Meet the team
Max Devon
Student President
Tēnā koutou,
I am Max Devon (she/her) and I’ve been given the opportunity and privilege to Student President for which I am truly grateful.
I am a student like all of you (in Social Sciences) with a powerful belief that our learners (that’s us) can, will and are changing the world.
My commitment to SANITI and so to you is to represent you, the students where our voices need to be heard and counted.
Student life is awesome, scary, complicated, exciting, sometimes overwhelming and hopefully above all else mostly fun!
To that end, remember to enjoy your learning, don’t take it all too seriously and if there are things that are making the journey a bit TOO challenging, sing out… SANITI is here to help, support or just be, listen and laugh.
I’m always up for swapping stories over coffee ☕
Whaiwhai te kete mātauranga – Fill the basket of knowledge
027 545 7492
Alison Hart
General Manager
Hi, I’m Alison, my role is to oversee the running of the Association for the past, the present and future students. Basically this involves managing contracts, staff, finances and meeting the legal requirements of being an incorporated society and registered charity.
All that is a bit dry, but fortunately we are a small team, I still get to work on the events, international activities and walk the campus putting up posters.
With a background in management and dispute resolution, I enjoy working with students, seeing them develop new skills, be successful with their studies and more into their careers. With over 15 years in the role, I am lucky enough to still be in contact with many of the students who have held positions within the Association.
I love finishing with graduation’s every year, seeing students and their family celebrating success and knowing chances are that somewhere along the way, they have attended a SANITI event or received support from one of the other services provided by the Association.
03 546 2425
Jaycob Brown
Operations Manager
Kia ora! My name is Jaycob, I am a student advocate and the event manager for SANITI. While both jobs are very different, it means I get to meet all sorts of people. My job(s) range from working one on one with individuals and supporting people through hard times to cooking up a storm on the bbq’s and feeding a crowd. If you feeling like a catch up or you fancy a chat, drop by.
Chances are I’ll also have snacks on me. I was born in Whanganui and since then have lived in all larger cities around NZ. I’ve travelled to other countries and still love our little country in the pacific.
I enjoy staying at home cause low key I’m a nana, it gives the opportunity to embrace one of my greatest passions. Gaming! Being a home body means I get to cook for mates and hang out. I enjoy short walks on the beach hopefully eating an ice-cream.
027 545 7495
Megan Riddell
Student Advocate
Kia ora I’m Megan. I’m filling in for Kate as Student Advocate while she’s away on maternity leave. I’m really happy to be part of SANITI, even if just for a short time. I’m looking forward to getting involved in all the fun events we run, as well as supporting students with any personal or academic struggles they are having. The door is always open so please don’t be shy… I’d love to meet you.
I moved to Nelson in 2009 with my partner & 2 children. We love it here & make the most of all that this beautiful region has to offer- sea, lakes, rivers, mountains, theatres, festivals & concerts! I like the beach, walking, riding, movies, reading, music, photography, scrapbooking & helping in the community. I have a very sedentary life right now but have travelled extensively & can’t wait to hit the road again in coming years, now my children are young adults & starting their own life journeys.
I’m a kiwi but spent 18 years living overseas. I studied in Perth & have a BA in Sociology/Anthropology & Aboriginal & Intercultural Studies. I’ve worked in various social service fields- child protection, domestic violence, migrant & refugee settlement, addiction & community social work. People are the most important thing above all.
027 545 7499
Angela Christieson
Projects Coordinator
G’Day Mate, Angela here.
My SANITI (or lack of) journey began on Valentine’s Day in 2022 (isn’t that just super cute) when I applied for a 4-week job helping with events for O Week 2022. It must have been a job well done! Because 3 months later I received a message asking what I was doing, and if I’d come back to help for 2 months and I never left.
I have 2 children; sorry CATS autocorrect got me there.
For someone who has mild dyslexia, I really enjoy calligraphy. My Christmas cards are awesome if I remember to send them out.
But enough about me. What do I do to help you?
