 In 1871 Nevill accepted the bishopric of Dunedin and was consecrated in the pro-cathedral by Bishop Harper, Primate of New Zealand and Bishops Suter of Nelson, Hadfield of Wellington, and Williams of Waiapu.He served as Primate of New Zealand from 1904 until 1919 (acting Primate since 1902), being twice called to attend the Lambeth Conference.With family money he founded Selwyn College, Otago in 1893.