People of all ages, including Connor's friends from Reporoa Primary and local Scouts, are slowly making their way inside, hugging each other before going into the chapel or mingling outside.
The funeral will be followed by a private burial.
A funeral notice said Connor was a "much loved, gentle and caring son" who was tragically taken from his family.
Reporoa Primary shared the details of the funeral service on Facebook and the school board said it was "saddened at the tragic loss of a valued student".
"This young man was admired and respected by his peers. He was a great school leader and an amazing sportsman," the board's statement read.
"He will be dearly missed by the whole school community, our love and thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
Reporoa Rugby junior delegate Kelvin Thomas said Connor was the "pick of all the kids his age" in the club.
The rural community was trying to support the Phillips family as much as possible but nothing they could say would make the tragedy better, he said.
"There's not really anything you can say. Just that we're thinking of them," he said.
Connor's rugby coach, Carlos Latoa, said he would be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.
"I'd known this young boy Connor as a little blonde boy with a lot of heart. Every time he came and played footy for our team, he gave 110 per cent no matter what, rain, hail or snow he was out there.
"He's going to be sadly missed. In the community, his mates, everyone."
A Givealittle page set up to help the Phillips family has reached $11,000, with more than 120 donations and messages of support.
Police said the incident occurred when an adult member of a hunting party was unloading a firearm at the end of a hunt about 1.30pm.
No further police comment will be made until the investigation is complete.
It was the first of two fatal hunting incidents this week - a 27-year-old man died near Te Kaha in the Bay of Plenty on Wednesday night. There have been six non-intentional firearm deaths so far this year.
