THE TEAM
The Island Base team is made up of a unique set of leading individuals from across an eclectic mix of cultural backgrounds with creative members from the arts and broadcasting as well as the more formal roles needed to help govern the Trust.
The trustees represent the pillars of a fale to hold it up, while the board then forms a strong roof and structure, helping to facilitate a fun but also safe space for our rangatahi, mentors and community alike. Together we share our perspectives, voices and accountability for the organisation.
With over 100 years of combined industry experience we produce and collaborate with a wide range of organisations to create work which serves to engage, equip, entertain, inform, educate and celebrate our communities and families.
TRUSTEES
JAZZ LOLESIO
Founder/Executive Director Island Base Trust
Born in Egypt, raised in Germany, living in NZ and with years in Samoa as well, Jazz is a true Child of the world. Making Aotearoa & Samoa her homes of choice, Jazz is a DJ, Artist and Youth Mentor herself, connecting people and the sounds of the South Pacific in particular.
With a Masters degree in Media Management & Media Production, Jazz has grown the Base brand not only into a well-respected radio station nationwide but also a crucial platform for up and coming as well as established artists – and now using that network for educating the next generation through music and with a strong focus on Pacific people.
CHRIS HARTNETT
Humanitarian Engineer – WASH (engineers without Borders)
Growing up at the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges has given Chris a deep appreciation for the environment and for connecting with cultures that maintain a close bond with the whenua. Most recently this took Chris to Vanuatu for two years where we worked in rural water supply development (through VSA), as well as hosting a few DJ events and recording local musicians along the way. Now Chris continues in this spirit by mentoring rangatahi from South Auckland in giving them their first taste of radio hosting on
KYLE POPHAM ‘KP’
Youth Mentor, Director – KOA Productions
KP is part Maori & part Samoan. He is an established and internationally touring artist, KP is half of Sunshine Soundsystem and MC for other groups, festivals & gigs. He also hosts the Friday Drive show on Base/Island Base, one of our mentoring slots for young talents.
ADVISORY BOARD
DAVID ELDER
Broadcasting NZ/Pacific
Managing Director – DECompl3x
SIMON WILSON
Business
Director – RDT Pacific
MIKE RENDALL
Broadcasting NZ/Pacific
Director – RDT Pacific
DAVID ELDER
Broadcasting NZ/Pacific
Managing Director – DECompl3x
SIMON WILSON
Business
Director – RDT Pacific
MIKE RENDALL
Broadcasting NZ/Pacific
Director – RDT Pacific
CALEB HENSMAN
Solicitor
Partner – Russell McVeagh
JORDAN KIGHTLEY
Accountant
Finance Manager – Ministry of Defence
DENISE WELSH
Education
Learning Support Coordinator
CALEB HENSMAN
Solicitor
Partner – Russell McVeagh
JORDAN KIGHTLEY
Accountant
Finance Manager – Ministry of Defence
DENISE WELSH
Education
Learning Support Coordinator
STAFF
PREVIN NAIDU
Audio Specialist & Programme Manager
Previn graduated with a Bachelor of Art, majoring in Fine Art from RMIT in Melbourne in 2007. As a Sound Artist, Previn incorporates both organic and synthesised sounds into his pieces including field recordings and handmade sound generating devices.
He has composed numerous works for theatre and has done experimental work with sound both in performance as well as installations in galleries and museums. He has been involved in the post-production of music for both local and international Artists. This involved Mixing and Mastering that he undertakes in his personal studio space called Gonzbull Soundworks.
CANDACE MCNABB
Content Director
Born in Te Wai Pounamu, Candace studied and worked overseas before returning to NZ and making Tāmaki Makaurau home.
After attaining a Bachelor of Broadcasting, Candace has worked in prime time television in New Zealand since 2003. Her passion is non-scripted factual entertainment. She loves sharing her skills and knowledge with young people because it was as a teenager that she fell in love with screen production.
She has filmed in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and many other countries.
