David is an all-rounder, writing for stage and screen, fiction and poetry. He’s a graduate of Victoria University and Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School as an actor. As an award-winning playwright, David has written, co-written or helped devise over twenty theatrical productions, including Lovelock’s Dream Run, Pack of Girls and Mark Twain & Me in Maoriland. He’s also worked on some of New Zealand’s most popular television series; including Shortland St, Jacksons Wharf and Mercy Peak.
He has written, co-produced and co-directed a one-hour television documentary, The Smell of Money. Had short films made in New Zealand and Canada. And done feature film development work in New Zealand, Australia, England and Canada, where he is also a citizen.
David has taught story telling and scriptwriting at all levels – from primary/elementary and high schools, through to universities and professional writers. In 2009 he taught the Scriptwriting Course at Whitireia in Porirua. In 2010 he is Senior Lecturer in Scriptwriting at the IIML, International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University of Wellington.
As a fiction writer, VUP published his book of inter-linked short stories A Man of the People (2003). His short story Gary Manawatu (1964-2008): Death of a Fence-Post-Modernist was selected for Six Pack Three, and was anthologised in The Penguin Book of Contemporary New Zealand Short Stories, edited by Paula Morris. He’s currently working on a new book of short stories – Rangiwahia, a novel Henare VIII – a gory story for boys, Punt – a collection of poetry, and a play,. Elizabeth III – Black Betty.