About The D*List

Executive Director

Red Nicholson (he/him) is a long-suffering Warriors fan, recovering high school teacher, and proud disabled person. With a background in the education and creative sectors, Red’s work is driven by a vision for an equitable Aotearoa, underpinned by Te Tiriti, where all people are valued and resourced to live extraordinary lives. As Executive Director at The D*List, his role is to support our team to ensure that everything we do is aligned with our values, goals and aspirations. Red, his wife and his three children live in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Editor

Olivia Shivas (she/her) has worked in the media industry for a decade, both in the disability sector and in the mainstream media. As Editor, her job is to write, commission and curate content for The D*List. Olivia has Malaysian and Scottish roots and lives with muscular dystrophy. She is passionate about authentic storytelling, bringing disability rights to life, perfecting her combos at boxing class and creating excellent gingerbread houses.

Community Hub Manager

Kia ora koutou, 
Ko Ngāti Tūwharetoa te iwi
Ko Ella tōku ingoa
Ko she/her tōku tūkapi 
He tangata whaikaha, he tangata kahukura hoki ahau 

I grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau and have lived in the UK. I now live in South Auckland with my partner, our children and dog. Before arriving at The D*List I have been working in Rainbow spaces, I am also an Auckland Council Rainbow Panel member and run peer support sessions for short statured people in Aotearoa. I am SO excited to be a part of this kaupapa, reach out any time!

Illustrator

Kim Anderson (Ngāti Maniapoto, she/her) is the illustrator behind our web and social images. A fan of 90s cartoons and collecting pressed pennies from tourist hot spots, she enjoys using humour and contrasting elements to communicate complex ideas. Kim is open to illustration commissions and other cool projects. Find more of her work at kimcandraw.com or follow her on Instagram @kimcandraw

Editorial Producer

I’m Will (he/him), an editorial producer at The D*List. I’m Tongan and European, and I have cerebral palsy, but I’m also a passionate filmmaker and storyteller. My experience in the disability community has fuelled my love for sharing people's stories through both written and visual mediums. I’m a laid-back guy who enjoys making people laugh and helping them feel valued in any setting. A quote I strive to live by comes from my favourite movie, Back to the Future: “If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.”

Editorial Producer

唐子遥 Eda Tang (Ngāi Haina, she/her) is a storyteller based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Her role at the D*List is to use media to mirror the experiences of disabled people, amplify community voices and energise readers. Her work as a writer has featured on The Spinoff and Ensemble magazine and she was previously a Pou Tiaki journalist at Stuff reporting on local and national news related to te ao Māori, health, culture, language and education. While completing her BA Honours at the University Auckland, she was the co-editor of Craccum, the university's student magazine.

Editorial Producer

He mokopuna tēnei nō Ngāti Rangiwahitu, nō Ngaati Tiipaa, nō Te Ākitai-Waiohua, nō Ngā Pōtiki hoki. Ko Joegen ahau.

Joegen Daniels (he/him) is a creative generalist, tenured over-thinker and staunch advocate for South Auckland garages. He tells stories by drawing on independent and industry experience across film, TV, music and communications. Joegen believes that Indigenous, POC, queer and disabled storytelling is a key instrument in deconstructing outdated norms and elevating culture.

Operations Coordinator

Von Ridgley (Ngāi Tahu; they/them) is the Operations Coordinator here at The D*List. They came in with unbridled energy and won’t stop asking to be given more tasks, making them a perfect fit for the role. Outside of The D*List, they are a textile artist, a support worker, a club rat, a beach frequenter, and a massive extrovert. They love using their creativity to help others, but also prioritise fun. Von has taught embroidery classes at Studio One Toi Tū since 2018, and has been spotted selling their creations at many markets over the years. They are passionate about community building, mental health advocacy, activism and emporiums.

Storyteller

My name is Naomi, I'm Samoan born and bred in South Auckland. I'm the youngest of four kids and the only special needs out of the clang. My hobbies include quality time with friends, listening to music and enjoying a nice viewpoint. I spend most of my time advocating in two different ways. One is through social justice where I sit as the Deputy Chair of I.Lead where we amplify young voices in the disability sector. Another is through creative arts where I am a director for performing arts group Nesian for Pacific with disabilities where they can explore their cultural identity and embrace themselves. My favourite thing is getting to do what I love with friends who makes each experience one to remember. I love listening to people's stories and if I can make an impact and set an example that people are meant for greatness then my cup is filled.