Noted Council botanist David Given dies
David Given, the City Council’s Botanical Services Curator, died on Sunday, 27 November, after a short illness, aged 62.
Dr Given’s achievements in his field have been recognised throughout the country and internationally and the City Council has been fortunate to have had his contribution, particularly in his last year when he wrote a large part of the draft master plan, setting the future vision for Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens.
David Given, the City Council’s Botanical Services Curator, died on Sunday, 27 November, after a short illness, aged 62. Photo: University of Canterbury
Dr Given brought immense botanical knowledge to the Council and he will be missed by his colleagues. Among his many awards was the Loder Cup, awarded by the Minister for Conservation, and being made a life member of the World Wide Fund for Nature.
Earlier in the year, Dr Given was recognised with two prestigious national awards for his ongoing research into plant conservation. The New Zealand Ecological Society’s Te Tohu Taiao Award for Ecological Excellence recognises outstanding contributions to the study and application of ecological science.
The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network’s Lifetime Achievement Award was made for his outstanding commitment to New Zealand indigenous plant conservation.
The Ecological Society, in making its award, said Dr Given strongly believed in the fundamental place of nature in people’s lives and the role of landscapes and biological diversity in people’s sense of place and belonging.
Life outside work, especially his family and his faith, were also very important elements of his life.
David Given earned a first class honours degree and PhD in botany from Canterbury University. He was for many years in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research’s herbarium, was a Lincoln University lecturer and had a significant role in the work of the Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation. He studied and wrote in the fields of botany, ecology, taxonomy and conservation.
“Botanical societies, fern societies, garden societies, trust boards and other groups have greatly benefited from his expertise and tireless efforts. David Given’s role on national and international committees is legendary,” the society said in a recent newsletter. |
