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
Nickname: 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
Background: University drop out (politics and history), worked on gas pipelines, drove big tractors, sheep shearer for a number of years, forestry worker for a little while, raft guide since 1986. Mostly guiding on the Rangitikei here at home, but several other appearances guiding including on the Zambezi and in the USA.

Nicola Megaw
Nickname: 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
Background: Came to live at River Valley at 2 years of age, when my parents had our family farm here, which backed on to the Rangitikei River. 20yrs later River Valley was born and have been with it from that time. Have a triple degree in being a Mum and Mamma, 3 daughters and 4 granddaughters.
Favourite Music: Country and Rock

Janey Harrison
Position at River Valley: Operations Manager, and occasional river or horse trekking guide.
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide: Both
Hometown/Country: Taihape, New Zealand
Favourite thing about working at River Valley: I love being able to safely push people a little out of their comfort zones (especially on the horses). The buzz they get from this at the end of an activity I think speaks for itself. I then get the buzz when these guests come back again for more!!!
Greatest work memory: There are a few, but the night out at the New Zealand Tourism Awards and winning the Small Business Award won’t fade in a hurry. Not only the winning (and the party) but the sense of achievement that all the Staff had too.

Tom Harrison
Nickname: Tom
Position at River Valley: Senior River Guide
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide: River Guide
Hometown/Country: Taihape, New Zealand
Background:
Favourite Music:

Brian Sage
Nickname: Fat Dad
Position at River Valley: Co-founder
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide: 1st generation river guide
Hometown/Country: Taihape, New Zealand
Background: No triple degrees in classical Greek. I have bother trying to write this. Brought up out here in the country and just don’t want to leave. My teacher and classroom has been sitting out in the hills and mixing with people from all walks of life who come here from all around the world. This has triggered a lot of thinking from within myself.
Favourite Music: Into all sorts of music. Anything that helps to free us up and touch the deeper spots. My latest project has been reviving the old dual piano combination that I used to have with my old mate, wife Robin, and jamming together again. You can listen to our rendition of “Green Door” by clicking here

Robin Sage
Nickname: Maam
Position at River Valley:
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide: Girl Guide
Hometown/Country:
Background:
Favourite Music:

Coke Sage
Nickname: Cokey
Position at River Valley: Head Housekeeper
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:
Hometown/Country:
Background:
Favourite Music:

Maxwell Sage
Nickname: 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.
Favourite Music:
Favourite thing about working at River Valley: Rafting & Jagerbombs

Melissa Megaw
Position at River Valley: Chief Gardener at River Valley Acres
Hometown/Country: Taihape, New Zealand
Background:
Favourite Music:

Miranda Aylward
Nickname: 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
Favourite Music: Youtube parties with Tom and Janey; Lindsay singing “Dream On”

Danielle Pegge
Nickname: 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, then my current job.
Favourite Music: Wonderwall, because it keeps Derek away.

Roger Blakiston
Nickname: 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. Lived in France and New Caledonia for 25 years.
Favourite Music: Country
Have any questions?
Speak to one of our friendly adventure consultants who would love to help you out.
thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz / 0800 248666 / +64 6 38 8144