The Communications Services team has a wide variety of skills and experience in media relations, social media, and writing for all types of situations and audiences. We can provide expert knowledge and support across a range of communication initiatives.
Director's Office
Lea Jones
Acting Director of Communications
Lea is a former print journalist and journalism lecturer with more than 22 years' experience. She joined the University in 2018, having spent the previous seven years as the lecturer and programme co-ordinator of the Otago Polytechnic Diploma in Journalism. Prior to that Lea had roles as a journalist, editor, sub-editor and copy-writer at daily and weekly newspapers and radio.
Tel +64 3 479 4969
Mob +64 21 279 0405
Email lea.jones@otago.ac.nz
Jenny Shaw
Executive Assistant to Director Communications
Tel +64 3 556 5536
Email jenny.shaw@otago.ac.nz
Lisa Dick
Publications Editor
Lisa Dick is a journalist and communications specialist who has worked in local and national news, across TV, radio, print and web.
Since 2022, she has been the University’s Publications Editor, responsible for Otago’s flagship publications including the Otago Magazine, He Kitenga and the University of Otago Annual Report. Prior to this, for 14 years, she was Editor of the University of Otago’s staff Bulletin.
Lisa has an honours degree in psychology and neuroscience from the University of Otago, and a postgraduate diploma in journalism from Canterbury University.
Alongside her official work, Lisa organises an annual creative writing competition for staff, students and alumni.
Mob +64 21 036 1732
Email lisa.dick@otago.ac.nz
Media Engagement Team
Liane Topham-Kindley
Manager, Media Engagement
Liane is an experienced news journalist having worked for newspapers, magazines and news websites for 28 years. She joined the External Engagement Communication team early in 2018 after several years working for the Health Media Limited, which produces the country's national newspapers and news websites for GPs and pharmacists, New Zealand Doctor and Pharmacy Today. Liane has also worked as a freelance journalist for a variety of publications and as an independent contractor for the University of Otago writing the very first few issues of our e-newsletter, Otago Connection. Liane began her journalism career as a Cadet Reporter at the Otago Daily Times in 1988 and later graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Journalism from Wellington Polytechnic.
Tel +64 3 479 9065
Mob +64 21 279 9065
Email liane.topham-kindley@otago.ac.nz
Web University media releases
Ellie Rowley
Communications Adviser
Ellie joined the University of Otago in 2017. She has a background in print journalism, having worked as a general reporter and advertising features writer at the Otago Daily Times. She has a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Film and Media, from the University of Otago, and a Diploma in Journalism (Print) from Aoraki Polytechnic.
Tel +64 3 479 8200
Mob +64 21 278 8200
Email ellie.rowley@otago.ac.nz
Lydia Anderson
Communications Adviser
Lydia joined the University in 2019 as a Communications Adviser, coming from a background in journalism. Her past positions include Otago/Southland regional reporter for RNZ, and deputy website editor at 3 News (now Newshub). She has also worked for wire services New Zealand Newswire and APNZ. Lydia holds a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in International Relations from the University of Canterbury, and a Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Massey University.
Tel +64 3 479 4728
Mob +64 21 279 4728
Email lydia.anderson@otago.ac.nz
Lorelei Mason
Communications Adviser (Christchurch)
Lorelei is an experienced journalist having worked in print, radio and television news for over 30 years. Her last position was as Health Reporter/Correspondent for TVNZ's 1News for 23 years. During this time she won more than a dozen national and international journalism awards. Her prior reporting experience extends to positions at both BBC Television and BBC World Service Radio in London, as a presenter for Sky Television and radio journalist for Newstalk ZB in Auckland, 3ZB and The Press in Christchurch. Since leaving TVNZ a few years ago Lorelei has managed her own Health Public Relations consultancy, representing Kiwi clients from the fields of health research, health charities, NGOs, corporates and health start-ups.
