About DŌVeS
Who are we?
We are a community of vegans and like-minded people who reside in the New Zealand city of Ōtepoti/Dunedin and the surrounding areas.
The Dunedin Ōtepoti Vegan Society (DŌVeS) is run entirely by a dedicated, passionate team of organisers, and assisted by an enthusiastic network of supporters.
We are supported by the Otago Campus Vegans, a group of vegan students from, or associated with, The University of Otago.
We are a community of vegans and like-minded people who reside in the New Zealand city of Ōtepoti/Dunedin and the surrounding areas.
The Dunedin Ōtepoti Vegan Society (DŌVeS) is run entirely by a dedicated, passionate team of organisers, and assisted by an enthusiastic network of supporters.
We are supported by the Otago Campus Vegans, a group of vegan students from, or associated with, The University of Otago.
The DOVeS team: Juanita Rose Bielecki-Knox (left), Duke McLeod (middle), Chelsea McGaw (right), Shona Nugus (not pictured)
Aims and Objectives
DŌVeS has three key Objectives!
1: Supporting the Local Vegan Community
DŌVeS provides fellowship and support to the vegan community in Ōtepoti/Dunedin and the surrounding region. We warmly welcome non-vegans who are genuinely supportive of, and/or interested in exploring veganism.
Individuals come to us at all stages of their vegan journey, and for many different reasons. The primary focus of the international vegan movement has always been respecting animals. However, members join us for many reasons; concerns for the environment, exploring the health benefits of a plant-based diet, and in some instances, because veganism aligns well with their religious or spiritual beliefs.
We host vegan potluck lunches and occasionally host other social events and activities: things such as film nights, vegan cooking classes, public talks, and more. You can find out more about these via our website Calander, social media platforms or by joining our mailing list.
2. Promoting Veganism to the Wider Community
We are committed to promoting the vegan way of living to the wider community of Ōtepoti/Dunedin, and the Otago region. DŌVeS creates and maintains social media resources for new, transitioning, and seasoned vegans alike. The society also provides additional opportunities for the public to learn about veganism by running seminars, documentary screenings, workshops and more!
3: Collaborating and Supporting with Others
DŌVeS works with other like-minded individuals, groups, and organisations who have similar aims to ours.
This can involve such things as collaborating with them on projects and events, providing advice and assistance, loaning them our equipment and resources, and in some special instances we can even provide financial assistance.
Would You Like to Get Involved with DOVeS?
We are always keen to expand our organising team. If you are interested in helping animals, people, and the planet, then feel free to get in touch, and we can discuss how you can contribute to the important work we do.
DŌVeS has three key Objectives!
1: Supporting the Local Vegan Community
DŌVeS provides fellowship and support to the vegan community in Ōtepoti/Dunedin and the surrounding region. We warmly welcome non-vegans who are genuinely supportive of, and/or interested in exploring veganism.
Individuals come to us at all stages of their vegan journey, and for many different reasons. The primary focus of the international vegan movement has always been respecting animals. However, members join us for many reasons; concerns for the environment, exploring the health benefits of a plant-based diet, and in some instances, because veganism aligns well with their religious or spiritual beliefs.
We host vegan potluck lunches and occasionally host other social events and activities: things such as film nights, vegan cooking classes, public talks, and more. You can find out more about these via our website Calander, social media platforms or by joining our mailing list.
2. Promoting Veganism to the Wider Community
We are committed to promoting the vegan way of living to the wider community of Ōtepoti/Dunedin, and the Otago region. DŌVeS creates and maintains social media resources for new, transitioning, and seasoned vegans alike. The society also provides additional opportunities for the public to learn about veganism by running seminars, documentary screenings, workshops and more!
3: Collaborating and Supporting with Others
DŌVeS works with other like-minded individuals, groups, and organisations who have similar aims to ours.
This can involve such things as collaborating with them on projects and events, providing advice and assistance, loaning them our equipment and resources, and in some special instances we can even provide financial assistance.
Would You Like to Get Involved with DOVeS?
We are always keen to expand our organising team. If you are interested in helping animals, people, and the planet, then feel free to get in touch, and we can discuss how you can contribute to the important work we do.
Our History
In 2005 an informal 'Dunedin Vegans Group' was founded in Dunedin by Sandy Murray. The leadership was soon taken up by Inga Smith, who continued to run things until late 2015. The focus of the group was fellowship and support for local vegans, with some occasional vegan advocacy. In 2015, a small group of about six vegan volunteers took over from Inga and formed The Dunedin/Ōtepoti Vegan Society, aka DŌVeS. We now continue to build on the solid foundation that Sandy and Inga established, with increased advocacy work, and a renewed commitment to promoting the many benefits of the vegan way of living to the people of our city and our region.
In 2005 an informal 'Dunedin Vegans Group' was founded in Dunedin by Sandy Murray. The leadership was soon taken up by Inga Smith, who continued to run things until late 2015. The focus of the group was fellowship and support for local vegans, with some occasional vegan advocacy. In 2015, a small group of about six vegan volunteers took over from Inga and formed The Dunedin/Ōtepoti Vegan Society, aka DŌVeS. We now continue to build on the solid foundation that Sandy and Inga established, with increased advocacy work, and a renewed commitment to promoting the many benefits of the vegan way of living to the people of our city and our region.
