Sir David Levene was the youngest member of the original group of prominent NZ businessmen called together by Lord Cobham to discuss establishing Outward Bound in New Zealand in the early 1960s. Sir David was a passionate supporter, by sponsoring students, providing financial support for the Trust’s capital projects and most recently through a pledge to the Cobham Memorial Scholarship Fund.
However, his support was not just financial. As a Trust Director since the early 1990s, a time when the Trust was under considerable financial stress, he lent his business acumen to assist in restructuring and facilitating a stronger financial model, helping us get to where we are today. Sir David was elected Patron of the Trust in 2003 - a position he held until his passing in 2021, and was a Trustee of the Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand Foundation.
Never one to favour the limelight, Sir David believed in the importance of ‘giving back’ to the community and was benefactor of many varied New Zealand charities. He gave freely of his time and talent, having been an active member of the Rotary Club of Auckland since 1963, and his commercial expertise is evident by his many directorships.
There is no doubting Sir David has been a key influence behind the strong position of the Trust today. We are truly fortunate to have enjoyed his support over the last 50 years.
Supporting Outward Bound as a donor, Trust Director, Foundation Trustee and as current Patron has been, in reflection, very personal and satisfying. This involvement has provided the opportunity to help many young people turn around their lives and go on to achieve greatness in our communities.
Sir David Levene (1929-2021)