Tel +64 3 364 1199
Mob +64 21 279 2203
Email lorelei.mason@otago.ac.nz
Ani Ngawhika
Kaitohutohu Pāpāho Māori – Advisor Communications (Māori)
Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Whakahemo
Ani joined the University in 2025, coming from a background in journalism and digital, video, radio and TV production. Her positions included reporting for the Otago Daily Times, assisting set locations for Apple TV's Chief of War, and writing and producing an 8-part documentary series Toitū te whenua for NZ on Air. She has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Media and Film and Indigenous Development, from the University of Otago.
Mob +64 21 224 9528
Email ani.ngawhika@otago.ac.nz
Jessica Wilson
Communications Adviser
Jessica joined the University in 2022, after more than five years as a print journalist at The Star. She has experience as a general and sports reporter, as well as ad features writer. Jessica graduated from the University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Communication Studies. She then went on to gain a Diploma of Journalism from Otago Polytechnic in 2016.
Mob +64 21 279 5016
Email jessica.wilson@otago.ac.nz
Communications Advisory Service
Jamie Shaw
Manager, Communications Advisory Service
Jamie joined the University of Otago in 2024 with more than 18 years’ experience in communications and journalism roles. His past positions include reporter for the Westport News, Communications Coordinator for Clutha District Council, Communications Adviser for Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Civil Defence) and most recently Communications Team Leader at Dunedin City Council. An Otago alumnus, Jamie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History, and holds a National Diploma in Journalism from Aoraki Polytechnic.
Mob +64 21 279 6272
Email jamie.shaw@otago.ac.nz
Margie Clark
Communications Adviser (Development and Alumni Relations)
Margie has held a variety of journalism and communications roles in New Zealand and the UK. She started her career as a reporter for The Press in Christchurch in 1985 and went on to work as a feature writer for magazines and the Greenpeace UK press office in London, then as communications director for Greenpeace NZ. She has been editor of the Central Otago Mirror, worked as a contributing writer for North and South magazine and freelanced for a variety of publications.
She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Canterbury, studied journalism at polytech in Auckland, and completed a post-graduate honours programme in journalism at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.
Tel +64 3 479 4021
Mob +64 21 279 4021
Email margie.clark@otago.ac.nz
Kerry Dohig
Communications Adviser (Projects Office and Development and Alumni Relations)
Kerry joined the University in 2018. Since 1995 he has worked in various media and communications roles, including Radio Otago news editor, destination marketing officer for New Plymouth, seven years in Wellington in marketing and communications roles, and more than 13 years in local government communications. He has a degree in commerce and administration from Victoria University of Wellington, and a National Certificate in Journalism from SIT.
He currently works for the Enabling Excellence Programme, and the Otago Business School.
Mob +64 21 232 2047
Email kerry.dohig@otago.ac.nz
Claire Finlayson
Communications Adviser
Claire joined the Communications Advisory Service in 2024 after working as a freelance writer for a wide range of publications (including the Otago Magazine and He Kitenga). In between times, she’s held various roles in the arts and culture sector, including Programme Director for the Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival (2016-19) and fiction judge at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards (2021). She has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Art History from the University of Canterbury and a Master of Arts in Art History from Victoria University of Wellington.
Claire works part-time providing communications for the Otago Business School.
Mob +64 21 279 0304
Email claire.finlayson@otago.ac.nz
Claire Grant
Communications Adviser (Faculty of Biomedical Sciences)
Claire Grant was the Communications Manager for Genomics Aotearoa from 2018 to 2024, contributing to the understanding of genomics in New Zealand. She has extensive experience in communications advisory and public relations, through contract communications and previously as Media Manager for AgResearch. Claire provides communication support for the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences.
Tel +64 3 479 9761
Mob +64 21 279 0552
Email claire.grant@otago.ac.nz
Andrea Jones
Team Leader, Divisional Communications
Andrea is a former print journalist and communications contractor. She worked for a decade in local government communications before joining the University in 2022. Andrea has a BA(Hons) in English Literature from the University of Canterbury and a journalism diploma from Aoraki Polytechnic. As well as supporting the divisional communications team, Andrea provides comms services for the Faculty of Medicine (including the Faculty of Medicine – Dunedin).
