River Valley Lodge Meet The Team
River Valley Has Grown To Be What It Is Today Through The Passion Of Initially Nicola’s Parents, Brian And Robin Sage. And Since 1986, Brian And Nicola Megaw.
Being away from the main tourist centres, we have tended to develop systems and ways of doing things that are often unique to us. This approach is quite holistic, whether it be Natural Horse Training at the Stables, growing our own vegetables for the Lodge kitchen, having an extended family relationship within the staff, or doing practical things for the natural environment.
continue readingFrom the very beginning our focus has been on delivering a quality, fun experience to our guests, maintaining good relationships with our local community, and operating with a minimum footprint in our natural environment.
(see Our History page).
During the year we have staff who come and go with the season. Some working summer, and some winter. While Kiwis make up the core of the staff, we welcome people of other nationalities that work with us, and who buy into River Valley being a special place.
We believe it is far more important that our staff are passionate about their jobs,
passionate about delivering great experiences, and passionate about the land,
and the river, than what country they come from.
Brian Megaw
Brian
Position at River Valley:Managing Director and Senior River Guide
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:River Guide
Hometown/Country:Born and grew up in New Plymouth, but have lived around Taihape, New Zealand since 1978
Nicola Megaw
Mum, Maamma
Position at River Valley:Wife of Brian/Life of Brian, Stables Manager, Horse behavioural technician, trekking guide
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:Retired raft guide, current horse trekking guide
Hometown/Country:Taihape, Rangitikei, New Zealand
Janey Harrison
Operations Manager, and occasional river or horse trekking guide.
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:Both
Hometown/Country:Taihape, New Zealand
Tom Harrison
Tom
Position at River Valley:Senior River Guide
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:River Guide
Hometown/Country:Taihape, New Zealand
Brian Sage
Fat Dad
Position at River Valley:Co-founder
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:1st generation river guide
Hometown/Country:Taihape, New Zealand
Robin Sage
Maam
Position at River Valley:Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:
Girl Guide
Hometown/Country:
Coke Sage
Cokey
Position at River Valley:Head Housekeeper
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:Hometown/Country:
Maxwell Sage
Max
Position at River Valley:3rd Generation River Guide
Hometown/Country:Taihape
Background:Quit building to become a raft guide. Currently quit rafting to be a builder.
Melissa Megaw
Chief Gardener at River Valley Acres
Hometown/Country:Taihape, New Zealand
Hobbies and Interests:Vegetables
Years at River Valley:
Since birth.
Miranda Aylward
Ranga, Randa
Position at River Valley:Kitchen & Bar Manager
Hometown/Country:I’m a good old westie….Born and Bred in Helensville, New Zealand
Background:I studied Cheffing in Auckland 14 years ago
Danielle Pegge
Dani
Position at River Valley:Digital Media Manager
Hometown/Country:The UK. Unfortunately.
Background:Studied photography at uni, then worked in fashion retail (hence I have so many dresses), then left to go travelling.Came to River Valley on the kiwi bus and loved it so much I came back as a slave, then ended up working as a housekeeper.
Roger Blakiston
Dodger, Grumpy Pants, Roget (with a silent t)
Position at River Valley:Senior Dogsbody
Hometown/Country:The Weasel. Taihape, New Zealand
Background:Graduated from the School of Hard Knocks with a P.H.D. in Common Sense.
Have any questions?
Speak to one of our friendly adventure consultants who would love to help you out.
thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz / 0800 248666
