Events Manager, Te Papa
Dave has either participated in events, or organised a variety of functions since his early teen years. Following early involvement in banking, Dave became involved in Christian youth work in New Plymouth and took over leadership of the work which involved directing up to 6 full time staff, 10 students, 150 volunteers and weekly programmes involving hundreds of Taranaki young people on a regular basis. Events included: weekly club activities, camping and in-school programmes, overseas aid and travel experience, concerts, and large community events involving crowds up to 15,000 people. Dave later took on a national role for 10 years organising a series of nationwide provincial talent quests culminating in a national event for 2,500 young artists at the Wellington Michael Fowler Centre over several days. Dave is passionate about seeing young people in particular utilising their abilities and talents in a way that enriches both themselves and others.
Dave went on to develop Eventuate Ltd – a Wellington based Events Company which specialises in NZ-wide conference organisation and concert and event planning.
He is currently the Events Manager at Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand.
Dave is highly interested in sport and rugby in particular. He is a drummer and is a member of a couple of bands which perform regularly at various local functions.
Dave is married to Jan and has 3 adult children – and is now enjoying the experience of being a grandfather.