Producer, Director, Entertainer, MC, Corporate Trainer, Communications Consultant

I enjoy a kaleidoscopic work portfolio that switches between work as a performance artist, national concert tour manager and trip leader for Operatunity Ltd, and as a corporate trainer & communications consultant throughout Australasia with the Great Scott Company.  I am the director of RD Entertainment - specialising in tailor made corporate shows, cabarets, dinner theatre productions and MC work.

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Career Highlights

Variety Artists Club of NZ – Male Artist of the Year Award 2024
Theatre – Ken Hills Phantom of the Opera, Japan – Tokyo Orb Theatre (Mephistopheles & Persian) 2024
Theatre – Matilda (Director) Tauranga Musical Theatre, Tauranga Baycourt Theatre 2023
Theatre – Holiday Inn (Director) NASDA, Christchurch Court Theatre 2020  
Theatre – Mary Poppins (Director) Amici Trust, Auckland Civic Theatre 2020
Theatre – Blood Brothers, UAE Premiere, Madinat Theatre, Dubai (Mr Lyons)
Theatre – Blood Brothers London’s West End, Phoenix Theatre and UK Tour (Mr Lyons & Narrator)
Theatre – Witches of Eastwick UK Tour (Joe Marino)
Theatre – Top Hat London’s West End, Aldwych Theatre & UK Tour (Alberto Beddini)
The Other Side of Heaven 2 – UA Feature Film (Thomas S Monson)
Gangsta Granny - BBC Christmas Movie (Judge)
Dear Murderer - TVNZ Drama (Court Officer)
Underbelly - TVNZ Drama (Customs Officer)
TV3 News - Weather Presenter 2004 - 2006
Television Chef Presenter (Tegel, Masterfoods, Good Morning Show, Pams TVC – with Jamie Oliver) 
Shortland Street (Paul)
Radio (Love songs to Midnight with Pete Sinclair i98FM, Radio Hauraki 99FM)

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Legendary Teachers - Mr Dixon (father), Mr Nightingale, Mr Duffin and Mr Anscomb

Although somewhat biased, the influence of the Music Department lead by my father and Stephen Nightingale had a profound effect on my work in the arts, as well as influencing numerous friends during our time at Waitākere College. Many of these contemporaries have gone on to achieve stella careers in the arts and entertainment industry, both here in NZ and overseas. 

Mr Duffin was an inspirational teacher who convinced many students that they could go on to great things. The time and dedication given by Mr Anscomb to Soccer and the First XI at school was greatly appreciated.

I look back on my time at Waitakere College as an incredible experience where so many of life’s lessons were learned. I forged friendships with likeminded individuals, many of whom are still close friends today. Those were the days!      

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Neuroscientist working as a Research Fellow at the University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research. My research focuses on the involvement of different brain cells and build-up of disease-causing proteins in conditions including Huntington’s Disease, X-Linked Dystonia Parkinsonism and Alzheimer’s Disease through studying novel molecular changes in post-mortem brain tissue generously bequeathed to science.
I also co-founded the Huntington’s Disease Youth Organisation of New Zealand, a charity dedicated to educate, advocate and support youth impacted by Huntington’s disease in New Zealand.
In my spare time, I focus on promoting positive brain health awareness among the young and old through school and community visits. I am a strong advocate for disseminating scientific information to the public, as evidenced by public engagements including Television NZ, BBC Radio, SBS Radio Australia, Radio New Zealand, The NZ Herald, Newsroom and Newshub.

2021: Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award - Brain research and science communication – awarded by Rotary New Zealand
2019: Awarded KiwiBank Local Hero Award Medal, nominee of Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
2018: Top 5 Women in Health and Science for NEXT Woman of the Year
2016: Awarded Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year, Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame awards, awarded by Indian High Commissioner to NZ
2015 and 2016: Finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year

Inspirational Teachers: While many teachers influenced me positively, I will always remember Mr Dixon and Mr Nightingale from the music department who really encouraged my creativity (music was my outlet at school). I will always remember Miss West my English teacher who helped me work out where I should go after high school (yes my English teacher helped me carve my future in science). And I will always remember Mr Duffin who agreed to teach me History during lunch time because I couldn’t fit it into my timetable.

