Meet the Team
Principal
Professor Sonia Mazey
BA(Hons) Leicester; MA Oxon, D.Phil (Oxon)
Sonia Mazey is an adjunct Professor of Public Policy at the University of Canterbury (UC) and former Pro-Vice Chancellor, UC business and Law (2012–20). She is a Board Director of the Asia Pacific Student Accommodation Association (APSAA) and former Chair of the Universities New Zealand (UNZVice Chancellors' Sub-Committee for University Student Pastoral Care (CUSPaC).
Sonia held senior academic and management positions at Brunel, Cambridge and Oxford Universities in the UK before moving to Christchurch New Zealand in 2008. At UC, she was a Lecturer, Academic Manager and Dean prior to appointment as Pro-Vice-Chancellor. .
Her research interests include European and EU politics and public policy and she has published extensively in these fields. More recent publications on New Zealand's public policy include Sonia Mazey and Jeremy Richardson (eds), Policy-making under Pressure: Rethinking the Policy process in Aotearoa New Zealand (Canterbury University Press 2021).
Assistant Principal
Bruce White
A chartered accountant and company director, Bruce has held senior management positions in both the public and private sectors. Over the last 14 years, he has worked in tertiary education at the Universities of Canterbury and Waikato.
At UC, was Manager of the College of Engineering (2008-2011) and Deputy Registrar
(2011-2019) before moving to Global Manager for Benchmarking and Reputation at Waikato University.
Outside of work, Bruce can generally be found working on the lifestyle block that he and his wife, Debra have called home for the last 20 years.
Operations Manager
Eddye Davidson
Eddye has a background in banking and administration and operated her own equestrian facility while in the US. She completed an Associate Degree in Accounting from the University of Kentucky.
Eddye came to NZ in 2016 as a tour guide in AUS & NZ and enjoyed seeing many of the beautiful sites around these countries. She became the Communications and Office Coordinator at Arcady in 2023 and was appointed as Operations Manager in 2024. She enjoys assisting the residents and welcoming visitors to Arcady.
Outside of work, Eddye coaches horseback riding lessons and is a NZ Dressage Judge. She also likes to spend time outdoors and enjoys gardening.
Communications and Office Coordinator
Beatrice Te Whata-Woods
Ko Tautoro te maunga
Ko Punakitere te awa
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi
Ko Ngāti Moerewa me te Ngāti Rangi ōku hapū
Ko Beatrice Te Whata-Woods tōku ingoa
Bea is from Tai Tokerau, but grew up in Te Waipounamu and returned to Ōtautahi from Whanganui-a-Tara in late 2024 with her husband to be closer to their whānau.
With 16 years of experience in Health and Sexualised Violence Prevention and Response, including work at a national governance level, Bea is deeply passionate about supporting young people. She is excited to contribute to the Arcady whānau, focusing indirectly on positive youth development rather than direct harm intervention.
Outside of mahi Bea volunteers on the CVS committee and mentors queer and neurodivergent youth.
Community Development Manager
Olivia Hundleby
Olivia has a background working in communications and marketing with the last 3 years spent in pastoral care. She studied at the University of Canterbury (UC) graduating with a Bachelor of Communication (with a Political Communication major). She has lived overseas in the UAE and Canada before returning to NZ in 2019.
Olivia first started working at the hall in 2021. Her role is to facilitate Arcady events, oversee the RA team and ensure students are getting their pastoral care needs met. She is passionate about supporting others when she can.
Outside of the Hall, Olivia spends a lot of time volunteering but can also be found hanging out with her friends and family, reading a book or binge watching a show.
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Head Chef
Scott Townsend
Scott has worked in some of the UK’s top kitchens and restaurants including Michelin regime restaurants and hotels. Scott has taken on several high-profile roles in Christchurch kitchens including; Sous Chef at The George Luxury Hotel and Head Chef at The Carlton in 2015.
Scott leads the kitchen team at Arcady Hall to produce hearty and nutritional food with a simplistic and fresh approach. He believes that dining is a social and happy time that brings people together and should be an experience, no matter the occasion.
Scott is originally from the UK and moved to New Zealand 9 years ago. In his spare time you can find him at the gym or outdoors hiking and fishing.
Head House Mum
Margaret Gainsford
Margaret heads up the household staff who clean, scrub and wash in the four residential buildings and keep their “eyes and ears” out for any issues relating to students, maintenance and guests.
Margaret has worked at Arcady Hall for over 20 years and helps promote the home away from home ethos we have at Arcady.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family. She also hosts international students in her own home.
House Mum Team:
Dionne Kilkenny
Sonya Holland
Nadeeka Wijesundara
Linda Cheung
Kanchana Attapatu
Olivia Ballantyne
Caretaker
Karl Krauze
Karl is our caretaker, handyman, gardener and "general fixit man” who is responsible for keeping the services running and the grounds looking beautiful. He ensures all repairs and maintenance are carried out in conjunction with Ollie our Operations Manager.
