Hi, I’m Adrian – Insights and Evaluation Lead at Sport Otago. It’s great to be back working in my hometown and in a space I’m really passionate about. I truly believe sport has the power to make a real difference in people’s lives – it brings communities together, builds confidence, and creates lifelong connections.

At Sport Otago, I lead our Insights and Evaluation work. That means I help provide the information and analysis that supports decision-making, and I make sure we’ve got solid evaluation systems in place so we can really understand the impact we’re having across the region.

Outside of work, I’m married to Clare and we’ve got three awesome kids – Taine, Avie, and Kiri. Life’s pretty full with sport (mostly chasing the kids around!) and I’m especially involved in cricket. I coach at Dunstan High School, serve as President of the Molyneux Cricket Club, and sit on the Board of Otago Country Cricket. If you’re keen to connect, need a hand with something, or just want to chat ideas – I’m always happy to talk. Just reach out!

Spending the first 12 years of my life in Invercargill before moving to Dunedin, my childhood always evolved around badminton courts, cricket pitches, and golf courses. 

Coming from a sporting family, it was only natural to follow suit and in turn pass such experiences on to my two boys. After playing various sports throughout my years, I then progressed on to the parental stage of watching/helping/scoring/managing and transporting my boys all over the countryside with their sporting endeavours. I must admit, I never found this a chore and enjoyed every moment of it, even the cricket days at the Oval where the southerly weather was always present, standing alongside muddy bike tracks, or spending countless hours in a freezing cold badminton hall! 

With my boys now adults and living in Auckland and Wānaka, my husband and I, and our dog Monty, spend our spare time at our crib in Otematata. Although the body is not up to scratch now, I still enjoy watching many sports. Having always worked within the financial industry, being able to continue this finance work within the sport/active environment is a pleasure.

I have been involved in sport and recreation for as long as I can remember. As someone who understands the positive well-being benefits it has provided throughout my life, I strongly believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate. My passion for sport led me to complete a Bachelor in Sport and Recreation Management and Master's in Business from Lincoln University. Committed to delivering a safe and inclusive environment, I have been heavily involved in coaching and management from five-year-olds to adults.  

Outside of work, you will most likely find me exploring all Central Otago has to offer with my fiancé Kate and dog Hank, or on the couch watching sport... 

As Sport and Active Recreation Advisor for the Central Otago District, I am here to help with all things sport in the area. Please if you need some support or just want to have a chat about ideas, reach out!!

In my role I work with anyone experiencing issues that impact on their Health and Wellbeing. I help people to build motivation and capability to better understand and self-manage their physical and emotional wellbeing needs. I love hearing people's stories and I'm passionate about supporting them through change.

Kia ora, I’m Caitlyn, originally from Tūranganui-a-Kiwa/Gisborne. In my role as Active Recreation Advisor, I aim to work with, and in support of, rangatahi across Otago, to ensure all young people have access to, and input into, quality active recreation opportunities.

Growing up participating in a wide range of sports and activities has led to my passion for the positive influence physical activity and recreation can have. I spend most of my spare time around a netball court, either coaching or playing. I have recently stepped into the triathlon world and enjoy getting out into the awesome Otago backyard for trainings. Being a proud Gizzy girl, I’m a big ocean person and froth a sunrise swim.

I’m excited for this opportunity with Sport Otago and look forward to working collaboratively with rangatahi to make a positive impact in the community.

My role at Sport Clutha is to help with anything sport-related in the Clutha District, from organising events to funding - whatever I can do to help people to be active. When I'm not at work I can usually be found playing sport, training or watching sport.

Kia ora! I’m Gabby, a proud Southlander. I am delighted to be stepping into the role of Grants Coordinator here at Sport Otago.

Sport has always been a huge part of my life – playing, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines. With a background in Sports Management and Development, I am excited to bring this knowledge into the Grants role to help support our community. I’m especially passionate about ensuring everyone in our region has the opportunity to access and participate in all things sport!

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me on the hockey turf – either playing or coaching, out for a run, spending time with my partner and our dog Storm, or curled up with a good fantasy book.

