you considered to be great and you told me that I too would be a star

You even took it upon yourself to email PDS and tell them they needed to hire me (they didn´t ) but neither the less, those words you shared with me at that time meant more to me than you could ever know.

Your Honour, all I want to say is that the honour was truly mine.

To my favourite Judge now and always.
May you preside and fly high in the sky

No reira e te Rangatira e Phillip
Kua mutu nga mamae
Moe mai ra e te kaiwhakawa
Hoki atu ra koe ki tua o Paerau
Kei reira koe okioki ai
E moe, e moe, kia au to moe

Was on the Te Papapa School board of trustees for 15 years - in that time he worked tirelessly to improve the outcome of all our students - Phil always put others first - a memory around the Covid lockdown - he rang to see how everyone was doing and we told him that we were scrambling to get the school ready to open after a huge break because of Covid - and we had no caretaker available and he and Genevieve turned up ready to mow lawns and gardening - this summed up Phil to a tee - supported us with so many school events and trips - so that no child missed out - he will be sorely missed by everyone at Te Papapa School and will be in our hearts forever

Philip Recordon was an amazing kind hearted Man. Thank you for always looking out for us, for being about the community & for the people. God really gained an Angel You will forever be missed at Manukau DC. Condolences to the family, Judge Recordon will forever and always be so loved