About Caitlin

Caitlin Taylor-Maddock is a Marketing and Management student at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. She works part-time as a design tutor at Yoobee and as the Marketing and Events Manager for NZSTI (New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters).

She’s also a student rep on the Wellington committee for the Marketing Association (MA) and co-founder of the Vic Marketing Club (VMC), where she’s passionate about creating space for students to connect, learn, and find their feet in the industry.

With experience in design, events, communications, and social media, Caitlin enjoys bringing ideas to life and having honest conversations about impact, creativity, and where marketing’s heading next.

About Lia

After completing her first-class honours degree in Marketing in 2022, Lia Carruthers is now Assistant Brand Manager at Farrah's - NZ's leading manufacturer of wraps and tortillas.

Launching the brand's 'Always On' digital strategy and leading key parts of new product launches, Lia drives incredible results for the business.

Curious and creative, she has a keen interest in AI, shopper data, and experimenting with new platforms. Just 6 months ago, Lia was named 2024's Marketer of the Future at the YouTube NZ Marketing Awards.

Aroha Gell (She/her)

He uri tēnei no Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa (Ngāti Rakaipaaka), Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, and Tūhourangi

About Aroha

Aroha Gell is a Strategist at VML with over three years of experience, blending strategy and cultural insights to drive impactful campaigns. She’s worked on award-winning behaviour change projects for government agencies, aiming to reach communities most impacted by inequity. Aroha’s strength is her ability to navigate both Māori and non-Māori spaces, take on challenging and sensitive projects, and find creative solutions. Passionate about making a positive impact, she’s all about building an Aotearoa where everyone has what they need to thrive—on their own terms. A marketing graduate from Victoria University, she’s passionate about social marketing and being a good tūpuna (ancestor).

Work examples: Stick it to Hep C, Smokefree, 2023 Census, Harry Styles & the Census, ACC Injury Prevention, Recycling Contamination, Mental Wellbeing for Māori, Mental Health & Addictions Nursing, and Alcohol Harm Reduction.

About Jack

Jack entered the marketing industry nearly five years ago with Stuff, beginning as an outbound marketing strategist in the call center.

Over the years, he has taken on various roles within the company and is now part of the Agency team in Wellington as an account manager. In this role, Jack collaborates with agency partners to help achieve marketing objectives for their clients. Stuff has provided valuable opportunities for his career growth and engagement in an industry filled with talented professionals and diverse pathways for progression.

About Ella

Ella is a Communication and Marketing Advisor at Greater Wellington, the regional council. With a start in science communication, she has transitioned into the public service realm, where she is passionate about making information and engagement more accessible to everyone. Ella thrives on finding creative ways to connect people with the work that shapes their communities.

Beyond her professional role, Ella is an enthusiastic dabbler in all thing's hands-on — whether it's crafting, climbing, diving, or perfecting the art of dumpling making.