The High Court in Dunedin was packed to the rafters on Thursday as lawyers, probation officers and court staff bade farewell to "dapper dresser" Judge Kevin Phillips.
He spent 14 years there before moving to Queenstown, where he practised for a further 21 years, becoming a judge in 2006.
After retiring in 2018, he continued to hold court throughout the country in order to fill judicial gaps when required.
He shared his mantra for success with the lawyers who sat before him: "Preparation, preparation, preparation."
Counsel and police praised the judge for his hunger for justice, personal style and positive impact on the lives of many — hailing him as the "most hard-working judge".
Judge Phillips was supported in court by his wife and two adult children, who received a tearful moment of gratitude from the 74-year-old.
"It wasn’t easy ... We got through it," he said.
