Our Team
Dylan Ditchfield
Trust Chair
After hearing the story behind the trail proposal at a local meeting and the scale and standard of the proposed trail, I voiced my interest in helping in some way.
I felt a pull to contribute at a more local level. So after being asked if I’d like to join the Waikaia Trails Trust, it was a relatively easy decision for me. It will be a challenge to develop something of this scale and standard, however the potential rewards for the local and wider community I believe will be aspirational and well worth the effort.
I have contributed to community and industry in numerous ways over the years. School and regional rugby governance, kids sport with coaching and mentoring and served on various committees.
My wife and I operate our own farming business and also founded and run a Business, Life and Leadership course. Health, fitness and wellbeing are more important than ever today I believe. Besides the economic benefits, this will be motivation in itself to help see this project to fruition.
Tessa Geddes
Trust Member
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Hilary Kelso
Trust Member
Waikaia Trails Trust was established in 2020 to guide the concept, development and ongoing growth of the Waikaia Forest Trails project. I was proud to serve as Chair until 2025 and greatly value the dedication and expertise contributed by both past and present trustees.
Over the past 25 years living in Riversdale, I’ve been actively involved in community groups, volunteer projects and leadership roles. I have a strong appreciation for the wider Ardlussa communities — their passion, resilience and willingness to work together for a shared vision. I enjoy bringing people together, driving fundraising initiatives and helping projects move from ideas to outcomes. I have a proven track record of getting things done and bring strong interpersonal, organisational and administrative skills to every role I undertake.
A major early milestone for the project was the opening of the Hub Base and pump track, made possible through significant volunteer effort and community support. The completion of 7km of beginner mountain bike trails further demonstrated what can be achieved through determination, practical and expert leadership and collaboration. I remain committed to seeing the trail network continue to grow and become a recognised outdoor destination for the region.
Sam Ruddenklau
Trust Member
Hi, I'm Sam Ruddenklau. I live at Otama now and am Southland born and bred. I'm an accountant by trade, as a part owner of Rural Business Solutions in Gore. Married to Jo and have 2 kids aged 9 and 11. I really enjoy getting out into the fresh air after spending my weekdays in an office. For me it's about decompressing but also spending time with family and friends. Mountain biking is great for this!
Initially it was an individual past time for me but in recent years its been great to involve my family. While there's plenty of great spots around for mountain biking it's always good to have more options. I'm involved in mountain biking not only as a rider but as a trustee on the Hokonui Trails Trust and also as a shareholder and director of Bike Glendhu Ltd. Particularly since being part of the Bike Glendhu project I've come to realise that there's a huge interest building in outdoor recreation, so was really excited to see the Waikaia project coming to life. It's exciting (for me) to be involved in something that's going to be great for Waikaia but also awesome for families and progression of the sport.
I'm looking forward to seeing the trail network come to life and also people discovering what an awesome place Waikaia is!
Aaron Goodall
Trust Member
I am Invercargill based and have a real affiliation with Waikaia having visited regularly over the past 10 years and now having owned a crib for the last 5 years. Waikaia is a home away from home for myself, my wife Cathy and our 3 children where we stay often and enjoy all this great little town has to offer.
I’ve spent over 30 years in the accounting and finance industry in Southland as a Chartered Accountant. My current role is the Financial Planning Manager for VetNZ and its wider group, operating veterinary clinics and vet supply chain businesses throughout New Zealand and parts of Australia. Prior to this I held financial controller roles with Distinction Hotels, Mitre 10 and the Southland Times.
I have relevant governance experience through 9 years on a local school Board of Trustees which I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of. Other community and voluntary roles include treasurer and committee member of local synchronised swimming and rugby clubs.
I am excited at the prospect of being involved with the Trust and forging strong relationships with other dedicated trustees and the wider community. Being a crib owner gives me a different perspective and allows me to be an advocate for the Trust and the trails from a wider location.
I am looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and contributing to this great community initiative. The Trust has done an outstanding job already to get the project to the stage it is today. There is still plenty of hard work ahead, but it is set up well with the right people, and their varied skills and determination, to reach the goals laid down. Once complete this will be an amazing community asset for mountain bikers both young and old, people of all abilities and both locals and visitors alike.
Stacey Cunningham
Trust Administrator
Growing up rurally in South Otago and spending much of my career working across a range of farm types throughout Northern Southland, South Otago and South Canterbury has given me a strong appreciation for agriculture and rural communities. Alongside farming, I have also worked in a variety of other roles, but farming, family and community have always been at the heart of my life.
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to be involved with a diverse range of not-for-profit organisations and community groups, developing experience across governance, administration and project support while contributing to causes that strengthen and support our communities.
Working alongside the Trustees of the Waikaia Trails Trust, I look forward to helping maintain and grow the Waikaia Forest Trails. The trail network is a fantastic asset for Waikaia, bringing people together, encouraging active lifestyles and creating opportunities for both the local community and visitors to the area.
James Anderson
Trust Member
I was recently approached, as a local Waikaia resident, to become a member of a group to form the Waikaia Trails Trust. My acceptance was based on the belief that looking into the proposal, to form a bike trail park, would be beneficial to the local and wider communities of this area.
Waikaia is nestled in a unique valley between the Garvie and Black Umbrella Mountains. This area offers numerous recreational activities ie 4 x wheel drive tracks, bush walks, camping & picnic areas, hunting, historic places, plus the world renown fly fishing rivers, all enjoyed by both local and international visitors.
Farming here for the last 30 years, Denise and I have raised a family and have been able to enjoy what the area has to offer. This bike proposal is something I’m happy to give my input to, as I feel it is something that will enhance this very special place.