Robert (Bob) Edward Taylor

I go back to where-ever it was that I was before I came

Obituary

Sadly our Dad passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday night, 2nd June. Dad lived a full life and has left a strong legacy and many happy memories for us all. 

We know he had valued connections with individuals and groups formed through his many interests and passions throughout his life. It would mean the world to us if you would share your memories, photos or comments on this Tribute page.

Lydia and Rob

Bio

Robert was born in 1945 in London. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1951 on board the S. S. Atlantis. He had a long and distinguished career working for over 50 years across commercial and non-commercial radio and television stations in New Zealand, Western Australia and Queensland.

He spent 22 years with National Radio in New Zealand, three years announcing with the ABC in Perth, and two years for 2XA in Wanganui a city he returned to live for the last part of his life.

Robert was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to public broadcasting and conservation, as well as several awards for program excellence.  In 1973, he partnered with wildlife recordist John Kendrick to introduce birdcalls to National Radio for the first time in regular broadcasts.

One of his proudest achievements was partnering with Don Merton to raise critical public awareness and support for the endangered black robin when its population numbered only five birds, contributing significantly to saving the species.

During his time in Australia he established the Queensland Broadcasting Academy and conducted training with Griffith University's Department of Linguistics and QUT, training international students from China, Hong Kong, Europe, and South America.  He spent 15 years as a nationally accredited Trainer Coordinator training multicultural broadcasters on an Ethnic Community Radio station (4EBFM) in Brisbane.

Robert was a committed historian, talented artist, actor, author and poet, publishing a book of poems titled "Driftwood-Another Voice".  He produced L.P. records and CDs of New Zealand birdcalls, including the best-seller "Birds of New Zealand".

Above all he was the proud father of Rob and Lydia and granddad to Luke and Finn. 

Timeline

Gallery

Memories of Bob

June 5, 2026

Hi Dad,
I cant help but feel cheated. I thought we had many more days left to talk and be together. I'll never get to show you my construction projects. I never got you to sign my found children of tane record. I never...

I'm proud of you Dad. You had a fun and diverse life. You did so many things and I think you even left a meaningful positive and beautiful mark on our country. I love the feeling I get when I'm in the bush under a black beech tree listening for birds. I can almost hear you whispering "listen"...then trying to call back. You did that. You made the bush and the birds of New Zealand my happy place. Nowhere else is quite the same.

You always knew so much and were right about things which frustrated me sometimes but boy am I going to miss it now.

My heart breaks Dad for what I have lost but you set us up to be happy, to find happiness and showed us how to be creative. Honestly I wish I had a quarter of your artistic talent, carpentry skills, vision and charisma.

Thank you for being my role model for being kind. You showed kindness to the world around you and delighted in the animals who came accross your path.

Love

Lydia

Lydia DiCaprio