Current Students

I came to Dunedin in 2004 to study music at the University of Otago. Upon completion of my degree I undertook a Diploma for Graduates in design studies, and then enrolled in the Otago MBA.

During my time at university I have been the bass guitarist and singer of a band, The DFenders. Our musical style is New Wave and the inspiration for our original songs comes from such 80s bands as The Cars and Huey Lewis and The News. As a band we are proud that we have been able to do everything ourselves, from contracting gigs, to marketing our music, to looking after the accounts. Our crowning achievement came in 2008 in being the only independent New Zealand band nominated for a Vodafone New Zealand Music Award, The People’s Choice Award. Since then we have taken time away from music to individually pursue studies and other interests.

I currently work and reside at Dunedin’s oldest college of residence, Selwyn College. My job title is sub warden and my duties entail the management and smooth running of the college’s tutorial programme, offering a role of pastoral care to residents who may be living away from home for the first time, and any other day-to-day business of the college as it may crop up.

My initial intention to study music had no direction. It wasn’t until taking a music industry paper at university that I became interested in business. Having run a successful band and seeing the opportunities that lay in wait in the music industry, I have developed a passion for business that sparked my enrolment in the Otago MBA.

My time at the Otago MBA has been filled with highs, from the broad range of business disciplines we are taught, to the new friends I have made and the fun times we have had. The Otago MBA has provided me with the confidence and skills I need to contribute to the areas of music industry that interest me. In addition it has provided me with a life experience which I will never forget, and one that will serve me well as I venture into new things in 2010 and beyond.

Nationality: New Zealander
Originally From: New Plymouth, New Zealand
Currently: Dunedin, New Zealand
What industry/ies have you previously been in: Music