A plaque commemorating Phillipps’ connection to the tree walk at Sandymount has been installed at the start of the tunnel of trees, where Phillipps begins his walk in the music video to his 1984 single Pink Frost, considered by both fans and critics to be one of his most enduring songs.
Phillipps, one of the defining figures of what became known as the ‘‘Dunedin sound’’, died on July 28, 2024. He was 61.
In a social media post, a representative of Phillipps’ family said they were pleased to finally share this ‘‘special part of Martin’s journey, along with a little of the story behind it’’.
‘‘Sandymount was Martin’s first choice for his final resting place, with Pūrākaunui being his second.
‘‘While we weren’t able to fulfil his wish to be buried at Sandymount, we completely understand the reasons why. As a family, however, we felt it was incredibly important to create something there in his memory, as it was such a special place to him.’’
Martin’s father, Rev Donald Phillipps, made it his mission to approach the Department of Conservation and seek permission to place a plaque at Sandymount.
‘‘He was absolutely delighted when approval was granted, and we are so grateful to Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou and the Department of Conservation for making this possible.
‘‘We are equally grateful to our wonderful father for seeing this through for his beloved son and best friend before he died [in October last year].’’
Martin Phillipps is buried at Pūrākaunui Cemetery.
