Johny O'Donnell

Johny O’Donnell is a strategist, facilitator and creative producer whose work sits at the intersection of people, place, and economic development.

He hails from Te Rarawa and Te Aupōuri of Hokianga in the Far North. He was born and raised in Motueka and now resides in Nelson with his wife Libby and two young children, Te Ākau and Māia.

His work focuses on helping organisations, communities and partnerships navigate complexity, build alignment and move ambitious projects forward. Over the past decade, he has worked across regional development, infrastructure, tourism, arts and culture, economic development, placemaking, environmental initiatives and iwi partnerships - often in environments where long-term thinking, strong relationships and public trust are critical.

His experience spans projects ranging from regional growth and regenerative tourism strategies through to public infrastructure, cultural revitalisation, creative sector development and collaborative regional governance. He was the co-author of He Tātai Whetū, the first bicultural arts and creativity strategy for Whakatū Nelson, and is the Project Lead for Kōpū - the eight iwi collective model for toi Māori and cultural design in Te Tauihu.

Alongside his consultancy work, Johny is an experienced facilitator, speaker and conference MC who has led conversations in New Zealand and internationally, with elected representatives, iwi leaders, researchers, businesses, creatives and communities throughout New Zealand. He is known for a grounded, practical approach that brings people together, cuts through complexity and helps create momentum around work that matters.

At the heart of Johny’s practice is a belief that the strongest outcomes come from genuine collaboration - where people feel part of the process, connected to the purpose, and invested in the future being shaped together.