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Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (NZ Physio Board Reg)

Current PhD candidate at AUT University

Managing Director/Principal Physiotherapist/Occupational Health Physio of Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy - an Auckland wide rehabilitation company with 50 staff

Legendary Teacher: Mr Filo, my rugby coach taught me "Champions sometimes lose but are never vanquished"

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Actress, Broadcaster, Writer, Producer

Career Highlights;
C4 Music Television (Freestyle)
Flava Radio Drive Host 
Niu FM Breakfast Host
Sione's Wedding (Best Actress Nomination, Air NZ Film Awards)
Bro'Town (Sina Tapili)
Shortland Street (Vasa Levi)
Power Rangers (Commander Shaw)
The Royal Treatment (Queen Katherine)
Duckrockers (Writer, Producer)

I enjoy a constant and varied career in Film, Television and Broadcasting. I also left school at the end of my Sixth Form year to become a Mum, which is my favourite role to date.

Legendary Teachers - Mr Dixon and Mr Nightingale.

I loved my time as a student at Waitākere College, even more so because of my Music Teachers. I spent as much time as I could in the Music Suite, sometimes even when I was supposed to be in other classes. From Harmony Group to Talent Quests and School shows, Mr Dixon and Mr Nightingale were two of my biggest influences as Teachers - as well as people. Special shout out to Mr Lyn John too, who started the Boys and Girls Choirs, which I thoroughly enjoyed being one of the Leaders of.  I know these teachers and experiences inspired me to carry on my love for Music and the Arts into a Professional Career spanning over 20 years and counting.

CEO - ANZ Bank 
35 + Year career in Banking in New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA, Egypt, Hong Kong and Australia.  

3 years as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer since 2016 at ANZ Bank. 

A member of the ANZ NZ Bank Board since 2009 and the ANZ Group Board in Australia since 2017.

I would not have had these opportunities and experiences without Waitākere College and in particular the influence if my English teacher Mrs Clare Hallas who encouraged me and gave me the confidence to study Commerce when I was searching for direction. I am forever grateful that she took the time to care and guide me.

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Flag Bearer for New Zealand at the Youth Trans-Tasman Series 2023

Selected in the Touch Blacks Open Women’s Team 2023 

Players Player Touch Blacks Open Women’s Team 2023

Selected in the New Zealand U20 Mixed Touch Team 

MVP Female New Zealand U20 Mixed Touch Team

Legendary teacher - Liam Mulrooney - Y9 Sports Academy teacher & Mentor. 
I remember being a scared Year 9 student, thinking, "What have I got myself into?" while walking into my first Sports Academy class in the gym. I saw cones set up with the speaker out, ready for a beep test. Now, as I look back at it, I realise it was all worth it. Not only did Mr Mulrooney believe in me, but he made what seemed impossible for me to achieve possible. He is the type of person who can bring out the best in each of his students because he genuinely cares about them. When you reflect on your journey through college and can remember someone who has made an impact on your life and sporting career outside of school, it really does make you realize how important a role that person played. I am truly grateful that I got to be a part of his class and one of his many students throughout my years at Waitākere College.

Senior Manager - Financial Crime Forensics

I lead the Financial Crime Assurance practice for Ernst & Young across Oceania, working with clients globally in regions including Australia, Singapore, Europe, and the United States. I help organisations strengthen their financial crime compliance frameworks, covering critical areas like anti-money laundering and terrorism financing, international sanctions, anti-bribery and corruption, and anti-modern slavery.

Legendary Teacher: Mr. Simpson believed in me even when I doubted myself. He always challenged me to push beyond my limits and not to be held back by fear or others' opinions. His support and encouragement gave me the confidence to grow, and his influence still inspires me.

