David Tonks

David Tonks, Monsignor (born 1950) is a senior priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Auckland.

Early life
Tonks was born in Auckland and was educated at St Peter's College, Auckland (1961-1967). His father was Syd Tonks a well-known horse-racing commentaor. Because of that connection, Tonks was selected with alacrity by Archbishop Liston, who was a keen follower of racing, to be trained for the Catholic priesthood for the Auckland Diocese. He began his training with the Jesuits at Holy Name Seminary in Christchurch and completed his studies with the Vincentians at Holy Cross Seminary, Mosgiel. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1975.

Priesthood
After his ordination Tonks served in various parishes and was Diocesan youth chaplain for six years before leaving for study in Chicago, where he gained a masters degree in Scripture. In 2007 he was appointed Pastoral Assistant to the Catholic Bishop of Auckland Bishop Patrick Dunn, a post previously held by Dunn himself before his appointment as bishop. In 2008 Tonks was raised to the rank of Monsignor. He is on the staff of St Patrick's Cathedral.