Meet The Team

Mark started in the Internet industry in 1994 working with one of Canterbury's first Internet Service Providers. In 1997 Rocket launched New Zealand Tourism Online and then Avatar Web Promotions in 1998. New Zealand Tourism Online was sold to Telecom Yellow Pages in 2006 and the Avatar team still works on this site.

A dedicated work-ethic is nicely complemented by Mark's 'chilled-out entertainer' management style. Mark enjoys meeting with Avatar's clients and strategising winning Web solutions. When not at Avatar HQ, Mark's into playing a good round of tennis, going on family trips and supporting the private space industry.

Steve has an extensive background in the Web industry and has been involved in the interactive and Web design industry for many years. Holding a degree in Interactive Multimedia Technologies, Steve has emerged from behind his computer screen to work closely with Avatar's exciting client base. In his role he finds tailored Web solutions for clients to ensure they get exactly what they're after.

When Steve isn't working closely with clients or tapping away furiously at his keyboard, you're more than likely to find him chasing a little black ball around at his local squash club.

Anna joined the Avatar team shortly after completing her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Design Studies at Otago University in 2009. A design enthusiast, and renowned already for her effervescence and generally sunny outlook, Anna's blond locks can be found most often behind Avatar's busy front desk where she answers the Avatar phones, handles Avatar's admin duties, blogs about the latest web developments on the Avatar website, as well as doing, well, anything and everything really. When not in the office, Anna enjoys shopping, watching Food TV and baking.

Turning visions into Web site realities is what Jason enjoys most about Web design, which is lucky for us as this is exactly what he's doing. Not content with just one diploma, Jason left Natcoll with three diplomas (Graphic Design, IT and Multimedia) under his belt. After four years of freelancing, we've finally wooed this whizzy, flash kid into one of our Web design hot seats.

Jason's a true blue Kiwi designer and when he's not creating Web magic, he's on his bike racing down mountains or on his snowboard, er, racing down mountains. Speedy could be, but thankfully isn't, his middle name.

Tanya hails from 'Blighty and has recently relocated to New Zealand in pursuit of the Kiwi way of life. Having gained an Economics degree in London, she kicked off her 14 year Marketing career in the online industry in 1994, and has been addicted to the Internet ever since. Never far away from a computer, she spends her spare time blogging, and surfing (not the wet variety) while stroking her cat in a villainous manner.

Tanya also loves nothing better than sketching and crafting, and watching off the wall comedy. She's a big Flight of the Conchords fan, which is the only reason we allowed her into the country. Tanya is also a bit of a perfectionist, which should suit her role of writing, editing and optimising web content for maximum search engine results.

David has been programming various devices to do his bidding since he was just a wee nipper, so it wasn't altogether surprising (to his mother at least) that he initially carved out a career in electronic engineering. Having mastered the wherewithal of copper, cogs and coils, David was finally seduced by php, c and javascript and has been Web programming ever since.

In his downtime, David enjoys savouring truffly handmade chocolates and stacks of French toast, whilst watching repeats of the classic BBC comedy, 'Yes, Minister'. He wears it all off by mountain biking around the local hills and rocking to U2. David also enjoys the sound of leather hitting willow on a balmy summer evening... nothing kinky we should add, that's just cricket!

Simon is a man of many talents, and luckily for us he's joined the Avatar team armed with an arsenal of skills. With expertise in both Web design and development, he's one of the rare breed of 'hybrids' that can work in both Web dominions.

Simon loves to travel and can often be overheard plotting adventures to sunny tropical destinations. He enjoys a good flick, one of his favourite's is Napoleon Dynamite. When Simon's not tinkering with Web sites (which isn't very often for this workaholic) he enjoys playing under water hockey and watching rugby.

Angela is our resident numbers girl. She makes sure the Avatar accounts are in order and ensures everything balances. Finding the balance, however between work and family can sometimes be tough for this busy mother, as she's often rushing to collect her children from school, soccer training or ballet practice.

A self proclaimed perfectionist, it's no surprise that Angela enjoys marching as her chosen sport, where precision is paramount. Her passions (bordering on addictions) include full fat lattes, shopping and more shopping.