Coming home to New Zealand has allowed internationally renowned Hawke’s Bay opera singer Phillip Rhodes to finally grieve the loss of his beloved mother.

It also saw an emotional reunion with his grieving father, Hastings District Councillor Henare O’Keefe. Pam, Mr O’Keefe’s wife of many decades, passed away late last year, but because of COVID-19 restrictions, Phillip Rhodes was not able to attend her funeral. He zoomed in to what was an emotional service, thanks to modern technology. Now, he is just glad to be home with his Dad and sisters.

It has been an exciting week for Mr O’Keefe, who has spent every moment he can with his son, accompanying him to his shows around the country.

“I'm his groupie. I was there in Auckland and I am following him around to Wellington and Christchurch.”

Phillip’s story is one of hope and courage. Rescued by Mr and Mrs O’Keefe from a life of poverty, he grew up as their son, along with his five sisters, in a home that saw 200 foster children coming through.

Phillip’s vocal talent was recognised at an early age (by local teacher Patric Power) and his career was made when he caught the attention of Kiwi opera singing legend, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who offered him the opportunity of a lifetime. Moving to the United Kingdom has seen Phillip’s career soar and he is now based in Wales with his wife and two children.

Returning home to New Zealand and enduring the two-week quarantine, Phillip found his first concert in Auckland quite special. Getting used to no social distancing and not wearing masks was strange for Phillip at first, but it caused him to appreciate being home.

Having his father sitting in the audience made that Auckland show even more special.

“It was quite important and also very calming,” says Phillip.

Mr O’Keefe and his sister, Mrs Shona West, the Principal of Hukarere Girls’ College, had travelled up to Auckland to attend Phillip’s first performance. They returned with him to Hawke’s Bay, where there was something special waiting for him at the airport.

Phillip’s nephews performed a haka for him in the airport terminal.

“So, I got off the plane with my bags and got through the door, and I heard the haka. I looked around because I thought it must be someone important and then I saw that it was my nephews. I couldn’t hold back the tears.”

This set off a chain reaction with other people in the terminal starting to cry.

Mr O’Keefe says it was very emotional.

“It was really special for all of us, but more so for him. It hit him when he first saw the ashes because he was not able to make the funeral.”

Phillip says it was an important moment for him.

“When I walked in, they were right there, and I could just finally grieve properly for the first time.

Mr O’Keefe is determined to hold a memorial service for Pam, where the whole family, including Phillip, will be in attendance. They are hoping this will be next December.

For Phillip, the whole journey has been one of emotion and connecting with his late mother and extended whānau.

“I had a little moment once on my final exit on the stage, I was finally able to allow myself to feel it. COVID-19 has been hard on the family, but you just have to carry on.”

There is no question that Dame Kiri has been a rock for Phillip.

“She has always been there for me, whether it has been checking on me financially, emotionally or professionally. She has been there, lurking in the shadows, checking in and asking the right questions.”

“She really is an amazing mentor.”

Phillip admits that his life can be lonely and, in order to achieve his goals, he needs to be selfish.

“You have to look after this one voice so that you can go out and sing for hundreds of people.“

While he believes he still has an international career, Phillip would like to return to New Zealand for good.

“It would be nice to finish up here in New Zealand eventually, but it won't be within the next 10 to 15 years.”

When Phillip looks back on his life, he just can’t believe how it has turned out.

“Occasionally I pinch myself. I was singing in the Buckingham Palace, standing in there and looking out at the crowd and seeing the Queen and her husband sitting in the pavilion under the marquee, and just thinking, "I'm not supposed to be here by all accounts."

“It is moments like that,” says Phillip.

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