Brigadier McGREGOR Obituary

I served under him in the Army 3RNZIR in the 1970s when I was a law Student and later he acted for me in commercial Matters in Bell Gully Buddle Weir Solicitors as it then was.David was a true Gentleman Aj Goodman

David was a special kaumatua of the Leadership New Zealand whanau. He was the Deputy Chair of the Ambassadors, but most importantly, one of those involved with that very first dinner conversation of inspiration and laughter, more than 20 years ago, that led to the founding of Leadership New Zealand, Pumanawa Kaiarahi o Aotearoa.

David was there from the beginning - a founding trustee, hosting the first event, providing legal advice and a home for the organisation over its early years, and always providing support, leadership, wisdom and connections to his broad network. He helped us through tough times and celebrated with us through the best.

Leadership New Zealand, Pumanawa Kaiarahi o Aotearoa now has more than 750 Alumni who are leaders across Aotearoa, embracing the diversity of New Zealand as they lead collaboratively and create the future. They are a part of David´s legacy.

David was a man of warmth, intellect, generosity, insight and humour. He was always great company and had a huge range of friends. Good wine, wonderful adventures, the best stories and always fascinating conversation. We will miss it all. But most of all, we will miss a special friend.

Our love and deepest sympathy to Rebecca and to David´s wider whanau for the loss of someone so very special. We will all miss him deeply.

Sir Bob Harvey and Dame Jo Brosnahan
Patron, Chair of Ambassadors and Founders on behalf of
Leadership New Zealand, Pumanawa Kaiarahi o Aotearoa

So sad to hear. I remember with much fondness how much I enjoyed working with David at Bell Gully. He was the best of the best. My sincere love to Rebecca.

It is with deep sadness and profound respect that we acknowledge the passing of David McGregor, a stalwart and influential presence who dedicated his life to serving others. His impact resonates through the organisations he touched and the lives he profoundly influenced.

David assumed the role of Chair at the Ranfurly Veterans' Trust in 2002, embarking on a multi-decade journey of unwavering commitment. His service extended far beyond pro bono work, encompassing adroit stewardship, strategic vision, and steadfast leadership. Through his guidance, the Trust evolved into a steadfast pillar of support for veterans. His transformative leadership led to a pivotal partnership with a leading retirement village operator, culminating in a modern hospital facility and ensuring the Trust's enduring financial stability and the Trusts original mission to care for veterans.
Under David's stewardship, the Ranfurly Veterans' Trust expanded its services, providing respite care, active support and welfare for veterans and their families in need. His visionary leadership positioned the trust as a crucial partner exemplifying successful adaptation to remain responsive to the evolving needs of those it served.

A distinguished military figure, David's legacy includes serving as the commanding officer of the Third Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and as a Territorial Force adviser to the Chief of Army.

David's commitment to service reached far beyond Ranfurly, leaving an enduring impact on the lives of many. His philanthropy of time and dedication will be deeply missed by those privileged to work alongside him. His legacy of exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and selfless service will forever endure in the organisations he championed and the individuals he supported.

During this challenging time, our thoughts and condolences go out to Rebecca, and David's family, friends, and colleagues. May he rest in peace, comforted by the knowledge that his profound contributions have left an indelible and lasting legacy.

I was saddened to hear of the death of my friend. Our paths crossed as youngsters in Rotorua many years ago and we reconnected a few decades later in Auckland. Those early days, having to navigate our way through those uncertain teenage years were always made easier and fun in Dave´s company. The school balls and dances and the holidays spent at the Mount are remembered with great pleasure. What a fabulous and really worthwhile life Dave lived. How proud his parents and family must have been. I send my love to Rebecca, Judy and Robin and acknowledge your great loss. Rest in peace dear Dave; Victoria D´Audney née Vicki Jacobs.

We are all saddened to hear of David's passing, we have been fortunate enough to benefit from David's wisdom over the many years he was a director at Huka Lodge, Taupo.
With many strings to his bow, his input to our wine list will be missed, he was truly one of the good guys.

