Powered by people. Inspired by place
Our story is rooted in our values. We are a team of whip-smart professionals who are fiercely practical. With a track record of building million-dollar experiences, advising high-profile leaders, and creating stunning visuals, we have a reputation for doing what's right.
We are driven by a desire to deliver thoughtful solutions that make a positive impact on both people and the environment. It's not just what we offer, it's what we stand for.
Jono Steffert
Idea-maker. Storyteller. Kiwi
Jonathan creates winning social media and digital strategies that tell the stories of candidates, causes and brands.
An expert at the production and management of high-impact, complex experiences and projects, Jonathan has deep expertise in the New Zealand government, where he most recently led New Zealand's digital strategy, public affairs and public diplomacy efforts as the Cultural Attaché in Washington, DC, imagining and implementing major events and strategic partnerships, cultural exchanges and special projects designed to leverage New Zealand’s influence and reputation in North America.
Working with some of the leading cultural organisations and institutions in the United States, Jonathan combines a rigorous and authentic approach with hands-on experience and a passion for building reputations and bringing brands to life. Before joining the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Jonathan worked in New Zealand’s private sector and at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, New Zealand’s government agency, helping New Zealand businesses grow bigger, better and faster.
Jonathan believes in embedding sustainable values-driven strategies into brands to create authentic storytelling platforms with human connections at the core of clear, simple creative solutions.
Ryan Omid Aghabozorg
Daydreamer. Storyteller. Texan
Ryan is a capacity-building specialist. He brings over ten years of experience in international development, working with stakeholders in the public and private sector to drive social change.
A former Peace Corps volunteer, Ryan thrives in cross-cultural settings and wields a methodical and multi-faceted approach to creative problem-solving and developing action plans. Ryan believes that human-centred design and collaboration are the drivers of growth. He has experience designing and managing programs across diverse sectors, including; democracy and governance promotion, global health programming, and behaviour change management.
When he’s not growing Kōwhai Creative, Ryan is an Instructional Designer at a QED Group, a global consulting firm providing evidence-driven solutions in over 90 countries.
