Bernie Way honours local builder
A newly completed road in Feilding has been officially named Bernie Way, recognizing the decades of dedication and impact made by local builder Bruce Hill.
The name was officially approved after a heartfelt nomination by his son, Glen Hill, who recognized his father’s lifelong dedication not just to construction, but to building something even more enduring: a legacy of integrity, hard work, and fairness.
For 60 years, Bruce Hill played a pivotal role in the growth and transformation of Feilding through his work as a builder: first building with Stu Hogan and Ray Kitchen before starting his own company, Hill Construction. Primarily residential, his work is etched into the rural landscape of the district, but it’s the way he did business - with honest morals, a tireless work ethic, and a deep respect for his customers - that truly set him apart.
“My father always believed that the strongest foundation isn’t just concrete, it’s character,” said Glen Hill. “He built his company on doing the right thing, even when it wasn’t the easiest thing. I’m incredibly proud that future generations will drive down a road named in his honour.”
The nickname Bernie dates back to Bruce’s time as a student at Manchester Street School by a teacher who thought each child needed a nickname. A nickname that then carried Bruce through school, rugby with the Feilding Yellows, and his career as a builder.
Although Bernie passed away in July last year, he was aware of the upcoming honour and knew where “his street” would be located — within the latest Port Street East development, part of the Kāinga Ora project. When completed, Bernie Way will be home to 15 houses in part of the wide 20 home development.
“This isn’t just a street sign. It’s a thank-you from our community to someone who helped shape our rural and residential areas”, Mayor Michael Ford explains. It’s fitting that Bruce’s nickname becomes part of the Feilding map.”
With the development nearing completion, the street sign will be hung shortly. An appropriate recognition to Bruce’s forward-thinking approach that defined his success over the years.
Caption: Builder, Glen Hill of Hills Construction alongside Mayor Michael on site of Bernie Way.
Caption: Bruce Hill with the street sign named in his honour.