Tribute to Judge Philip Recordon
Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane – A totara has fallen in the forest of Tane
The Whau Mental Health Research Foundation would like to honour the legacy of Phil Recordon, who left an indelible mark on the Foundation and the community.
Phil Recordon served on the board of the Foundation from 2015 until his passing in 2024 and was a long-time supporter of mental health.
Phil practised as a lawyer in South Auckland for 30 years before being appointed to the District Court Bench in 2003. He was originally at the Waitakere District Court and then the Manukau District Court. Phil worked in a variety of areas of the law, particularly family law, disability law, criminal law and youth law. Phil’s passion for mental health advocacy was evident in his role as a District Inspector for Mental Health for 20 years. He also dedicated his time to various trusts focused on mental health and Maori health, leaving a lasting impact on the community he served.
The Foundation is deeply grateful for Phil’s invaluable contributions and will remember him for his kindness, dedication and remarkable spirit.
Board Alumni
The Whau Mental Health Research Foundation would like to acknowledge the below individuals who contributed their time, expertise and dedication to the Foundation’s mission.
Col. W Murphy* (1967 – 1967)
J V Jerram* (1967 – 1973)
A C Pfeifer*^ (1967 – 1976)
Sir Robert Kerridge* (1967 – 1977)
Sir Ronald Algie* (1967 – 1977)
Rev. A L Dixon* (1967 – 1988)
Dr P P E Savage* (1967 – 2002)
F B Thomas* (1967 – 1975)
H Jenner Wily*^ (1967 – 1975)
H R A Vialoux* (1967 – 1975)
H J Barrett (1969 – 1977)
Joe McMenemin^ (1976 – 2003)
Edgar N Rout (1976 – 2011)
Doris Barton (1976 – 1985)
H Y Gilliand (1977 – 1983)
Maj. Gen. L A Pearce (1977 – 1986)
T G Maxwell (1977 – 1986)
N Wallace (1986 – 1987)
M A Mathieson (1986 – 1991)
E M Mathison (1986 – 1991)
E G Perry (1986 – 1997)
Hon. Mr Justice M H Vautier (1986 – 1999)
Dr Roger H Culpan (1986 – 2007)
A J Cluny Macpherson (1987 – 1999)
Judge Ron J Gilbert (1989 – 2009)
Dr D A Purdie (1992 – 2002)
R H Burrell (1998 – 2001)
Professor Warren J Brookbanks^ (1998 – 2017)
D G Capshaw (2000 – 2001)
B Barraclough (2002 – 2003)
Dr Sally N Merry (2003 – 2014)
Ken L Eagle (2004 – 2012)
Dr Gael M McDonald (2005 – 2008)
Louis Boulanger (2005 – 2010)
Dr Catherine (Kate) M Prebble^ (2007 – 2023)
Justice Hugh Williams (2010 – 2015)
Amanda Luckman (2012 – 2014)
Kerri A Butler (2014 – 2016)
John C Hagan (2015 – 2022)
Professor Emeritus Louise F B Nicholson (2015 – 2022)
Judge Philip J Recordon (2015 – 2024)
Taimi S Allan (2019 – 2021)
Dr Maria Baker (2021 – 2022)
Emeritus Professor Robert Kydd^ (2003 – current Chair)
Doctor Brian Linehan (1998 – current)
Doctor Barbara Disley (2011 – current)
Emeritus Professor Dick Bellamy (2013 – current)
Doctor Kiri Prentice (2021 – current)
* Founding Trustee
^ Chair