Mob +64 21 279 0526
Email andrea.jones@otago.ac.nz
Kelsey Swart
Communications Adviser
Kelsey has both a bachelor and masters with first class honours in Communications from Auckland University of Technology ( AUT ). Prior to joining the Advisory team in 2021, she worked in communications roles at Whakarongorau Aotearoa ( NZ Telehealth Service), AUT , Fletcher Building and others. Her thesis was on the topic of public relations and emerging technologies, with her main areas of interest being public relations, artificial intelligence, digital media and ethics.
Mob +64 21 279 1058
Email kelsey.swart@otago.ac.nz
Kathryn van Beek
Communications Adviser (Sciences)
Kathryn creates stories and content to communicate the work, research and achievements of staff and students in the Division of Sciences. She previously worked for organisations including the University of Auckland, Otago Polytechnic and Dunedin City Council. She has an MA in creative writing from Victoria University of Wellington and a Doctorate of Professional Practice (DPP) from Otago Polytechnic. Her thesis was on the topic of using writing as a tool for positive change.
Mob +64 21 884 430
Email kathryn.vanbeek@otago.ac.nz
Antonia Wallace
Communications Adviser (Humanities)
Antonia joined the University for her current role in 2021. She has experience in a range of communication and marketing roles. Her work has been largely in the public sector, including as the marketing officer for the University of Otago College of Education and communications manager for Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (The Correspondence School). She has also worked as a senior communications advisor in local government. Antonia provides communication advice for Te Kete Aronui – Division of Humanities.
Mob +64 21 279 4144
Email antonia.wallace@otago.ac.nz
Cheryl Norrie
Communications Adviser (Wellington)
Cheryl is a highly experienced print media journalist who began her career at the Gore Ensign and the Otago Daily Times. Her work has been published in a wide range of newspapers and magazines including the Dominion Post, the science journal Nature Biotechnology and the Australian Journal of Pharmacy. More recently she has been writing for the Dominion Post's advertising supplements department and covering New Zealand affairs for the German Press Agency (DPA). She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury.
Cheryl works part-time providing communications for the Faculty of Medicine – Wellington, one of three component schools that make up the Faculty of Medicine.
Tel +64 4 918 6787
Mob +64 21 249 6787
Email cheryl.norrie@otago.ac.nz
Internal Communications and Channels
Lea Jones
Manager, Internal Communications and Channels
Lea is a former print journalist and journalism lecturer with more than 22 years' experience. She joined the University in 2018, having spent the previous seven years as the lecturer and programme co-ordinator of the Otago Polytechnic Diploma in Journalism. Prior to that Lea had roles as a journalist, editor, sub-editor and copy-writer at daily and weekly newspapers and radio.
Tel +64 3 479 4969
Mob +64 21 279 0405
Email lea.jones@otago.ac.nz
Koren Allpress
Internal Communications Adviser
Koren joined the University in 2022 as an Internal Communications Adviser after finishing her BVA Hons in painting at the Dunedin School of Art. She has previously worked as a reporter for the Timaru Herald and The Westport News. Koren is from Dunedin originally and completed a BCApSc in Food Science at the University of Otago in 2011, and a Diploma in Journalism from Aoraki Polytechnic (Now Ara) in 2014. She looks forward to helping share the stories of postgraduate students here at Otago.
Mob +64 21 279 5479
Email koren.allpress@otago.ac.nz
Sandra French
Internal Communications Adviser
Sandra joined the University in 2023. An MBA specialising in marketing communications, she moved to New Zealand in 2012 to pursue further postgraduate studies. A professional with nearly two decades experience, she has worked across multiple industries, including tertiary education, in a variety of communication and marketing roles. She is passionate about the role of communication in enhancing organisational culture and in promoting collaboration, diversity, equity & inclusion, and wellbeing.
Tel +64 3 556 5814
Mob +64 21 279 5305
Email sandra.french@otago.ac.nz
Laura Hewson
Internal Communications Adviser
Laura has more than 20 years’ experience in publishing and communications roles, including working as a freelance writer for the Otago Magazine and He Kitenga. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Otago and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Laura joined the Internal Communications team in 2024 and is particularly interested in sharing stories about Otago’s undergraduates.
Mob +64 21 229 9014
Email laura.hewson@otago.ac.nz