SANDY MILL
Vocal Coach & Programme Leader
Kia Ora, I am a self managed artist, professional musician, singer, songwriter, producer, mentor & DJ. I started my musical journey in my hometown of Gisborne – Ngati Porou proud. I moved to Auckland, lived in London, and now have settled in Auckland.
I have produced & released my own music, collaborating with bands, artists and producers over the 30+ years of being a creative; both in Aotearoa NZ and Internationally. Having spent many hours in recording studios, on stages and in various roles within the music industry, tour & stage management and artist / Media liaison at festivals, to working with emerging artists, helping hone their songwriting and vocal skills.
I am very excited to share my wealth of knowledge and experience with you all.
Nga mihi nui, Sandy
Jason Eli
Programme Director & Audio Specialist
Jason Eli’s music career began from a love of making people dance and
a desire to explore musical genres from Soul and Hip-Hop to Disco, Jazz and beyond. As a child growing up in London, he was inspired to get involved in the music biz by watching his older cousins play live in bands. Since then he progressed to produce and remix hundred’s of songs
for international artists as well known as Whitney Houston to local legends Nesian Mystic.
As a DJ, Jason has been a four year resident at London’s Ministry Of
Sound, a presenter of the Groovadelica Radio Show George FM and also a tutor at Auckland’s sorely missed MAINZ institute of audio and music.
These days he runs his own Groovadelica studio and record label in West
Auckland, as well as studying for his masters degree in music
composition for video games.
His passion for both learning and teaching the ins and outs of writing and
recording music is something he loves to share.
PREVIN NAIDU
Audio Specialist & Programme Manager
Previn graduated with a Bachelor of Art, majoring in Fine Art from RMIT in Melbourne in 2007. As a Sound Artist, Previn incorporates both organic and synthesised sounds into his pieces including field recordings and handmade sound generating devices.
He has composed numerous works for theatre and has done experimental work with sound both in performance as well as installations in galleries and museums. He has been involved in the post-production of music for both local and international Artists. This involved Mixing and Mastering that he undertakes in his personal studio space called Gonzbull Soundworks.
CANDACE MCNABB
Content Director
Born in Te Wai Pounamu, Candace studied and worked overseas before returning to NZ and making Tāmaki Makaurau home.
After attaining a Bachelor of Broadcasting, Candace has worked in prime time television in New Zealand since 2003. Her passion is non-scripted factual entertainment. She loves sharing her skills and knowledge with young people because it was as a teenager that she fell in love with screen production.
She has filmed in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and many other countries.
SANDY MILL
Vocal Coach & Programme Leader
Kia Ora, I am a self managed artist, professional musician, singer, songwriter, producer, mentor & DJ. I started my musical journey in my hometown of Gisborne – Ngati Porou proud. I moved to Auckland, lived in London, and now have settled in Auckland.
I have produced & released my own music, collaborating with bands, artists and producers over the 30+ years of being a creative; both in Aotearoa NZ and Internationally. Having spent many hours in recording studios, on stages and in various roles within the music industry, tour & stage management and artist / Media liaison at festivals, to working with emerging artists, helping hone their songwriting and vocal skills.
I am very excited to share my wealth of knowledge and experience with you all.
Nga mihi nui, Sandy
Jason Eli
Programme Director & Audio Specialist
Jason Eli’s music career began from a love of making people dance and
a desire to explore musical genres from Soul and Hip-Hop to Disco, Jazz and beyond. As a child growing up in London, he was inspired to get involved in the music biz by watching his older cousins play live in bands. Since then he progressed to produce and remix hundred’s of songs
for international artists as well known as Whitney Houston to local legends Nesian Mystic.
As a DJ, Jason has been a four year resident at London’s Ministry Of
Sound, a presenter of the Groovadelica Radio Show George FM and also a tutor at Auckland’s sorely missed MAINZ institute of audio and music.
These days he runs his own Groovadelica studio and record label in West
Auckland, as well as studying for his masters degree in music
composition for video games.
His passion for both learning and teaching the ins and outs of writing and
recording music is something he loves to share.
MENTORING ARTISTS
OUR PARTNERS