Kitchen Staff:
Head Chef
Scott Townsend
Sous Chef
Yashaswin Kekre
Senior Chef
Eric Zhuang
Dining Room Assistant
Hillary Harris
Catering Assistant
Sapumali Galagoda
Kitchen Hands:
Rose Anderson
Matthew Axtell
Libby Boddy
Daniel Cheong
Caleb Cooper
Stella Leong
Aidan McAra
Charlotte Patrick
Janelle Pilgrim
Mieke Shannon
The RA Team
Mabel Hendrie/Nancy Simms RA
Alex Taylor
Hello! I grew up on Waiheke Island and spend my free time surfing, snowboarding, rock climbing and longboarding. I also happen to be a third-year student finishing up my Bachelor of Criminal Justice. I'm looking forward to spending my final year with all of you, and all the fun and memories we're going to share!
Nancy Simms RA
Lauren Allen
Hello, and welcome to Arcady Hall! I'm Lauren, and I'm in the final year of my Masters in Audiology. My hobbies include surfing, going to the gym, and sleeping. I'm also keen to improve my pool skills, so bring your A-game! Here's to a fantastic year, and I'm looking forward to seeing you all!
Cranmer RA
Ollie Floris
Hey there! I’m a second year student studying Digital Screen with Honours majoring in Cinematic Arts. I’m from Christchurch, so I’m staying nice and local - it’s an amazing place! I love everything digital and technical, like photography, acting & theatre. When I’m not studying, you’ll probably catch me watching films with my mates, or tuning into my musical side. I really enjoyed my first year here at Arcady as a resident, and I’m so hoping that you’ll have as good a time as I did. Can’t wait to see you guys grow with the hall and amongst your various degrees
Cranmer RA
Joel Woodmass
Hey everyone! I am a second-year student studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering majoring in Mechatronics. I grew up in the wonderful Palmerston North and spent lots of time playing golf, going to the gym, and hanging out with friends. I am super excited to meet you all soon and am looking forward to an awesome year!
The Oaks RA
Luke Jeffreys
Heyo! I’m a second year Digital Screen student, majoring in game development. My hobbies include; photography, gaming, lego and reading. But I’m always keen to learn something new and love hearing about other peoples interests. I love a good yap session and would be happy to oblige anyone, anytime. Very excited to meet you all and hope to make this a memorable first year at university!
The Oaks RA
Thomas Moggie
Hi Everyone!
I’m a second-year Engineering student majoring in Mechatronics Engineering. Originally from Malaysia, I’ve been proud to call Christchurch home for the past four years.
I enjoy unwinding with board games, watching rugby matches, or simply having a good chat. I also love spending my long weekends and holidays working on little projects—anything from sewing to electronics. When I’m not at the hall, you’ll probably find me spending time with my friends and family, relationships I value incredibly deeply.
I can’t wait to meet you all and am excited to help you settle into Arcady this year!
Mabel Hendrie RA
Kristine Wang
Hi everyone, I'm Kristine, one of the RAs at Arcady Hall this year!! I'm studying for my Master of Teaching and Learning degree at the moment. In my spare time, I always stay in my room to paint, watch dramas, or read books. Right now, after surfing with my friends, I will put it on my hobbies list as well! I'm so excited to meet you all, and I'm sure we will have a great year together!!
Board of Governors
BSc (Hons), Ph.D, CNZM, Board Chair
Tim Bell
Tim Bell is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Canterbury. His main area of research is in Computer Science Education, and he was awarded the SIGSCE award for Outstanding Contribution to Computer Science Education in 2017 at the largest computing education conference in the world! He was a awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2024 for his outstanding contribution to Computer Science Education.
Although teaching computer science is his job, Tim also describes it as his passion. He loves to give students a vision for what they really want to do. Tim has always enjoyed working with young people and was an RA at Bishop Julius from 1985 to 1987. He joined the Board in 2005 to continue to be part of creating a home away from home for university students.
Outside of academia, Tim is an active musician, playing keyboard in bands, but also holding an A.T.C.L. in Pipe Organ performance.
BA Education
Julie
Julie is a past resident of the hall, having resided from 1987 till 1988 and recently joined the Board in 2025. She Completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Education at the University of Canterbury in 1991.
She started her career as a primary school teacher before exploring other careers.
Julie has worked as a Business Analysis in Technology for the past 15 years both in Christchurch and Melbourne. She is keen to contribute to the future of Arcady hall to ensure it continues to provide a great place for students to begin their university experience.