My role here is Projects Coordinator, I coordinate events, do purchasing and help the team in any way I can. I am rather logical, which lead me to become the helicopter parent to the SANITI Hardship, making sure the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
027 545 7491
Ashleigh McNeilly
Marketing & International Activities Coordinator
021 268 0980
Ashleigh McNeilly
Marketing & International Activities Coordinator
Kia ora, I’m Ashleigh.
I’m from Nelson and have a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies from Victoria University of Wellington. I enjoy being creative, swimming, camping, getting outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. I’m a wee social butterfly and love spending time with my friends and whānau.
My role at SANITI is Marketing and International Activity Coordinator. This involves managing our social media, website, designing posters and helping deliver some awesome events for you guys! I coordinate the International Activities, so, if you have signed up for a kiwi adventure then I look forward to showing you our very own backyard. Nelson is the place to be with the Abel Tasman and Marlborough Sounds right on our doorstep!
I also assist the Student President coordinating the Programme Representatives. I’m behind the scenes sending you meeting reminders, writing agendas, and making sure your feedback gets followed up.
I’m stoked to be part of such a cool team and get stuck in with some mahi.
I’m based in Nelson but visit all the campuses fairly frequently so if you see me about, come say hi! I look forward to meeting you soon!
021 268 0980
Tamsin Clark
Student Support Marlb/Woodbourne
Hi, I am Tamsin.
My role @ Saniti Marlborough/Woodbourne is student support where I hope to help students with absolutely anything they might need in order to succeed in their studies!
I am also available just for a chat or to listen.
I love being around people & involved in communities.
I have lived in the beautiful Marlborough region for 11 years with my husband & two awesome teenage daughters.
I love traveling, immersing myself in other cultures, culturally diverse foods, languages, beaches & bush walks, and finally I love DOGS
Tamsin’s Hours:
Woodbourne Campus (Aviation Building, Room 123)
Monday 9.00am – 1.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 1.00pm
Marlborough Campus (Student Hub, Room J8)
Tuesday 10.00am – 6.00pm
Wednesday 10.00am – 2.00pm
027 545 7494
Duncan Dunbar
Ara/Te Pūkenga Independent Student Advocate
Ara/Te Pūkenga Independent Student Advocate
Kia ora, hey there, I’m Duncan the independent Student Sdvocate at Ara/Te Pūkenga Canterbury Christchurch.
I was born in Ashburton, then moved to Christchurch in 1966 when 6-years-old (do the math on the age).
I lived in Queenstown for 6 years and then moved to Sydney and Brisbane for 5 years and then off to Scotland/Europe for another 5 years (to see Mum and Dad and the World). As you can imagine I love travel, but also, skiing, mountain biking, tennis, actually let’s save time, I love sport and the outdoors. I am massively happy which is due to my lovely wife Sally and my daughter Scarlett, oh and the three cats we rescued (Sally rescued; Sally is a sonographer and scans people and animals. She prefers animals, no offence to us humans)
I am a qualified counsellor, and my passion is people; my role at SANITI is to provide support for students who maybe experiencing difficulties within the learning environment or outside of Ara/Te Pūkenga. Study alone is difficult and stressful so that extra support with academic or personal issues is like having your first cup of coffee in the morning ahhhhh. Taking the peripheral stress away from students allows them to focus fully on their academic goals and their future dreams.
I am really wrapped to be part of a team that has a sincere heart for people and plus they are cool! ????
027 273 6246
Kate Rees
Maternity Leave
Kate Rees
Maternity Leave
Kia ora, I’m Kate.
I am originally from Palmerston North but have lived in Nelson/Tasman since 2009 so you could call me a “Nelson-ian”. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Massey University.
In my spare time my little family and I enjoy most outdoor activities whether it be hiking/walking or just generally exploring.
I also help with fireworks displays around the region, that is where you might also see me.
My role at SANITI is Student advocate. This involves helping students with anything they may be struggling with.
I am so excited to be part of the amazing team at SANITI.
If you feel like you might need help with something, pop in for a chat :)