I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and supporting the amazing mahi happening across Otago.

Kia Ora, I’m Georgia, a local Dunedin girl. I have transitioned from the Play Lead role at Sport Otago, into a new role, as Healthy Active Learning Advisor. I am excited to work with Dunedin schools, helping to create play and physical activity opportunities for tamariki and help school staff learn more about the Health & PE Curriculum and how we can make make movement meaningful!

Out of work I play hockey and do CrossFit, as well as enjoying a brunch out and having fun with family and friends, and of course walk and play with my dog Cooper! 

During my upbringing I participated in numerous physical activity opportunities such as rugby, basketball, rock climbing, scuba diving, and mountain biking. However,  it was my personal and holistic connection through Mau rākau and rugby that allowed me to experience Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview), and build a sense of belonging. As a result, my story demonstrates how sport and active recreation reconnected me to my cultural identity, therefore enhancing my wellbeing.

Becoming a part of the Sport Otago whānau, I wish to utilise my position to advocate, support, and build systemic change across the sector. I hope that diverse groups and priority communities work alongside Sport Otago, so they can use physical activity as a vehicle to promote their individual wellbeing.

Kia ora! I'm Jaden - the Healthy Active Learning Advisor for Waitaki. Before stepping into this role, I worked as the Cricket Development Officer in North Otago. During that time, I had the privilege of building strong, positive relationships with schools, sports clubs, and local organizations in Ōamaru.

I also continue to serve as a Hostel Master at Waitaki Boys' High School and volunteer as a coach for the school's 1st XI cricket team. Through my work, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor and be a positive role model for young athletes. Sport has always been a significant part of my life, and I’m passionate about giving back to the community that has supported me.

I’m excited to join the Sport Otago team as a Healthy Active Learning Advisor and look forward to continuing to build strong, meaningful relationships within the community.

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me trying my best at golf or attempting (and sometimes failing) to beat my dad at backyard cricket!

My why: I am passionate about the benefits that sport, recreation and activity can bring to an individual and also to a community. Sport has helped me see the world, build some life long friends, have fun with my family and keep me healthy. I now get to work for Sport Otago and our wonderful staff and Board to help support our community make the most of our awesome environment to get out there and be active.

I have come from leadership positions across technology and professional services businesses in Dunedin. I am actively involved in coaching a school hockey 1st XI and am also a current selector for the Men's Blacksticks hockey team. My family consists of my wife Sophie, a Year 9 son Max and a Year 7 daughter Anabelle. The kids are all very active so between Sophie and I we spend a lot of time at the Edgar centre, the oval and on various sports fields around Dunedin. We also love to get out on our mountain bikes.

Kia ora, I'm Janell. I'm thrilled to be taking on this dual role of Health Coach/Community Support Worker. I'm passionate about supporting and encouraging people in their health journey and goals - and I'm looking forward to getting out into the local and wider community of Otago as part of this role. When I’m not at work, I enjoy taking my family and dog Scout on adventures, exploring our beautiful country.

I’m Jo Knight- Community Sport Advisor for Sport Central. I work across Central Otago and Southern Lakes - the main towns being Wānaka and Queenstown, and all the rural areas in between! As Community Sport Advisor, I assist with club sport, work with two Councils on sharing facilities and collaborating on initiatives, Active Recreation for Rangatahi and I have a passion for adaptive Sport.

Working and living in paradise, I enjoy hiking with my dog Alfie, mountain biking, paddle boarding, cross-country and alpine skiing - anything that involves being out in our stunning natural environment. I have recently taken up Pickleball and Disc Golf, with varying levels of success! It’s refreshing to learn something new.

I grew up playing traditional sports (netball, basketball, tennis), then got introduced to running, and that turned into trail running, adventure racing and multi-sport. When I entered semi-retirement, I took up coaching to stay involved in the sports that I loved, and also use my Phys Ed degree. I still coach a few endurance athletes and enjoy coaching at a community level for our local Aspiring Athletes Club.

