Dave Burt left school early and got an apprenticeship as an electrician. He now runs an electrical contracting business employing 130 staff throughout New Zealand.
About eight years ago, Dave realised he was living with depression, and wrote a book about it called Lengthening the Shadow.
It was the first his friends and workmates knew about it.
Since then he has been actively involved in improving mental health support and outcomes within the construction sector, which has a very high rate of suicide.
But he also has a love of fiction writing, and after many years gestation, Dave has published his first crime thriller novel, called Embedded. He shares his story with Kathryn Ryan.
Photo: supplied
