Phillips reflects on environmental and political challenges as he retires from council

Thursday, 5 May 2022

Rob Phillips is retiring after two terms as chief executive of Environment Southland

Southland will have a role to play as the issue of food security becomes more of an issue in the future, Rob Phillips says.

Phillips retires as chief executive of Environment Southland on Friday, after nearly 10 years in the job.

“It’s time to hand the reins over. I think 10 years in these roles is enough for me,’’ he said.

There has been a lot of change in his time in the position.

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Rob Phillips is retiring after two terms as chief executive of Environment Southland.

“It's unbelievable really, it’s been a tidal wave.’’

The regional council has had to deal with a lot of new policy and direction coming from the Government, including a National Policy Statement for freshwater management and a coastal policy statement. There’s also the overhaul of the Resource Management Act and local government to grapple with, as well as limit setting, climate change, and the council’s own Water and Land Plan.

“When I joined in 2012 it was quite a different environment. Since that time we've had the National Policy Statements in and we’ve had much more government national direction.

“I’m a very strong believer in relationships and working with others, so we’ve had some huis, called in some regional leaders … and looked at how we can deal with this stuff together, because there's no point in us doing this on our own.”

The regional council had advocated for farmers wanting changes to winter grazing rules with the Government, and he was pleased to see an improvement in grazing practices.

“We have made huge progress with winter grazing and that has come with a shift in practices from farmers, and I wholeheartedly applaud them for that and what they have done.

“We know that this winter there’s going to be some shitty weather, and there will be mud, and there will be people taking photographs. We are looking at how we prepare for that … and how we support farmers through that because there’s going to be a lot of pressure again.’’

Phillips applauded Southland farmers who had made big changes in winter grazing practices. (File photo)

Farmers had done a ‘’massive amount of work’’ in addressing environmental issues, but there were still challenges, he said.

“I think our science and our monitoring shows that there are some real challenges at the bottom of our catchments, and that's a concern to me. I’m clear that we’re going to need to lower our environmental footprint to get those outcomes.

“It's important not just for the environment's sake but for marketing, for our products, and for Southland’s reputation.’’

Southland’s farmers would have a part to play when food security becomes an issue in the future, he said.

“We grow grass, we grow things, and that’s going to be increasingly important in the world. I wouldn't underestimate the importance of food security, and Southland does that [growing food] with our relatively mild climate.'’

“Southland will have a real part to play in that, and with the upgrade to the city centre [in Invercargill], Tiwai [smelter] wanting to stay, the innovation around green hydrogen and aquaculture, we have a fantastic future and I think Southland is going to be a great place to be.’’

It has not always been plain sailing, and Phillips recalls two incidents which put him in the spotlight.

One was when the regional council issued an infringement to a stock truck company after it leaked effluent as it was driving through Invercargill, which prompted companies to band together to fight the issue. The incident occurred before Phillips joined the council, but he instigated a review that led to changes in how compliance activities were conducted.

He grabbed headlines again in 2018 when questions were raised about the council using a company, in which its own policy planning and regulatory service's director Vin Smith was a shareholder of. The council, at the time, suspended its use of Envira Consulting Ltd while an internal review was carried out. An independent report was critical of the council's processes, but stated there was no evidence that a staff member had acted inappropriately.

“I’ve always operated on a high trust management model and in those instances it was found lacking. There have been times when I wished I was a better bureaucrat,’’ he said.

Phillips will remain on the Predator Free Rakiura Trust, and he plans to spend more time fly-fishing, and wants to walk the Humpridge Track.

“I've got grandchildren in Auckland I want to spend more time with and my children are spread around the world a bit, so there will be a bit more travel.

“I've enjoyed my time here, the council has some fantastic people on board and I think it's really well-placed for the challenges it will have in the future.’’

This story has been amended from the original version at 2.26pm on May 6.