The death of city councillor Phil Raffills (54) last night is an enormous loss for Auckland says Mayor, Chris Fletcher.

“With his huge energy, Phil touched the lives of so many, especially young people, through his work on council, community board, community and sporting groups, Avondale College, ‘Parenting with Confidence’ – and many, many others. His passion for our city and our country will be sadly missed.”

Cr Raffills was elected to the Auckland City Council and was also appointed by the council as a member of the Avondale Community board in October 1995.

He has chaired the council’s Parks and Recreation Committee and been a member of a wide range of other committees including City Development, Zoo, Planning and Regulatory and Works. He was a member of the selection committee for the council’s Commemoration Scholarships for Maori students.

Phil Raffills was an outstanding man who gave 100 percent and put his heart into everything that he did, said Mrs Fletcher.

His contribution was not only to the council, but also to many other organisations he served on and particularly his work in education and at Avondale College.

Mr Raffills was actively involved with ‘Parenting with Confidence’, and with the National Party.

He was instrumental in several major City initiatives including the “zero tolerance” graffiti project, establishing Hillsborough Premier Park and the Millennium Medallion project.

“Perhaps the greatest legacy he leaves is the investment in the lives of thousands of young people who have had the privilege of attending Avondale College. “

For more information please contact: Scott McMurray, Mayoral Communications phone 025 353605 or Steven McDowell, Democracy Services Manager, 307 7986.

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