To do great things we need great people, if you can help we would love to hear from you. We need all kind of talent to help things move along - from inception to when we are fully up and running. Drop us a message today.
(Click to expand)
Paul Southworth is a co-owner of local website design and development company Turboweb based at 381 Kaikorai Valley Road. His involvement with technology was sealed as soon as he saw how the internet and sharing of information could change the world for the better.
A musician and a keen wanna-be gardener, Paul started collecting like minded people to help with Aroha Kaikorai Valley. He firmly believes bringing technology, business skills and people together can create powerful change.
(Click to expand)
Jon Thom is the co-owner of The Print Room and a local artist. For the past 10 or so years, Jon has exhibited his charcoal portraits & photographs in galleries in Otago, his work is held in public and private collections throughout New Zealand. As well as completing work for galleries Jon has created a number of murals throughout the region.
Jon's other passion is screen printing, his business The Print Room which he runs with Chris Brun in their Kaikorai Valley Road factory specialising in printing with environmentally friendly water-based inks onto garments that have been created in an ethical & sustainable way. The Print Room's next mission in 2022 is to build NZ's first 'green' screen printing factory which will largely operate on solar power.
(Click to expand)
Simon McMillan has been involved for over 20 years in environmental education in and around the Kaikorai Catchment. He spent the last 24 years as a teacher and HOD Science at Kaikorai Valley College. In 2004, Simon set up a real time water quality monitoring site with NIWA and the Kaikorai Stream website with the help of Otago Polytechnic students. A trained geologist, his specialty area is the local sedimentary rocks of the Dunedin area.
In 2008, Simon led the World Environment Day celebrations in the catchment. He emphasizes win-win partnership projects for mutual benefit with different stakeholders: such as riparian planting with Scott Technology 2010-2012, and the Kaikorai Catchment Hui in 2019 with the Otago Regional Council.
Currently, Simon manages Kaikorai Valley College’s Urban Farm. That project aims to challenge mindsets about sustainable best practice in our urban and rural spaces. He shares AKV’s vision and is thrilled to support its ongoing mission.
(Click to expand)
Bob started with Turboweb in 2008, he owns the business with Paul and specialises in the technical side of the business.
Bob is working hard to save the environment, one drive at a time, with his electric vehicle. He’s a self-confessed geek, programming and playing computer games in his spare time. He’s been doing Taekwondo since 2012 and in 2019, was awarded his black belt. Bob enjoys terribly good craft beer, often with Paul, and enjoys playing board games and watching sci-fi with his wife and four children.
(Click to expand)
Enlisted originally as the Secretary, Sarah wanted to get even more involved with AKV because the vision aligns so strongly with her values.
Operations Manager at Turboweb, Sarah has been working with Paul and Bob since 2017 and looks forward to being the organiser behind this non-profit organisation!
Lets go!
(Click to expand)
Beth Wishart is our administrator for Aroha Kaikorai Valley. She brings a lot of volunteering experience and knowledge to the role. She has a passion for native wildlife and is eager to see the valley's progress. Beth is working 6 hours per week and is looking forward to meeting everyone in the AKV community.
(Click to expand)
Weixuan Jin (Call him Jin) joins us taking on the treasury role. Jin brings previous experience to the role from other NGO groups and is enthusiastic to learn the role of Treasurer and help develop systems and processes.
(Click to expand)
Josh has been part of Aroha Kaikorai Valley since the very beginning, bringing a passion for both technology and the environment to everything he does. Currently studying Information Technology at Otago Polytechnic, he’s combining his skills and interests to lead a community-driven air quality monitoring project in the Kaikorai Valley.
The project involves installing a network of air quality monitors throughout the valley to monitor air quality in real-time. Josh is committed to making this data open and accessible, helping raise awareness about local air conditions and supporting education and community-led action.
With a sharp mind for tech, a strong work ethic, and a big heart for his community, Josh brings quiet energy, curiosity, and good vibes to the kaupapa.
(Click to expand)
Craig came on board with AKV mid-2024 and has been volunteering for three mornings a week in the admin team. Craig is a former DOC community ranger and has worked at Orokonui ecosanctuary, building tracks, trapping and working with volunteers.
(Click to expand)
Marty spent 6 months employed with AKV as a field worker and continues to be heavily involved as a volunteer. He's gone from strength to strength building trap boxes, running around traplines and helping community members manage their traps. We're so grateful for all his hard work and hope the native wildlife is too!
(Click to expand)
Renee has been installing predator traps in Kaikorai Valley back yards since January 2024. She’s busy juggling a professional job, and other commitments, but volunteers her time to give back to the community.
(Click to expand)
Lily has been volunteering with AKV since January 2024, installing predator traps in back yards. She’s also working a busy full-time job but enjoys volunteering in the weekend to help the local environment. Lily has loved meeting the Kaikorai Valley community and enabling others to be look after their patch.
(Click to expand)
Troy came on board in 2024 to help backyard trap hosts to manage their traps and work the trap.nz app. Troy says it has been awesome being a part of AKV and the wider Kaikorai Valley community. "It gives me an excuse to be outside and in nature and there is always a fulfilling feeling of doing things to help our environment. It has been the best part of my week, and the time has skipped by so quickly."
(Click to expand)
Darcy has thoroughly enjoyed joining the AKV team. "What I have enjoyed most about being involved with AKV is the unwavering passion and teamwork about conservation I have seen from everyone. It has been so amazing to surround myself within a community of like-minded individuals whose goals match mine - that we are all here to help create and maintain a diverse and healthy ecosystem. I also love being able to go out into the bush and do some birdwatching!"
