DAWN HENDRIKSE

ELITE PEST CONTROL, NEW ZEALAND MANAGER

In a world where passion, commitment, and generosity are often overshadowed by self-interest, individuals like Dawn Hendrickse emerge as true inspirations. Dawn has dedicated two decades of her life to the pest industry in New Zealand, leaving an indelible mark on her colleagues and the communities she serves. Her unwavering dedication, along with her commitment to education and support, has transformed her into a wellrespected figure in the industry. Dawn's remarkable journey involves her impact on encouraging new talent, supporting pest businesses, and driving sustainable practices.

Dawn become an integral part of Elite Pest Control when she joined her dad’s business taking on the daily manager in 2012, bringing with her a strong professional image that has helped to elevate the company's reputation. This allowed her dad Gary to focus on exploring and advancing new pest control technologies, including Non-Toxic and Heat Treatments. Together, they have worked to ensure that Elite Pest Control remains at the forefront of the industry, providing effective and innovative solutions to their clients.

Dawn's influence extends beyond her daily responsibilities as the manager of Elite Pest Control. She has actively engaged with the Pest Management Association of New Zealand (PMANZ) council, where she tirelessly promotes the inclusion of new talent in the pest community. Recognising the need for a fresh perspective and diverse skill sets, Dawn has championed the cause of encouraging aspiring individuals to join the industry. Her efforts have provided countless opportunities for aspiring professionals, helping them unlock their potential and contribute to the field's growth.

Understanding the challenges faced by pest businesses, Dawn has emerged as a pillar of support within the industry. Her expertise, gained from years of hands-on experience, has guided numerous enterprises towards success. Dawn's willingness to share her knowledge and insights through informative and educational articles has been invaluable to fellow professionals. By equipping them with the tools and expertise required to navigate a competitive market, Dawn has nurtured a network of thriving pest businesses, fostering a culture of collaboration rather than cutthroat competition.

Dawn has a passion for reducing the use of pesticides in urban environments exemplifies her commitment to environmental sustainability. She firmly believes in striking a balance between pest management and the preservation of ecological harmony. Recognising the detrimental effects of excessive pesticide use, Dawn has embarked on a personal quest to expand her knowledge. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Sciences, which will enable her to implement innovative, eco-friendly practices. Dawn's determination to find alternative solutions aligns with the industry's growing focus on sustainable approaches, making her an invaluable asset in the fight against environmental degradation.

Dawn is a woman of many talents, but few know the extent of her skills. She is also a possum hunter, however she's not your average possum hunter, as her hunting grounds are not in the remote bushlands of the West Coast or the ancient forests of the North Island. Instead, Dawn's expertise lies in tracking and shooting possums in the heart of Christchurch, less than a kilometre away from Cathedral Square. For over twenty years, she has been stealthily stalking her