About DŌVeS
Who are We?
The Dunedin/Ōtepoti Vegan Society (DŌVeS) is a community of vegans (and those interested in and/or supportive of veganism) who live in the New Zealand city of Ōtepoti/Dunedin and the surrounding area.
DŌVeS is organised and run entirely by volunteers. We are lead by a small team of dedicated Organisers, and assisted by an enthusiastic network of Helpers & Supporters.
Who are We?
The Dunedin/Ōtepoti Vegan Society (DŌVeS) is a community of vegans (and those interested in and/or supportive of veganism) who live in the New Zealand city of Ōtepoti/Dunedin and the surrounding area.
DŌVeS is organised and run entirely by volunteers. We are lead by a small team of dedicated Organisers, and assisted by an enthusiastic network of Helpers & Supporters.
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. The acronym/name was Inga's idea. 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. The acronym/name was Inga's idea. 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.
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 also warmly welcome non-vegans who are genuinely supportive of, and/or interested in exploring veganism.
People 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 respect for non-human animals. However, many of our members also join us for reasons of; concern 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.
From February to November each year we hold friendly, informal social get-togethers in the form of vegan potluck lunches. They are held on the second Sunday of the month, from 12pm-2:00pm at 'The Apartment' at 35 Dowling Street in the inner city. The aim of these get-togethers is to enjoy delicious vegan food in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with like-minded people. Everything you need to know about these events, can be found on our Potlucks Page.
We also occasionally host other social events and activities: things such as film nights, vegan cooking classes, public talks, and more. You can find out about these by joining our email list, or by liking our Facebook page. You can also follow our Instagram account.
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 online resources for new, transitioning, and established vegans alike. The society also provides additional opportunities for the public to learn about veganism by running seminars, documentary screenings, workshops, and so on, about various aspects of vegan living.
3: Collaborating With and Supporting Others
DŌVeS also works with other like-minded individuals, groups, and organisations who have similar aims to ours, within Ōtepoti/Dunedin, the wider Otago area, and around Aotearoa New Zealand.
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 add new members to our Organising Team, and/or our Helpers & Supporters team. If you are interested in increasing your commitment to helping animals, people, and the environment, and you'd like to know more, then feel free to get in touch, and we can discuss how you might be able to contribute to the important and rewarding 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 also warmly welcome non-vegans who are genuinely supportive of, and/or interested in exploring veganism.
People 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 respect for non-human animals. However, many of our members also join us for reasons of; concern 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.
From February to November each year we hold friendly, informal social get-togethers in the form of vegan potluck lunches. They are held on the second Sunday of the month, from 12pm-2:00pm at 'The Apartment' at 35 Dowling Street in the inner city. The aim of these get-togethers is to enjoy delicious vegan food in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with like-minded people. Everything you need to know about these events, can be found on our Potlucks Page.
We also occasionally host other social events and activities: things such as film nights, vegan cooking classes, public talks, and more. You can find out about these by joining our email list, or by liking our Facebook page. You can also follow our Instagram account.
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 online resources for new, transitioning, and established vegans alike. The society also provides additional opportunities for the public to learn about veganism by running seminars, documentary screenings, workshops, and so on, about various aspects of vegan living.
3: Collaborating With and Supporting Others
DŌVeS also works with other like-minded individuals, groups, and organisations who have similar aims to ours, within Ōtepoti/Dunedin, the wider Otago area, and around Aotearoa New Zealand.
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 add new members to our Organising Team, and/or our Helpers & Supporters team. If you are interested in increasing your commitment to helping animals, people, and the environment, and you'd like to know more, then feel free to get in touch, and we can discuss how you might be able to contribute to the important and rewarding work we do.
