Port Nelson’s Terminal Supervisor, Dave “Wardie” Ward, swapped high vis for beach gear (and a toothpick) to compete in Treasure Island: Fans v Faves, broadcast on TVNZ 2 earlier this year.

He came fourth after being knocked out by Dame Susan Devoy and shared some highlights. “Winning the first individual immunity challenge was magic and beating the puzzle king Matty McLean was hugely satisfying, but the main highlight was knocking out Art [Green] and Lance [Savali] in the fire-making elimination to make the Final 4. They were favourites to win it, so I was stoked with that.”

Contestants won money for their chosen charities by winning challenges, and Dave won $10,000 for Te Kiwi Maia, who provide rehab and recovery for First Responders and Servicepeople.

“Given the mahi they put into helping NZers, especially during the natural disasters over the last couple of years, let’s look after those that look after us.”

Dave was appreciative of Port Nelson’s support. “Work was great granting me leave to tick off my apex bucket list item. I was expecting much more grief from my team, but I think they were quietly pretty stoked for me.”