ODA EXECUTIVE 2025
PRESIDENT:
CHARLIE BUTLER
Kia ora koutou! I feel hugely privileged to be ODA's President for 2025. I spent the previous two years as the club's secretary and have performed with the ODAPT Hip Hop troupe and in ODA showcases for three years. I am hugely passionate about dance - for the past eighteen years it has joyfully filled my life with many exciting opportunities. When I am not having a boogie you will find me in the library studying as I am in my fourth year of my Law(Hons) and Politics degree. ODA means so much to me because of the manaakitanga it brings me: our community is so special! If you see me around, please do not be afraid to say hello - I would love to meet you.
VICE PRESIDENT:
MADDISON GAY
Kia Ora. I’m Maddison, and I’m excited to be your ODA Vice-President for 2025. I am currently in my fourth year of study, having graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Psychology. I am originally from Australia but since moving to New Zealand, I call Christchurch home. As Vice-President, my goal is to create a positive and supportive environment where people can learn to believe in themselves while having fun. I’m committed to equipping our dancers with the tools and techniques they need to grow while offering engaging and inspiring workshops to spark creativity and growth.
SECRETARY:
rose mCknight
Kia ora, I’m Rose McKnight, a third year student double majoring in Philosophy and Classical Stidies, and I’m originally from Waiheke Island. As the Secretary for ODA, I handle communication and organisation. I love this club because it helps to bring strangers together to build lasting bonds, and enjoy the fun and release that comes with dance.
TREASURER:
joshua walker
Kia Ora ODA!! My name is Josh Walker, I will be your Treasurer in the ODA for 2025! I am a Second Year at the Otago Polytechnic studying a Bachelors of Construction Management in Quantity Surveying. I come from the lovely town of Palmerston (not the northern one), a very close-nit town in otago. I love driving, I go for joyrides whenever I can, traveling all over the south island, particularly to Cromwell’s Highlands Motorpark. My degree is all about money management and efficient budgeting schemes. I am hoping to implement the skills I learn over the year to make the ODA a financial success!!
ODAPT Administrator:
natasha levene
Hey! I'm going into my third year in Otago, studying Anatomy with a minor in Dance. My main goal as the ODAPT administrator this year is to promote collaboration and inclusivity by planning events for the ODAPT dancers coupled with opportunities for dancers outside of ODAPT to promote overall ODA cohesion.
ODAPT Jazz & contemporary MANAGER:
Bri Bold
Hi!! My name is Bri and I am in my second year studying Sociology, Human Resource Management, and History. I am super excited for this coming year and being able to share the talents of ODA with the Dunedin community!!
ODAPT Hiphop manager:
renee murphy
EVENTS Coordinators:
INESE VELDE & KAIA PATTON
Kia ora! My name is Inese and I’m in my third year of university studying environmental management at Otago but I’m originally from Wellington.
Hey ODA, my name is Kaia! I study politics and I am from Wellington too.
We are going work closely with our lovely wellbeing officer in creating fun save and positive events for our ODA whanau and importantly get a ball up and running!
Production officers:
BECKY CHRISTIE & ROSA ADDIE
Hey ODA!! My name is Becky and I am so excited to be one of your Production Officers for 2025 alongside the lovely Rosa. I am in my 2nd year of uni studying oral health and I grew up in Auckland. I am very much looking forward to getting to know all of you and sharing my passion for dance with the wider community through this role. I hope to inspire some new and returning students to adore our beautiful club ODA just as much as I do. Here’s to a fabulous 2025!!!
Kia Ora, my name is Rosa and I’m excited to be in the production officer role this year, working alongside Becky. I’m a second-year marketing student, from Invercargill, with a huge passion for dance, and I’m really looking forward to contributing to the team. I’m excited to be in this role this year and having the opportunity to collaborate with both new faces and returning students. Being part of the executive is an amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish this year!
Social Media & Marketing Manager:
Sophie vlaar
Kia ora ODA! My name is Sophie, and I am a third year student studying primary school teaching here in Dunedin. I’m also so excited to be your social media and marketing manager for 2025! Originally from Auckland, moving to Dunedin and joining the Otago Dance Association has been one of the highlights of my time here, and I hope it becomes just as memorable for you. Be sure to follow our ODA social media accounts to stay up to date with all the exciting things coming your way in 2025!
Merchandise & Sponsorship Manager:
charlotte parker
Hey everyone, I’m originally from Christchurch and now in my 4th year at university, working towards completing my masters in Exercise and Sport Science. My aim as Merchandise and Sponsorship this year is to continue to build strong relationships with sponsors, and design affordable merch for you all to wear!
well-being mentor:
Jeanmari roux
ODAM:
stella lonsdale-hope
I am going into my 4th year at uni, studying a Masters of Teaching and Learning endorsed in secondary education. I am from Christchurch and excited to support the club and its exec in my role as ODAM this year x