Southerly by David Haywood

David Haywood is the most southerly member of the Public Address team, and lives in the rural town of Dunsandel in Canterbury.

His life has oscillated strangely between arts and science. He began a university degree in 19th century literature, and ended up graduating with a Ph.D. in engineering. In between, he found employment as a forklift driver, guitarist/songwriter, road-works lollipop man, computer programmer, librarian, university lecturer, and research scientist. He currently works full-time as a writer.

The scientific phase of David's life resulted in patents for cryocooler systems and ocean wave energy technology. His research was recognized with awards from the Foundation for Research Science and Technology, and the Institute of Professional Engineers of New Zealand. He has always suspected that at least one of these awards was due to a clerical error.

In 2008, David's book 'My First Stabbing' was published to critical acclaim. In 2009, his book 'The New Zealand Reserve Bank Annual 2010' was published to widespread astonishment. David has written numerous articles on a wide range of topics including: travel, science, arts, humour, film, literature, and politics. He collaborated with Wellington artist Peter Adamson on the 2010 children’s book 'The Hidden Talent of Albert Otter'.

His property in Christchurch was ‘red zoned’ by the government following the 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquakes.  He returned to his engineering roots in order to relocate his 103-year-old house onto rural land in Dunsandel, and has been restoring the house to its original Edwardian form, and recreating the original gardens and orchard ever since.

David Haywood can be contacted here.