Big Changes- Big Hearts
December 2025
Kia ora WORD whānau,
After 13 years of incredible vision, energy, and leadership, our founder and CEO, Ash, has decided to step back from her role at WORD. Ash has built something truly special - a community where thousands of young people have discovered confidence, connections, and pure joy on bikes. We are so grateful for everything she has created, and can’t wait to see what she does next!
As we enter this next era, our focus stays exactly where it’s always been: confidence, adventure, community, fun: changing the world one ride at a time!
Ngā mihi nui,
The WORD Team
The next CEO!
We’re stoked to share that Nic Johnson, currently WORD’s National Operations Manager, will step into the role of CEO starting January 2026. Nic has been the heart of WORD’s day-to-day as our National Operations Manager for the past year. She is deeply embedded in this community, respected across the industry, a leader in MTB coaching, and brings both huge heart and serious capability (her Mum is SO pumped she’s finally using her commerce degree!) to everything she does.
As CEO, Nic will be working closely with the Board and with Liam (Programme Manager) to keep WORD running like a well-oiled machine. Together they embody the WORD spirit: inclusive, energetic, values-driven, and are excited to carry the organisation forward while honouring the vibe and kaupapa Ash has built.
Get in touch with Nic directly: nic@word.org.nz