Remembering NKA Board Member David Senior
Eulogy
Recently Northland Kindergarten Association lost a dedicated man who had served on the Kindergarten Board for the last 5 years.
David Senior’s sudden passing was received with shock, sadness, and gratitude for his time with the Kindergartens in Te Tai Tokerau.
David Senior was a well-known community leader in both the Mid and Far North. He first joined the far North Kindergarten Association and stayed on the merged board when the two kindergarten associations joined on 2020. On the board he demonstrated wisdom and a sound thoughts and considerations for how this impacted the young kindergarten children of Te Tai Tokerau.
With apparent limitless energy David was involved with a large number of community organisations, including: the Far North Regional Museum Trust; Kaitaia Budgeting Services; Far North Disability Resource Centre; Far North District Council Disability Advisory Group; Te Hiku Sports Hub Incorporated; Elevate (Christian Disability Trust), and long serving member of Tiaho Trust Board. Like all of the trustees on the Tiaho Board, David also had an impairment.
David was born with a sight impairment which was increased to total blindness when he had an accident in his early childhood. Despite the ironic circumstances of his accident which occurred at the Homai School for the Blind, David accepted his blindness with stoicism. Indeed he was quite philosophical about this.
David lived in Te Tai Tokerau for the past 32 years. During which time he discovered Christianity, and this became a pillar of his life. He really enjoyed getting involved locally in the community at a governance level. He liked the mental stimulation with his involvement and felt he was not only part of his community, but valued by it.
He was known for his strong sense of humour and complete commitment to the cause. He was a deep thinker with a strong stubborn streak and a clear calling to be able to contribute. For a sightless person he was one who was all about being visible to his community.
At the end of the day, David Senior will be remembered as a valued member of his community, who contributed hugely.
David leaves a legacy of good common sense, significant contribution and sound ethical leadership, which will be remembered.
Grant Harrison
Board Chair
