Valley
Team
the wild
outdoors
Valley
Team
the wild
outdoors
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 Megaw And Nicola.
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.
From 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
River Valley NZ staff – 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, Maam
Position at River Valley: Wife of Brian/Life of Brian, Stables Manager, Horse behavioural technician, trekking guide, Mamma
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 3 granddaughters.
Favourite Music: Country and Rock
Janey Megaw
River Valley NZ staff
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/h3>
River Valley NZ staff
Nickname: Cokey
Position at River Valley: Head Housekeeper
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:
Hometown/Country:
Background:
Favourite Music:
Brian Sage
River Valley NZ staff
Nickname: Fat Dad
Position at River Valley: Co-founder, now shuttle driver and general dogsbody
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide: Used to be on the river
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
River Valley NZ staff
Nickname: Cokey
Position at River Valley: Head Housekeeper
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:
Hometown/Country:
Background:
Favourite Music:
Coke Sage
River Valley NZ staff
Nickname: Cokey
Position at River Valley: Head Housekeeper
Rafting or Horse Trekking Guide:
Hometown/Country:
Background:
Favourite Music:
Maxwell Sage
River Valley NZ staff
Nickname: Max
Position at River Valley: Trainee River Guide
Hometown/Country: Taihape
Background: Quit building to become a third generation raft guide.
Favourite Music:
Favourite thing about working at River Valley: Rafting
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