David has been a regular Volunteer with Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust since 2007. He came along with a friend to help at a peak time and has never left.

David has & still is contributing many hours every year to plan and guide the upgrade of our trapping and bait station network.

Through his drive, knowledge & commitment, managing a crucial new project starting in 2014, when we had to intensify the trapping network to support a Kiwi and Kōkako recovery project. We have been hugely successful in our outcomes, for both Kiwi & Kōkako.

Later he repeated the management process when two other blocks of forest were added to our pest-controlled area creating the 1200+hectares of under pest controlled protected land.

Since the intensification project and the adding of new blocks he has been identified as being key to our Monthly General Public Workdays. He prepares user friendly maps detailing where the work is required, a register list of tasks with grading for our newbies to regular helpers and tool kits for every task being completed. The grading knowledge he has is crucial for health & safety and necessary for the enjoyment of those attending, for whatever tasks are required that month.

Another key part in protecting Ōtanewainuku, is our annual toxin round to control predators. He is also the backbone to this project running smoothly & safely. It is made up of at least 6 parts (be it a few days, or over weeks) with many moving parts. He is aware of all facets.

He was also instrumental in the development of a safety ropes register, maintenance programme register along with managing the contracted chainsaw register & work to keep our bait lines & trap lines clear after storms & normal tree attrition. He ensures volunteer safety is at the forefront of all we do.

We have over 180 km of tracks spread over our 1200+hectares and his diligent management and the annual work has been critical to the ability to restore the forest and preserve and grow all life that dwells within Ōtanewainuku.

Dave’s work was initially contributed while working fulltime and it’s not unusual to be up to 25 hours a week at peak times.

While his work is critical, he demonstrates great humility in his praise for other key people that have been involved over the years and is very quick to identify them.An overarching understanding of his massive contribution, above & beyond, is that he has been hampered with a debilitating illness over the last ten years. It has escalated in the last 2 years. This has restricted his mobility and the ability to actually be in the forest enjoying the environment. He completes all the track and toxin management from his home and remains very positive.

He has shared that the work he does gives him a real focus and reward and delivers better results than the medications provided.

A truly worthy, necessary & giving contribution over 19 years to be acknowledged.