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Anaesthetist (BSci, BMed, FANZCA)

I completed my undergraduate degree in Pharmacology at the University of Auckland, then went on to pursue Medicine at the University of New England in NSW, Australia.

I recently completed my specialist training in Anaesthesia in the Auckland region, and have interests in Perioperative Medicine, Vascular Anaesthesia, and Regional Anaesthesia. 

I recently presented at the Aotearoa Annual Scientific Meeting, and will be completing a second Fellowship in Perth Australia prior to commencing life as a consultant. 

Regional Commissioner for North and West Auckland for the Ministry of Social Development. 

Dan's other career highlights include a diplomatic posting within the NZ Embassy in Bangkok, where he covered engagement with 13 South East Asian countries as well as a Narcotic Detector Dog Handler with NZ Customs and a period in the Royal New Zealand Airforce upon leaving Waitākere College.

Legendary Teachers: Mr O’Gorman and Mr Gayley both had an influence on me as my home room teachers. They helped me decide on my learning pathway through school to achieve some of the goals I had at the time.

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New Zealand Police Constable - Avondale Police Station.

Career Highlights - 

Member of Samoa A Rugby rep team

Auckland Blues Division, 18's

MSL Police prep course 2023

Pasifika Mentor 

Legendary Staff Member - Wez Itamua, the School Youth Worker, had a positive influence during my years at school. She gave me the opportunity to lead the Samoan Group from 2013-2015 as well tutor after finishing college in 2015. These opportunities have given me confidence and helped me along the way to get where I am today.

Radio DJ and Producer for The Rock FM - Lee and team team won ‘best network music team’ 2024 at the Radio Awards for The Rock Drive with Jay and Dunc.

Marriage Celebrant - Won Wedding celebrant of the year in 2023 Wild Hearts wedding vendor awards 

Two time Guiness World Record holder - for the most tattoos of the same cartoon character, Homer Simpson

Lee and his wife Nikita met in year 11 at Waitākere College, they married in 2009, have a beautiful family and have been together over 21 years!

Legendary Teacher:  Mrs Bradley Yr 9 & 10 English, pulled me aside one afternoon and had a really good chat with me about putting my academic work before my need to be popular and to fit in. I was running with a crowd that wasn’t doing me any favours at school. I remember her saying that I had so much potential and that if I would just focus and put that potential into producing quality work in the classroom that I would go far in life. It was different from the same old “Lee has the potential but doesn’t apply himself” that I had heard so many times before. It was an open and honest conversation between two people. One of whom, cared a great deal about the other and who wanted to see him succeed and not stray down a wayward path. Truth be told, that really affected me (in a positive way). To this day I can still remember being in that classroom in B block having that chat with Penny Bradley. She’s an absolute weapon and she will always occupy a very special piece of my heart.

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Pacific Engagement Coordinator (Growing Up in NZ longitudinal study)

Owner of Samogan Treasures

Author - Su’e lanu o le nuanua (Samoan) Kumi mai ‘u lanu ‘oe ‘umata (Tongan)
‘Find the colours of the rainbow’

A memorable Teacher was Mrs Clarke - very stern but a genuine nature about her that helped me grow confidence in my learning abilities, especially in ITC.

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Director - Vivid Computers 
Specialising in providing IT services to small and medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Matthew started his own IT services company while still a student at Waitākere College  

Member of Henderson Rotary Club Serving as President 2015-2016 & District Governor for Rotary District 9910 (leading the Rotary Clubs in half of Auckland, Northland, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island & Vanuatu)  2022-2023 

Trustee of the Waitākere College Foundation - Sparked by a desire to give back to the school which was instrumental in supporting his early business ambitions.

Thanks to teachers Errol Francis and Ray Clarke who supported my business ambitions through high school and allowed me to supply and service the school's computers

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