Gilbert van Reenen
Topics: hiking, mountains, outdoor sports, veterinary practice, flying planes, community
Born in Indonesia in 1949, Gilbert van Reenen immigrated with his family to NZ in 1953. His schooling was in Southland followed by tertiary study at the Veterinary School at Massey University. He spent all his summer holidays tramping, climbing, writing and photographing in the area. There are few valleys he has not walked down, nor mountains unclimbed. Opening Wānaka’s first veterinary practice in 1981 led not only to his gaining a private pilot’s licence (his catchment area was vast), but also early involvement in the local deer farming industry and groundbreaking work in herd development. He is passionate about the Central Otago terrain and environment and has to date published 4 books. He continues to be a lively member of the Wānaka community.
Interviewed by Sally Angus
Gilbert van Reenen, 1970
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