Knowles, Dex
Knowles, Dex George MNZM, Reg no 677241, peacefully at Wairarapa Village on 2nd December 2025, aged 87.
Much loved husband for 62 years of the late Pam.
Treasured Dad and father-in-law of Julie and Steve, John and Clare, Lynne and Mark, Lee and Terry.
Loved Grandad of Meg; Olivia and Edward; and James and Sophie.
Brother of Mil, Wal, Joan, Peg (all deceased) and Kath.
A celebration of Dex’s life will be held in The Village Chapel, 4-6 High Street, Kuripuni, Masterton on Monday 8th December, at 11am.
Kia Ora koutou,
A mighty kauri has fallen.
I first met Dex during his period servicing NAWASCA when the Wairarapa Catchment Board was preparing its bid for a National Water Conservation Order on Lake Wairarapa. Over the years I had infrequent contact in his various roles in Taranaki.
Latterly as a member of the Waipoua Catchment Community Group researching flood risk to the Masterton urban area I contacted Dex and he regaled me with stories of floods in his youth often accompanying his Dad-superintendent of Queen Elizabeth Park- on inspections around town. His memory of events was very clear and assisted our group to develop a chronology of floods.
We developed a relationship and id often drop in and we would have a natter over a bun-he recounted that during one of the Esk river floods he had visited Pam in the maternity hospital on the Bluff Hill in Napier mid to late evening and then went off to complete flood inspections.
During this period the East Coast was hit by a series of large floods-we swapped stories and reports.
Dex was also very interested in hydrogeology and he quizzed me and was very keen to understand what the recently completed aerial survey of the Wairarapa had discovered.
Dex hankered for the disciplines of the Ministry of Works and was not impressed by both central and local government practises stimulating him penning letters to the local paper.
I will miss his companionship, wit and knowledge.
I live in Kapiti and unfortunately I have a prior engagement and can’t make his do.
Im sure you will give him a great sendoff.
Kia Kaha
Ian Gunn
Dex was a friend and workmate at the Taranaki Regional Council for many years before his retirement. We used to meet on Friday after work firstly at the State hotels back bar and then, when that closed, at Sporties Bar. A number mates of Dex’s generation would be there and put the world right. Sadly, all those mates have passed and I am the last one left. But am only 67, so hopefully have more time on the clock.
Our thoughts are with the family at this time we should all and celebrate Dex’s life and the lot he packed into it. ion of his life.