Kia ora! I’m Kate, a Central Otago local with a love for physical activity. I am the Play and Physical Education Advisor for Sport Central, where I promote, deliver, and facilitate Play and PE to early childhood settings and primary-aged tamariki. I believe everyone should have the opportunity and confidence to participate in physical activity, and I strive to make that a reality. Football is my passion, and I also enjoy recreational activities like running around beautiful Central Otago with Hank, our dog. Growing up in Cromwell, I was a participant in many Sport Otago initiatives, and I feel grateful to now promote play, PE, and Healthy Active Learning in my community.

Kia Ora! I’m Keely, a proud Balclutha local with a lifelong passion for sports and active recreation. Growing up immersed in rugby, netball, touch, and athletics, I’ve always been deeply connected to my community through sports. With the support of my whānau, my love for sport, recreation, health and wellbeing has inspired me to pursue a career in the sporting industry. As I step into the Healthy Active Learning role with Sport Otago, I’m thrilled at the opportunity to give back to the rangatahi and tamariki of South Otago. When I’m not working, you’ll find me on the rugby field, playing for Big River Country and the Otago Spirit, or training with the wider squad for Matatu Super Rugby. I’m excited to begin this new chapter with Sport Otago and make a positive impact in our community!

Kia ora! I'm Kezia, a long-time Dunedin resident, and health and fitness enthusiast. I have an early background in hospitality, and I've spent the past five years working as a Personal Trainer and group fitness teacher. I'm super passionate about making exercise not only possible, but an enjoyable and fulfilling part of people's lives, and strongly believe there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to health. I'm really excited to be joining the team as a Healthy Lifestyles Advisor, and feel privileged for this opportunity to give back to the community. When I'm not working, you can find me hanging out with my husband and dog, cooking and eating delicious food, getting outside for a run, or burying my nose in a good book.

Kia ora, I'm Laura - one of the Healthy Lifestyles Advisors in Dunedin. Originally from the UK, I’ve been proud to call Dunedin home for the past eight years. My background is in nutrition, and I’m passionate about helping people build a healthy relationship with food - I love talking about it, cooking it and, of course, eating it! In my role, I’m excited to support people in finding enjoyable ways to be more active and improve their wellbeing. It's a privilege to be a part of this community and I look forward to being able to give something back. Outside of work, I love making the most of the beautiful Otago region, you’ll often find me at the beach in summer or skiing down a mountain in winter. 

Kia ora, I am fortunate to be supporting our team in Green Prescription, Active Families, and Tōko Oranga. Having been a healthy lifestyle advisor for two years, I have a great appreciation for the awesome support our team is able to provide for the people of Otago. I am a Dunedin boy through and through and it’s great to give back to the community.

I am passionate about improving individuals and local communities overall health and wellbeing. In my role of work a can assist anyone that needs support with their Health and Wellbeing. 

Previously I studied a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical activity, Health and Wellbeing). Followed by working in a rural hospital, my role being in physical rehabilitation.

When I am not working you will find me running, biking, hiking somewhere in the mountains or down at the local social sport grounds with friends and family.

Kia ora, I have recently been appointed GM - Operations. My role is responsible for the general day to day operational management of our people, finance, marketing and communications, administration, and other support services functions. I joined Sport Otago in 2021 as our Insights and Evaluation Lead. Prior to joining Sport Otago, I worked in the banking industry as a bank manager and corporate analyst, and prior to that in retail management.

I love being part of the awesome Sport Otago team, as I have been heavily involved in community sport throughout my life. In my spare time I love spending time with my young family, and in winter you’ll find me playing or coaching on the football field, or behind the microphone commentating national league football matches.

Hey team, I'm Owen, or known as Boothy to some. I started at Sport O back in 2006 after finishing up at the University of Otago with a Post Grad Diploma in Physical Education. I have been lucky to have had multiple roles here over the years, working across education, health, and sport. I have been in my current role as GM-Programmes since 2012. The role has oversight of our programme delivery, HR management, regional leadership and stakeholder relationship components, and coordination of our accountability and reporting.

