First Five Rungs

Chairperson FFR Wellington

Aroha Gell | Strategist | VML

Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Tūhourangi

Passionate about making a meaningful difference, making people laugh in the process, and bringing in more Māori and Pasifika into the industry.

- I whakapapa to Nūhaka and Barrow-in-Furness (UK), Maketū and Croatia (prev Dalmatia, Yugoslavia).

- In my first ever client presentation, I choked on my tea.

- I’m an identical twin and she’s a nurse at Middlemore Hospital, my biggest supporter, mana resetter, and inspiration.

- Will be known to whip out my phone and ask you 35 random questions to get to know you.

- Key advice starting out in advertising? Be curious about everything and everyone.

Secretary FFR Wellington

 Callum Doyle | Senior Account Manager | VML

Callum is excited to help the new generation shake up the industry and bring fresh ideas.

- I ride motorcycles, and love taking long trips across the country (only been run over once in the Wellington traffic).

- My favourite campaign to work on was the 2020 elections.

- My advice for anyone starting in this industry: Learn IT! The day you save a meeting by fixing the camera is the day your boss will love you.

- In my first ever client workshop, I managed to spill coffee all over myself after getting a little too eager with the coffee plunger.

- My 5th fun fact is I’m absolutely terrible at coming up with fun facts about myself.

Committee Member FFR Wellington

Tylah ( Ty ) Kiriona-Mckenzie | Business Account Executive | Clemenger BBDO

Ngāti Porou, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa

Ty has been in the industry for coming up on 2 years, but officially as an AE for the last 8 months. An all-round team player who’s passionate about people and building a fun & friendly environment that encourages everyone to be their best.

- Self-acclaimed amateur interior designer

- 6ft tall in flats

- Cheeseburgers > salads

- Has an outside laugh

- Will fight if woken up before 8 on a weekend

Social Co-Lead FFR Wellington

 Kayleigh Besseling | Senior Planner/Buyer | MBM

In her second year working in an agency and a background in fundraising and communications, Kayleigh is always ready for a challenge and loves to bring people together.

- I was named Kayleigh because my parents couldn’t choose between Kelly and Hayley

- I can say the alphabet backwards (at a moderate speed)

- My go to karaoke song is See You Again – Miley Cyrus

- In the past year I’ve been lucky enough to see 3/5 of my top 5 Spotify artists from 2023

- I often think that the one thing that would improve Instagram for me is if they organised story viewers by how much time they spend looking at your profile 👀

Committee Member FFR Wellington

Bronwyn Mildon | Senior Business Manager | Special Wellington

Ngāti Kahungunu

- I co-owned and operated a café called The Nook in my final year of high-school

- Both of my parents have the same name

- I am poorly committed to lots of hobbies – most recently bouldering

- Zealandia is one of my favourite spots in Pōneke

- I am trying to write a cook book!

Committee Member FFR Wellington

Michaela Morrison | Account Director | FCB Wellington

Passionate about professional development and mentorship for newcomers to the industry across all levels. Before starting in advertising in 2022, I worked in management consulting in the areas of change and project management.

- I love to cook and have learnt from the most talented (and critical!) Nonna.

- On the weekend, you’ll almost always find me walking around the Island Bay coastline or enjoying a coffee and pastry by the beach.

- I’m passionate about group fitness and teach an indoor immersive cycling class – ‘The Trip’.

- I’m embarrassingly competitive in group sports and Articulate.

Committee Member FFR Wellington

Freya Drawbridge | Account Manager | FCB Wellington

- Passionate about ensuring newcomers feel like they can drive change in our industry.

- I’m currently learning how to DJ (mostly drum and bass but will take requests)

- I once made a papier-mâché model of Suzanne Pauls head for a TV show

- I’m passionate about cheeseboards and occasionally make homemade halloumi to really impress

- I’ve been slowly learning German on Duolingo – my streak is 727 days and counting

Committee Member FFR Wellington

Travanna Graham | Junior Planner Buyer | MBM

Excited to help maintain and expand a welcoming industry where newbies can feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to learn and grow.

- My favourite place I’ve travelled is Myanmar.

- I’m allergic to sushi seaweed ☹

- When I was 7 years old, I forgot I signed up to the school talent show and had to get up and sing acapella in front over 100 people.

- My bucket list consists of travelling all over Southeast Asia.

- My first (current) role in media was recommended to me by a university friend who is now a client!

Committee Member FFR Wellington

Zola Prendeville | Planner Buyer | MBM

Zola is coming up to her second year in the industry and finds joy in problem solving. Which is why she is excited to be a part of the solution of diversifying the industry.

- Most of the time I can’t tell my left from right.

- When I was younger I wanted to be a mermaid

- I have a podcast! I’m currently working on a series based on ED's.

- I enjoy cold tea.

- I’m looking forward to adult tutus coming back into fashion.