Finding a New Opportunity and Community in South Wairarapa

Citycare Property Parks Maintenance Person David Bonnington has only been with the South Wairarapa team for a few months, but he’s already settled into both the role and the community.

David and his wife moved to Greytown from North Canterbury after deciding it was time to return to the North Island and be closer to family. The move also gave David the opportunity to change careers after years working as an architectural consultant, he was ready for something different.

“I really wanted to do something completely different, something outdoors,” he says. “I’ve always enjoyed gardening and lawns. I like the satisfaction of looking at a finished job and actually seeing the result.”

He’s already had the chance to take on a range of tasks, from preparing the Featherston War Memorial Garden for Anzac Day to tidying the Martinborough playground area. “That was a good job,” he says. “A lot of hand weeding, tidying up, repainting park benches."

David says the support from the team has made the transition easier. “I love learning anything, so it’s good. Everyone’s been doing it a lot longer than me, so they’ve all got their little techniques for doing things quicker and more efficiently.” He’s completed his required online training and is keen for more. “It’d be good to learn how to drive the digger and do things on my own.”

Outside of work, he and his wife have been quick to get involved locally. “We’ve both joined the South Wairarapa Working Men’s Club. There’s a pool tournament every Wednesday, so I’ve been doing that a bit. My wife’s been going to the choir. We’ve been trying to involve ourselves in the community as much as we can.”

It’s clear David has found a place where he can contribute, learn, and feel at home, and Citycare Property’s South Wairarapa team is glad to have him.