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Jill Ford
Founder
I’m an action woman, experienced marketeer, campaigner and fundraiser, who is passionate about making a difference. I have free dived for many years, all over the world, and seen the degradation of the marine environment due to climate change, over fishing and plastic pollution. My experience working on a plastic campaign with City to Sea, the organisation behind Refill UK, inspired me to set it up in Aotearoa. I have also managed cycle advocacy campaigns in NZ and UK, and a zillion events.
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Balazs & Gabor
Barefoot Web Design
RefillNZ web site guardians – producing and maintaining our website with passion.
Barefoot represents naturality, simplicity and elegance. When walking without shoes you are one with the terrain, focused purely on the road, on your steps, not on the troubles. We craft sharp, modern and unique design that stands out and attract visitors.
https://barefootwebdesign.co.nz/ -
Thomas Verbeek
App Developer
I’m a senior iOS developer who crafts apps for Apple products, from mobile banking to augmented reality. I collaborate with startups to build solutions that reduce plastic waste and its impact on the planet. Check out the RefillNZ app on the App Store!
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Breanna Ward
RefillNZ Canterbury Campaigner
Kia ora. I feel an urgent need to make change around our plastic consumption and its inevitable effects on our oceans. From a really young age I’ve felt a deep connection to the sea. When I swam across the Cook Strait, it strengthened my will to raise awareness of how we can fix our broken oceans. My friend Tess and I cycled the entire North Island, signing up RefillNZ Stations and talking to schools about plastic consumption. I really love being a part of RefillNZ, focusing on both reducing plastic pollution and encouraging people to drink water as the healthy choice (instead of sugary drinks).
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Serene Goh
Databases
I work in Wellington as a database administrator. Outside work, I enjoy exploring the nearby walking trails. Spending time outdoors makes me question the relationship between people and nature. Modern society often discuss ‘nature’ as somewhere else: a place to visit or an ecosystem that we must manage to provide food, clean water, fresh air. So much that we sometimes forget that we are also part of nature. What we do to nature will ultimately affect ourselves. With this thought, I aim to lead a sustainable lifestyle and encourage others to do the same. This is the reason I joined Refill NZ.
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Raquelle De Vine
Canterbury Schools Workshops
Lover and friend of the ocean from an early age Raquelle set her heart on pursuing the conservation of the oceans and protecting them from the plague of plastic pollution. She worked on Algalita Marine Research & Education’s [AMRE] Oceanographic Research Vessel Alguita.With Captain Charles Moore, the discoverer of “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch”. She now has with now has over 18000 nautical miles of blue water sailing aboard the ship. Back in Aotearoa, she has recently established a South Pacific Chapter of AMRE, Algalita Marine Research & Education South Pacific.
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Julia Lyford
Communications
I’m a communication professional with a passion for animal welfare and sustainability. I love getting off the beaten track and exploring our beautiful Aotearoa. It saddens me to see our pristine environment and wildlife being destroyed and killed by plastic waste. That’s why I’m part of the RefillNZ team, encouraging people to change their habits, one refill at a time, for a better planet.
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Hayford Ahiadu
Christchurch Campaigner
He holds a PhD degree in Environmental Management from Lincoln University New Zealand. He is originally from Nigeria and as a person who is concerned with the maintenance of ecological balance and the conservation of the environment; he has been searching for environmental management related jobs. He came across the RefillNZ voluntary service advertisement in November 2019. Here’s his expression of interest: “I’m interested in participating in your Environmental Campaign aimed at preventing plastic pollution at source.” He has since then taken active part in getting Cafes, Bars and other businesses in Christchurch signed up to the free water on tap RefillNZ campaign.
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Emily Bisset
Social Media and Comms
“I’m so happy to be a part of the RefillNZ team and community. I am passionate about this beautiful planet we live on and showing it the love it deserves. When I’m not studying marketing at uni you’ll find me filming, writing, editing or performing around Wellington. I love most any creative venture I can get my hands on!”
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James Beachen
Social media
I’m a recent commerce graduate (Marketing & Commercial Law) and part-time bartender. As like any student I immediately jumped at the offer of gaining some marketing experience, but through the months of working with Jill and researching for the campaign I have come to learn of the importance about sustainability and the real impact we as a country have on the environment. I find this initiative incredibly motivating as a Kiwi and am lucky to be able to offer my skills to this campaign!
Mitch Winter
Content
I am from a beautiful small town at the top of the South Island named Takaka. Often, I spend my summer in Takaka either out on the water or exploring the local coastline. I am studying at Victoria University of Wellington. It was due to my large involvement with nature that made me passionate about the environment and led to me to wanting to help in any way I could. RefillNZ showed me the option to be able to do this and I am excited and proud to be part of the team.