Outside of work, I am married to Shannon and have four children - Tiahli, Ashton, Coby, and Niko. I have been a member of the Dunedin Rugby Club (the Sharks) as a player, coach, and administrator since 2000. I play social Touch (also for the Sharks), like good coffee, not a tea fan, prefer beaches over lakes, and enjoy cooking but not baking (I am the reigning Sport Otago 'Come Dine with Me' champ).

I was born in Auckland but have been based in Dunedin for 23 years now, and am very happy to call this awesome little city my home.

Kia ora - I'm Rachel and I've just come back to Ōamaru, after a few years away, to join the Sport Otago team as a Health Coach/Community Support Worker. I got into health coaching after seeing a need for holistic health care. I studied nutrition and love combining this with my knowledge of overall health and wellbeing to support the best outcomes for our communities.

In my free time you'll likely find me running, mountain biking or somewhere out in the backcountry.

Kia ora, I’m Rebecca. I've been working in media, marketing and communications for about 15 years and have a deep passion for physical activity and sport, which I have been actively involved in all my life. I’ve given almost every sport a go — from figure skating to pickleball — but these days you’ll most often find me playing tennis, netball, and basketball, or in the outdoors hiking, running or mountain biking. We’re so spoilt for choice in Otago, with such easy access to incredible landscapes and outdoor activity options! I’m really excited about the opportunities the Marketing & Communications Coordinator role presents, and I'm looking forward to shining more of a light on all of Sport Otago’s epic mahi to make our region a more active and vibrant place.

Kia Ora, I’m Sara and I grew up in Kurow. From a young age I have loved being involved with sports and being active. Currently my favorite activities are playing netball and going for a walk with friends. This led me to studying Physical Education, Activity and Health at Otago University.

Being amongst the Sport Otago crew for a number or years within the Kelly Sports space, I’m now excited for my new role as the Events Lead. Being physically active is something I am passionate about, and enjoy helping others to do the same. I am looking forward to delivering the wide range of events Sport Otago offer for our community, and working alongside some awesome people. When not at work you’ll most likely find me on a running trail up in the hills of Dunedin, playing social sport, or walking my dog Douglas. I’m also not opposed to a coffee and brunch out in the weekend! Feel free to reach out and connect with me – srussell@sportotago.co.nz 

Originally from Taranaki, I moved to Dunedin from Auckland in 2017 before becoming Mum to one very active tamariki who keeps me on my toes. If I'm not at the reception desk, you might find me taking a stroll around the block or sweating it up the steps to the Northern Cemetery and back.

Kia Ora! I’m Terri, an Otago local, with Ōtepoti being home. My background is in outdoor education, including time working as an instructor at Outward Bound, and more recently working alongside tāngata whaiora as a behaviour specialist. These experiences have shaped my passion for inclusive, strengths-based approaches that help people feel confident, connected, and capable in their own wellbeing journeys. I am passionate about Sport Otago's Active Families programme, supporting tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau to lead healthier, more active lives. When I am not working you can find me spending time with whānau, getting out into nature or doing something creative.

Growing up on the Taieri Plains I found that there are many ways for us to get active in our beautiful region. From playing netball or social basketball to walking my dog Baxter on the beach there are endless opportunities. My goal at Sport Otago is to encourage rangatahi, and those that work with them, to find a physical activty that they enjoy.

Malo e lelei, my name is William Hola and I am the Community Sports Advisor in Dunedin. I am passionate about the holistic success and transformation of people through Sports. I have a diverse background working with young adults through education, youth justice, community work, and sports coaching. My personal and professional experiences give me a unique perspective and approach to learning and teaching, equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to better influence, engage, empower, and educate others to be the best they can be in life as learners and leaders in their world.

Outside my work, I have a family of eight - married to an amazing wife Amandah with our beautiful six kids; Josiah, Praise, Joseph, David, Tim, and Noah, all a range of different ages. We are a family that loves the simplicity of life and time with friends and family. Food - I like my butter chicken, noodles with eggs on toast, and a cup of milo.

I volunteer my time coaching at the Zingari Richmond Rugby Club and love playing sports competitively and socially. Dunedin has been our home for six years and we continue to enjoy the city and friendships we make.

I look forward to connecting and working with you all