Staff

Jen joined the Valley Project team after being an Enviro schools Facilitator for Dunedin.  She is active in working with communities to increase knowledge of biodiversity and climate issues.  She is passionate about the Valley community and all of the great events/opportunities we offer to our people.  She has a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Practice.  She currently sits on the Otago Conservation Board. 

Krysha hails from Southern California where she earned degrees in fine art, multimedia design, and media arts.  She's been active in the field of digital design across both hemispheres for over 14 years, eight of which were within the Workplace Wellness industry, and seven while a Dunedin resident.  Through school, family, work, and play, she is well ingrained in the northern Dunedin community and is honoured to be its representative as the Editor of the Valley Voice Community Newsletter.
 

The Valley Project has a unique contract with City Sanctuary to employ Emily as our local community trapping coordinator. In this role, Emily provides trapping support to local residents and assists the City Sanctuary team and volunteers in managing reserve traplines in Dunedin’s northern suburbs. This work is part of the Predator Free Dunedin 2050 project and complements the Open VUE project.

"I love working and volunteering with the Valley Project and City Sanctuary teams, getting to witness the positive changes taking place and connecting with the community. Being right in the heart of the beautiful NEV, there really is no better place to be and I am excited to be part of achieving the momentous milestone of a predator free Dunedin! I have had the privilege of being well supported by both teams, meeting many wonderful people, taking part in a number of community events, enjoying and caring for our local environment with all its beauties (especially our glorious birds) since 2021 and hope to continue doing so for many years to come."

Nathan joined the Valley Project Executive in Jul '21, but soon realised that his skills and qualities would be better utilised on the ground amongst the staff team. Since August '22, Nate has ran the reception, ensuring visitors receive a warm, vibrant welcome, as well as providing help for key internal practices to uphold a thriving workplace. Nathan has also taken up the role as Minutes Secretary for the Executive as well. 

Jess joined the Project's team just before the COVID lockdowns. Jess provides invaluable skills and staff whilst keeping the budget and accounts in ship shape order. Jess works closely with our Manager, Chair and Treasurer of the Project. Jess is an extremely valued member of the team and community. Jess has many hobbies and passions she spends her spare time on. 

Marie Taufa is currently in her second year studying the Bachelor of Social Services at Otago Polytechnic. She is of Tongan descent and has lived in Dunedin for the past three years. Until September she will be interning for the Valley Project, shadowing their interactions with associated community groups and implementing improved processes along the way. What she wishes to get out of her placement here is meaningful engagement with the community and opportunities to apply skills learnt through Polytech over the past two years: communication skills and general social etiquette, establishing a welcoming demeanour, and controlling body language as a way of demonstrating engagement in conversation. Community relationship building is a skill she especially hope to refine during her time at The Valley Project. She looks forward to not only putting what she has learnt into practice, but also learning more along the way.