shareRachel (Ray) 's Profile
Team Leader/Mutlimedia consultant
Ray is a keen traveller and volunteer, having first joined a Team Expedition in Rajasthan, India at the age of 16. A few years later she took a working holiday during her music degree at Kings College London, to work and study on a Cheetah reserve in Hoedspruit, South Africa: being involved in the general care of the animals and studying to be a game ranger. She first got involved with GVN in 2005 when she volunteered on the New Zealand Nature program. Having fallen in love with New Zealand, she returned to Wellington as an intern in the office, and a short while after that decided to re-locate on a more permanent basis. She completed a post graduate diploma in Sonic Arts composition at the New Zealand School of music and is now working hard writing music and singing for her band, Rayne Leafe. As well as working on the multimedia side of things in the office, Ray a team leader on the New Zealand Nature Program and Heal the Earth Program.
An Interview with Rachel (Ray)
When people ask you 'where are you from' what is your reply:
Hmmm...I'd say now I'm a fully fledged Kiwi (vegemite for breakfast and everything), but I've only actually lived in Wellington since 2006. My home town is Durham, U.K, but before the age of 8 I lived in Scotland, America and Cyprus - so it's all a bit muddled. I think home for me is definitely where the heart is!
When people ask 'where do you work' what's your response:
I say I am team leader alongside my good friend Toby Malcolm on the New Zealand Nature Program, with the Global Volunteer Network - and that I can't believe how lucky I am.
When people then ask 'and what do you do at GVN', what it your reply:
Well I work in a variety of areas within GVN. First and foremost I help run the New Zealand Nature Program and am in charge of the Heal the Earth program. I love love love my job as I get to work with an awesome group of open minded individuals from all over the world. On top of that I am working with an amazing team, Kristin and Toby, who make me happy every day. As well as hanging out doing some eco work with the vollies I also work in a multi media capacity to make videos and help with a few techy things in the office. This includes making the Eat So They Can DVD and movie every year for the GVN Foundations yearly fundraiser. Hard work...but so fulfilling!
Why did you end up working at GVN?:
Thanks to a horrendous music degree which focused more on history than actual music - I decided I needed to do something crazy. SO in my second year holidays I apent some time in South Afirca where I trained to be a game ranger at Hoedspruit Cheetah Reserve. I had such an amazing time and met some fantastic people. That trip really got me into the idea of volunteering and thinking differently about the kinds of holidays I would like to take. Then after my last year at university I volunteered in New Zealand with GVN on the New Zealand Nature Program! Well as I now work on the program you may gather that I had a rather good time! After that I did some travelling before coming back to work on an internship in the GVN offices, and after 2 years studying more music in Wellington and working part time with GVN, I found myself working on the program!
What's the best thing about working for GVN?
The people I get to work with. The volunteers are awesome and the staff here at GVN are just amazing. From our part time workers all the way through to the big boss Colin, they are a beautiful bunch of people and I feel very privileged to be here.
When you're not at work, what's your favourite activity?
Writing music, band practice, playing computer games, snowboarding, watching movies, making movies, band practice some more.
What's your favourite food?
well I am a vegan, and so my choice for favourite food is a little odd: chicken vindaloo (a really hot one!) I haven't eaten one in about 10 years but man I love em! Instead a good ol chana masala (chickpea curry) is actually just as yummy and involves no animal slaughter whatsoever! Yipeee!!!
If you could be animal, what would it be?
A while back I was working with the volunteers on a project day, and during a morning tea break we began discussing our spirit animals. We came up with one for everyone but me...they decided I was a species of my own - but I think if I could choose I would like to be some kind of feline. I have 2 kitties of my own and so I know how good a life they lead!
If you could go anywhere just now, where would it be?
ooooh good question. Bar Harbor, Maine, USA. Then I'd zip over to Tokyo to visit my sister, then over to Scandinavia to explore the Norwegian Fjords, then after that I'd zoom off to Balamb Garden and buy Squall a drink. (you said it didn't have to be on this planet!)
Who are your favourite bands/musicians?
I am a lover of many bands...but I'd say my genre of choice would be heavy rock/metal whilst at the same time orchestral soundtracks from films and computer games. My favourite bands would have to be Silverchair, Linkin Park and Keane (Keane is a little random in comparison to the others), but of course my favourite band is Rayne Leafe...that's my band. :)
