Pāmu joins the sector in acknowledging the passing of Dr Dave Leathwick, a leading AgResearch parasitologist whose work reshaped how New Zealand farms manage drench resistance.
Dave was one of the first scientists to recognise that parasites were becoming resistant to long‑used drenches — a shift that would change pastoral farming forever. His research directly informed the best‑practice approaches we now use to protect animal health and slow resistance across national herds and flocks.
As an organisation, Pāmu worked with Dave from 1995 on the management of drench resistance across all of our farms.
“He undertook a lot of his research across our farms, in particular on Tutamoe with Peter Strawbridge and on Rangitaiki with Sam Bunny, amongst others,” says Environment Manager Gordon Williams, who worked with Dave for 25 years. “He was one of the most practical of scientists and always related to the farms and the farm teams.”
What set Dave apart was his commitment to working on‑farm, alongside our farmers, vets and rural advisors. His field trials and practical guidance underpin many of the parasite‑management strategies used at Pāmu today, including our focus on integrated parasite control, refugia management and reducing reliance on single‑active drenches.
Dave helped farmers facing multiple drench resistance, supporting them to implement workable, system‑specific solutions.
Internationally recognised for his expertise, Dave received the McMeekan Memorial Award and was named Primary Industries Champion for his service to our sector.
Pāmu extends our condolences to Dave’s whānau, friends, and colleagues. His legacy continues in every farm team striving for sustainable parasite management and better ways of farming.
Photo Credit: AgResearch
