CO-CHAIRS
The Worthies is guided by Honorary Co‑Chairs Nick McFarlane (Semiotic) and Tim Aitken (Auckland Council), bringing together agency innovation and public‑sector leadership.
They provide strategic counsel and act as bridges to our stakeholder communities, helping ensure The Worthies continues to champion excellence across public‑purpose marketing, communications, engagement, and creative craft.
FOUNDERS
With decades of global experience across Film/TV, conferences, marketing, communications, and local government, our Founders created The Worthies to better champion excellence in public‑sector marketing, communications and creative craft.
Their belief is simple: what you do matters. Changing behaviour for public good is demanding work and The Worthies exists to support capability, elevate impact, and strengthen the sector.
Tim Aitken
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING OFFICER, AUCKLAND COUNCIL
Nick McFarlane
BRAND CONSULTANT, SEMIOTIC
Vanessa Sheldrick
CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR
Paul Bowden
CO-FOUNDER / DIRECTOR
Tim Aitken
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING OFFICER, AUCKLAND COUNCIL
Nick McFarlane
BRAND CONSULTANT, SEMIOTIC
Vanessa Sheldrick
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, EVENTS
Paul Bowden
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR