Neville Phillips, who has spent 21 years on the Mataura Community Board and 10 years on the Gore District Council, is one of three finalists for the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) SuperHuman award.
The newly created award celebrates the "hidden gems" who exemplify what being an elected member is all about.
Cr Phillips moved to Mataura in 1982 and was elected to the newly created Mataura Community Board in 2003.
"I’m humbled by [the nomination] because at the end of the day you don’t do it for accolades. You do it because someone needs to do it."
The 67-year-old was nominated for the award by fellow members of the Mataura Community Board.
Mr Phillips said when he was first elected to the board, he wanted to try to improve the level of service in the town.
"I thought ‘hang on a minute. This is not right’."
At that time, former council chief executive Stephen Parry believed there should be more Mataura representation at the council, he said.
"Even though I worked for the council at the time I could still stand. Which to me, was a bit of an advantage."
Being on the community board was about making the community feel safe and welcome, he said.
"Everyone knows each other and we are there to help each other and if anything goes wrong.
"We know that we can be there and rely on the person next to us."
There had been many highlights during his time, he said.
This included the construction of the Mataura Service Centre, which took the board "quite a few years" to complete.
"That was one of my major drivers," he said. "It’s worked out pretty well so far. It’s shown that it was worth the effort."
As for the future of the town, he has high hopes.
"To have all the facilities there that we have now and have it grow and make it a safe place for families."
The second stage of Tulloch Park redevelopment will be another "showpiece" for the town, he said.
"It’s going to drag not only families but people from throughout the district here."
The redevelopment includes the installation of a new splash pad, toilet and changing rooms
Mayor Ben Bell said the award was what being an elected member was all about.
"Neville certainly fits into that category. He has a genuine passion for this community and is driven by a genuine desire to make Mataura the best it can be."
The SuperHuman award winner will be announced at LGNZ’s conference later this month.
