Dave O’Shea: Transforming homes and gardens across Canterbury

For Dave O’Shea, a simple newspaper ad back in 2004 led to a career he never expected — but now couldn’t imagine leaving.

After moving to Christchurch from the north and looking for a change from his previous caretaker role, Dave applied for a job helping clean residential properties. By August that year, he had started what would become a two-decade journey with Noble Services, helping clean, restore, and maintain thousands of Canterbury homes along the way.

Over the years, Dave estimates he’s worked on more than 3,000 properties. What he still enjoys most is seeing the transformation that comes from bringing a property back to life.

“There’s something satisfying about seeing a place cleaned up properly and ready for someone new to move into,” Dave says. “It’s a good feeling knowing people are walking into a nice, fresh space.”

No two days are ever quite the same. Throughout his time with Noble Services, Dave has taken on all sorts of work — from water blasting and chainsaw work through to oven cleaning, gardening, and general property maintenance.

His skills have grown steadily over the years, particularly outdoors. Chainsaw work is something he’s especially proud of learning.

“I used to watch one of the guys who was really good with the chainsaw, and over time I got to that level myself,” he says. “Weed eating is another one. You just keep learning and honing your skills as you go.”

Dave’s practical outlook on life has also stayed consistent over the years.

“Take it one day at a time,” he says. “You can’t look too far ahead. Just deal with the situation on the day and let tomorrow take care of itself.”

It’s advice passed down from a former boss — and something Dave has carried with him throughout his career.

Through it all, one thing has never changed: his love for working outdoors.

“I’ve always liked the outside side of life,” he says with a smile.

From working at the New World deli as a teenager to helping transform homes and properties across Canterbury, Dave’s story is one of hard work, adaptability, and taking pride in doing a job properly.