David was educated at Wanganui Technical College and Victoria University. He has been a Chartered Accountant in public practice in Whanganui and Turangi for forty-two years and is now retired. His community interests have included chairing the Wanganui Community Foundation, the Sarjeant Gallery, the Wanganui Community Living Trust, Whanganui Opera and the Health and Research Collaborative.. His sporting interests are now limited to membership of a boot camp, social croquet and recreational cycling.