Dave Ritchie

Dave Ritchie completed a degree in Physical Education at Otago University back in 1991 and immediately realised he needed to be outside, rather than stuck in a gym. He went kayaking and discovered he was actually rather good at it. Despite now having a family and a desk, meaning less time on the water, he still manages to get out amongst it. He joined Tai Poutini Polytechnic in 2006 and is as motivated and enthusiastic now as he ever was. Dave reckons he gets a lump in his throat when he sees students leave at the end of the programme “it’s great to see them develop and mature, they leave brimming with excitement and enthusiasm for their new careers – that’s the real buzz for me”.