Leadership Team!
Developed in early 2022, The Leadership Team overseas the operations of WORD. We love that this team upholds our values, has heaps of experience and passion, and ensures we are truly a youth focused organisation. They each work 20-40 hours/week on various roles that keep WORD ticking (and growing!) along.
Ash Peter
Founder/CEO
This amazing team is overseen by Ash, WORD Founder and CEO. Her job these days is to make WORD better! She develops and leads Instructor training, is pretty handy on the mic with spreading the WORD, handles all the funding and safety management, looks after the leadership team, and absolutely loves riding bikes with the kiddos. With a background in outdoor education, camp counselling, and geeking out on MTB skills instruction, she’s still got the stoke for all things WORD. After 12 years in Wellington and 4 in Wānaka, her and her fam bam now call Queenstown home. Get in touch with her on ash@word.org.nz
Claudia Brochu
Wellington Programme Manager
Claudia spent a year as an instructor before wanting to get more involved in the organisation. She launched herself into the mountain biking scene in 2020 and got totally hooked! For her it’s all about the community, progression and bringing people together through their love for bikes! After years in the hospitality industry, she is now taking her love of snacks to her passion for riding bikes! Claudia oversees the day to day operations of the organization and essentially making sure WORD work! Get in touch via info@word.org.nz
Nic Johnson
National Operations Manager
Nic joined the team in fulltime in March 2025, and is well known to the community from her previous role as the local Marleen/Maxxis Rep, her MTB coaching business, and as a former WORD Instructor. During her 23 years at Marleen, Nic had many roles including product management, sales and helping small businesses in her region succeed. Nic has raced Downhill, XC, Enduro and on the road at a national level...these days she is all about the 'smiles per hour' and having fun on the bike. Nic is now responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of WORD. Get in touch with her on nic@word.org.nz
Rob Barry
Wānaka Programme Manager
Rob Barry has lived many lives... bikes, snow, gumboots, and government. He's no stranger to outdoor instructing having spent 8 winter seasons as a Ski Instructor, including Cardrona. Rob has also worked previously as a dairy farmer and in environmental land management. He's lived in many places around NZ, including Wellington and Rotorua, but now Rob and his fabulous family have returned to Wānaka for the love of great outdoors and adventure. Get in touch with Rob on wanaka@word.org.nz