David BUTLER Obituary

My deepest condolences to Dave's family. I only got to know Dave in recent years and know his impact in various areas of conservation has been tremendous, not least as the founding Chair of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary. Dave will be greatly missed.

Farewell to Dave a good friend and colleague the conservation community and
the natural world thank you for a lifetime's contribution.I worked with Dace during my time with SPREP in Samoa and was always impressed by his deep knowledge and his ability to interact and pass this onto our pacific partners.
His contribution to conservation should not be underestimated.
Sincere condolences to David's family

New Zealand and Pacific communities have a lot to be thankful for from Dave's commitment to conservation. In both spheres the outcomes from his work will endure for many years. Dave was the perfect colleague and friend - dedicated, honest, humble and conscientious. I feel privileged to have worked with Dave over many years.

Dave was my supervisor in 1993 for my Masters thesis in Samoa and became a lifelong friend and colleague. He was one of the most dedicated and passionate conservationists I ever met, and extremely modest and self- effacing to boot. In Samoa and elswhere in the Pacific he was well known as a leader of biological field surveys, coordinator and writer of conservation action plans and implementor of on-the-ground conservation action, in particular invasive predator control. Dave designed and implemented the first rat eradication/restoration project at the Aleipata islands in Samoa starting in 2006 and which became a dedicated mission for years afterwards. He worked in Samoa on and off for almost three decades on many projects for goverment and NGOs.

Our small conservation community has lost yet another mentor and trail blazer. Sincere condolences to Donna, and the girls. We share your grief, and will do our best to ensure Dave's legacy of dedication to conservation action lives on. One day I hope we can see his vision of a captive breeding centre for threatened Samoan birds, come to fruition. Alofa tele, James Atherton (Samoa Conservation Society).

Another Pacific conservation warrior gone too soon - RIP dear Dave and condolences to your family. I will never forget your friendship or your help saving threatened birds and addressing invasive species in Samoa. Your terrific work in the Pacific will live on. Liz Dovey, ex SPREP Samoa.

Our sympathies and love go out to David's family at this time. The Nelson community has lost a wonderful champion, but they have lost a cherished husband and father. We will always think of you all as we enjoy the beautiful Brook Sanctuary he worked so tirelessly for. Carol and Dave Garnett

Heartfelt condolences to the Butler family. I am deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing, he was a lovely man with a sincere passion and drive for nature conservation. I very much enjoyed my time working alongside Dave at St Arnaud and will cherish the times we shared together.

Condolences to the Butler family on David's passing. A wonderful man, taken when he still had so much to give. May his legacy resound in the dawn chorus of the Nelson hills for generations to come. Arohanui, Alec & Marian Milne, Onekaka.

My deepest condolences to the family.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of a dear friend.
I am honored and blessed to have known Dave through our work with the Environment Department of Niue in the past years. His legacy will live on in our Biodiversity initiatives.
Fakaaue lahi Dave. Rest In Peace dear friend❤

Condolences to the Butler family from Ridge to Reef Niue. Rest in Peace brother.
Dr Josie Tamate - Project Director, Director General of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Shane Tohovaka - Project Manager, Peta Fetaui - Admin/Finance Officer, Mrs Gina Tukiuha - Community Liaison Officer, Thomas Talagi - Communication Officer.

Kua hinga te Totara i te wao nui a Tane
The totora has fallen in the forest of Tane

I am so sad. Arohamai Donna, Juliette, Lesley and whnau from Cherie Johansson

Our deepest condolences from all Dave's friends and colleagues on Niue.
Stafford and Salome Guest

Such a terrible loss on so many levels, but especially to the conservation community who he championed for so long. Dave was one of the loveliest people to work with and he will be sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to Donna and the rest of his family.