We are so saddened to hear of David´s passing and send our love and thoughts to Rebecca and family . David had a wonderful heart and most was generous in his gift of giving himself to help others ,and his absence is a great loss . Sincere thoughts and prayers to all his loved ones

Thanks, David, for sharing some short stretche sof life's journey. I have fond memories of Brigadier Tours in Italy, France and Crete, and will always be grateful for your book launch rescue in 2019. My only regret is that we did not meet earlier in life. My deepest sympathy and a warm embrace to Rebecca and family.

Condolences and much love to you Rebecca and family. We dearly loved David. A wonderful, hugely intelligent witty man. I will always be inspired by his actions which speak volumes to the man he was and am grateful for the advice over the years. David´s guidance lead me into the military in my early years - a path that I would never have considered but am so grateful to have journeyed for a period. David McG will be remembered and sadly missed.

This is a sad loss of an inspiring New Zealand citizen who was an example to us all. I will remember him with great pride and fondness.
Bret Bestic

Deepest sympathy to Rebecca and family. We shared many fun times; David was always good company. Sadly missed. Remembered always by Max and Glynne Ritchie.

David joined the board of Te Araroa Trust (TAT) in May 2006, then served as a very active deputy chair from September that year through to 2013. The trust benefitted during these years from his legal knowledge in shaping a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Conservation, with private property access agreements and their safe storage at Bell Gully where David was a senior partner, and in setting up the Trust´s seven Regional Trusts. Those regional bodies were to prove critical in establishing and maintaining Te Araroa the length of New Zealand.

The then Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, opened Te Araroa on 3 December 2011. David became chair of the trust in 2013, just as Te Araroa began to host increasing numbers of international and New Zealand through- and section-walkers, and as the trail itself began gaining international attention as one of the world´s top long-distance trails. During his 10 years as chair he helped secure important legal alliances with the New Zealand Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi for trail extensions alongside State Highways, and with the Outdoor Access Commission / Herenga a Nuku Aotearoa. He was a bluff and cheerful leader throughout. His military history included service as commanding officer of the Third Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, then Territorial Force adviser to the Chief of Army.
David was well-known for his environmental work at local body level, and his significant pro bono support for the Environmental Defence Society and for environment causes in general. David was a man of many parts, and it was TAT´s good fortune to have had him at our side for so long, always affirming, as he did, that Te Araroa must find its place as a core part of this nation´s identity. David stepped down as chair of TAT in October 2023.

I got to know David after joining the Te Araroa board and can't speak highly enough of his support and counsel as I assumed the chairmanship from him. He certainly will be a loss to those close to him and the wide variety of organisations he tirelessly gave himself to.

A wise and wonderful military leader and mentor, David will be sorely missed. My condolences to Rebecca and the family. I am sorry that I will not able to attend David's funeral as I will be offshore so please accept my heartfelt apologies. Ma Nga Hua Tu Tangata. By his actions he will be remembered.

David was the Board Chair during my time as Director at Te Mata Toa National Army Museum and our working relationship was one of the genuine highlights of this time. David´s Intellect, passion, pragmatism, generosity and wit were defining characteristics that I will keep with me always as I remember our time working together. My thoughts and love to Rebecca and the family.

David has established many legacies in his very full and active life. His military life was exemplary. We morn the passing of a talented visionary for the NZ Army's Territorial Force, now Army Reserve. David's dedication to enhancing the role and opportunities for Reservists was enduring beyond his time is the head. May he rest in peace.

Haere ra to a kind, intelligent and gentle man!

David was such an inspiring person, my sympathies to his family. Te Araroa Trust, and therefore the trail, benefitted very much from his wise leadership.

David. Such a thoughtful, caring and articulate board chair. I will always think fondly of you. Rest in peace. Lorraine Thomson

My sincere sympathies to the family . David´s contribution to and passion for Te Araroa was greatly valued and I personally appreciated his friendship and guidance