The Spirit of Aegis award is presented by Law Alliance NZ, an alliance of independent legal practices, recognising outstanding community service by a lawyer.
Mr Dean was nominated by his law firm partner, Ben Coleman, and a panel of trustees made the selection.
Mr Dean has been a member of the North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU) board for 10 years and chairman for the last seven. Under his leadership, rugby in North Otago has increased its profile dramatically, from grassroots to representative level, notching up an outstanding record in the Heartland championship for one of the smallest unions.
Mr Dean was highly regarded by union members and had lifted the profile of North Otago rugby, working voluntarily five to 10 hours a week, Mr Coleman said.
Without his involvement, smaller unions like North Otago could have ceased to exist under restructuring proposed by the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Mr Dean had been invited by the NZRU to be part of a select committee overhauling its constitution, demonstrating the high regard Mr Dean was held in, Mr Coleman said.
"So in a nutshell, Bill, by completely selfless and voluntary effort through the NORFU, has ensured the relevance and viability of the Heartland championship, has developed key commercial and cultural relationships (through rugby) which benefit all of Waitaki, has increased the profile of rugby in North Otago and hasn't been afraid to take on the big guy and stand up for the little guy," Mr Coleman said.
The award was presented at a function last night by Law Alliance chairman Allan Gallagher, of Napier.
