David O’Brien Baker MNZM & JP. Born in Auckland Sept 1942, Graduate from Lincoln (University). Has lived in Masterton and worked in the Wairarapa since 1969 with career having also involved NZ wide responsibilities. Now Semi retired. Registered Agribusiness consultant (PC still current) and Life member of NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM).

Held a practicing certificate as a Registered Valuer (ANZIV) 1969 – 2019.

Career History: (Post Graduation)
State Advances Corp in Timaru & New Plymouth (SAC became Rural Bank – In 1968 seconded as Lincoln lecturer).

Employed as farm adviser for the Wairarapa FIC (Farm Improvement Club) in 1969.

In 1986, formed a partnership with Chris Garland that initially traded as D O Baker & Assoc. Then established Company called Baker & Assoc (Wairarapa Ltd). This has subsequently been renamed BakerAg (motto ‘Inspiring Agriculture’) and now involves 20+ people who work throughout NZ.

David was a foundation member of the former NZ Society of Farm Management in 1969; Chair for the Wairarapa/Wellington branch, A member on the NZ council, was elected National president 1979 to 1981. Served on the Primary industry consultants Reg Board and chaired the complaints committee. Was a member of the Wairarapa Valuation tribunal 1989 to 2004, and for a period also served on Wellington No 2.

Past Director or Trustee for many firms. These Include: Ravensdown Fertiliser for 21yrs; AEL; & Fieldair Holdings. Trustee for 15yrs for Wairarapa Building society Charitable Trust (Chair in later years). Served on many community committees (School, sports, region & neighbourhood).
Ministerial appointments included: FMRA Research Assoc 1982-86; In 1986 Leader of South Canterbury, Flood Recovery Task Force; Founding Trustee for the NZ Rural support Trust Nationwide 1988 to 1992; UCOL Polytech board 2009- 2013; Plus, sundry appointments.

Current (Feb 2023) Involvements:
Undertaking General Business mentoring (including BakerAg staff) also, general community work (eg. Secretary for the Friends of Millennium Native Forest Reserve and Solway community committee). Vestry member for Epiphany church (Anglican).

Trustee for John Daniell Memorial Trust. Peter Laing Memorial Trust. Also, still a Trustee or executor for many farming and other clients.

Member of Masterton South Rotary (39yrs. - Included project Team for $172K funding & building of a mobile Health clinic for Rarotonga, gifted 2018). Convener for BC (Biking & Coffee) cycling group; As Secretary for Millennium Native Forest Reserve - compiling publication of its 30yr history.

Other Interests include: - Travel, reading. Cycling. Member Probus; & Masterton Bridge Club. Participates in a Masterton Philosophy group. (Auspices of Wellington school of philosophy). Throughout Covid has enjoyed keeping people positive by passing-on “Smiles, jokes and stories”.

My family are important (3 children Andrew, Sally & Peter, and 8 grandchildren).