Outside work Julie is busy renovating an older home, travelling when she can and spending time with her husband and little dog Diggity
BSci
Sam Kuipers
Sam was a Residential Assistant for 2 years at Arcady Hall from 2022 to 2023. Taking this position on the board was an opportunity for him to continue contributing to the welfare of the hall and it’s residents and staff. He recently graduated from a BSc majoring in Biology in 2023 at the University of Canterbury.
He is passionate about youth well-being. He is looking to study further as a teacher to provide pastoral support and quality education to future generations.
In his spare time he enjoys social sports, playing the piano, tramping, watching a movie, church activities and socialising with his flatmates and friends
B. Com
Tim Lonsdale
Tim has been a freelance business consultant since 2015 mostly in the New Zealand agri-sector. Tim’s passion lies in lifting New Zealand’s agricultural products out of commodity markets and into high-value branded goods and services through innovation and marketing.
Tim also has interests in commercial property with a number of associated directorships. Tim studied at Lincoln University completing a Bachelor of Commercial Management in Economics and Marketing. He has worked in a range of industries including tourism, textiles and applied research through to Chief Executive level.
In his spare time, Tim likes to mountain bike, ski and fly-fish and keep fit in the pool.
M.Sc (Hons)
Peter Roborgh
A graduate of Canterbury University and a former Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Peter has governance experience in education and a number of commercial businesses including an ASX listed company he started.
His career history spans senior management and company leadership positions in several different markets, typically for growth businesses launching new propositions or facing significant market change.
Each of his adult children had their first university year in a hall of residence (as he did) and he recognises the meaningful benefits a supportive and enjoyable environment can have at this life stage.
Peter is a strong supporter of maintaining interests beyond academic ones. He particularly enjoys outdoor pursuits and is a keen mountain biker.
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B. Com
Phil Ryan
Phil is an experienced commercial manager with 25+ years experience in general and regional management roles encompassing Supply Chain, Logistics, Sales, Wholesale, Retail and Hospitality management in commercial, not-for-profit and co-operative organisations.
Phil was the first Chief Executive of the University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA) from 2000 to 2007 and has since held senior Sales and Supply Chain roles with Coca-Cola Amatil (in both New Zealand and Papua New Guinea), as National Commercial Manager for Farmlands Fuel, and more recently Citycare Property as Commercial Operations Manager including national responsibly for Fleet and Supply Chain.
Both his adult children are recent post-graduates of the University of Canterbury and their experiences and his time as Chief Executive of UCSA have led to a life-long interest in the importance of well-rounded experiences as young people transition through this crucial life stage.
Other interests include travel and keeping active including golf and four half marathons to date.
BA, MCom, Mgmt
Anne Hindson
Anne is a graduate of Canterbury and Lincoln Universities. She is currently working as a freelance contractor in business development and project management.
Anne has previously held several CEO and Project leadership roles in the tourism, major event, sport and agribusiness sectors. She brings education, management and governance experience in the not-for-profit and private sectors, and a strong knowledge of and passion for young people and their development, having lectured at Lincoln University and Ara Institute of Technology, and more recently as CEO of an agribusiness leadership organisation.
She has experience of halls of residence through her two adult children and through utilising the halls for short courses during university holidays. In her spare time, Anne enjoys both road and mountain biking and touring, plays competitive tennis and enjoys time in the outdoors, or with a good book, dependent on the weather.
BA, BTh
Ven. Nick Mountfort
Nick’s first degree was in Political Science, at Canterbury from 1982-1984. During this time he lived at College House and met his wife-to-be at Arcady (at the time it was Bishop Julius Hall). He had a number of jobs before working for the Anglican Church for the last 28 years. Among many positions he has twice been a University Chaplain. Currently he is Vicar of Upper Riccarton Yaldhurst, which includes St Peters Church at Church Corner. As an Archdeacon he helps the Bishop have pastoral oversight of eight neighbouring parishes. He and his wife have 2 adult daughters. His motivation for being on the board is to help make Uni as much a life enhancing time for others as it was for him.
Warden
Rt Rev Dr Peter Carrell
Peter is the Anglican Bishop of Christchurch and Warden of Arcady Hall. After schooling in Canterbury and Otago, Peter studied Mathematics and Philosophy at the University of Canterbury (1978-81). After working and travelling overseas, he then studied Theology at the University of Otago while being resident in Selwyn College, Dunedin (1984-86). Since the end of 1986, Peter has worked as an ordained minister in the Anglican Church in New Zealand and Polynesia in the Dioceses of Christchurch (1987-1990, 2010-present) and of Nelson (1993-2010), with the exception of the years 1990-1993 when he completed doctoral studies at the University of Durham, UK. Eighteen of those years of ministry were spent in theological education and ministry training across the two Dioceses. Peter has been Bishop of Christchurch since February 2019. He is married to Teresa and they have four adult children. In his spare time, Peter follows rugby, cricket and politics, walk and gardens for exercise, and enjoys the company of family and friends for relaxation.