We have some exciting updates to share about changes to the Startup Dunedin Board. We are lucky to have such a strong board heading into this year.
2026 Startup Dunedin Board of Trustees. (Left to right) Wade Pearson, Mark Cartwright (Otago Polytechnic representative), Amie Taua (Chair), Angela Davis (Deputy Chair), David Thomson (University of Otago representative), Janine Kapa, and Jamie Reidie (Dunedin City Council representative). Missing, Scott Mason and Karen Roos (Board Intern).
Welcome to the Chair, Amie Taua
Amie Taua is stepping into the Chair role, and honestly, her journey to get here is pretty special. She joined us first as a board intern, became a permanent board member, and now she's stepping into the position of Chair. By day, Amie works as a Creative Partnerships Advisor within the Ara Toi team at the Dunedin City Council. Amie brings both a creative lens and a deep understanding of our city to Startup Dunedin. We couldn't be more excited to see her take up this opportunity and role.
Wade Pearson steps down as Chair
Wade became the Chair of the board back in 2019 and has decided it's time to hand over the reins. Wade is a corporate & commercial lawyer at Avid.Legal, specialising in tech, startups, and the world of indie game development. Over the years, he's brought that sharp legal mind and genuine love for the Dunedin ecosystem to everything he's done as Chair. His contribution to our community has been huge, and we're incredibly grateful for it. The good news is that Wade isn't going anywhere. He'll remain a valued board member, and we look forward to his continued support and wisdom.
Angela Davis, Deputy Chair
Angela Davis joined the Startup Dunedin board last year and has taken on the Deputy Chair role. Angela, a founder herself, brings along a perspective that we think is invaluable at the board level. Angela came through Startup Dunedin a few years ago with her startup, Glorious Lands, a hand-distilled soju made from local New Zealand ingredients. You will now see her leading her own strategy and consulting business, and we’re already benefitting from her contributions at that strategic level.
Karen Roos, Board Intern & Secretary
A warm welcome to Karen Roos, Board Intern & Secretary
We're also delighted to welcome Karen Roos (Ngā Puhi) as our newest board intern and will also act as Board Secretary.
Karen is the Executive Manager of Te Kupeka Umaka Māori ki Āraiteuru (KUMA), the Māori business network group that champions Māori entrepreneurship across the Otago and Southland region. We are super excited to have her join and are looking forward to supporting her along her governance journey.
Our full Board
Collaboration is built into everything we do here at Startup Dunedin, and our board reflects that. Founded as a partnership between the Dunedin City Council, the University of Otago, and Otago Polytechnic, our board has always been about bringing together a range of voices, perspectives, and hats from across our community.
Our Full board is: Amie Taua (Chair), Angela Davis (Deputy Chair), David Thomson (University of Otago representative), Scott Mason, Jamie Reidie (Dunedin City Council representative), Janine Kapa (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha), Mark Cartwright (Otago Polytechnic representative), Wade Pearson, and Karen Roos (Board Intern).
Startup Dunedin is looking forward to a big 2026 ahead, with plenty going on in Dunedin's buzzing startup and business ecosystem.