People

Dr Maggie Buxton, Director and Founder of AwhiWorld, is a transdisciplinary practitioner with over thirty years of experience in individual, organisational and large system development. She has integrated emerging technologies and practices into her work for the past twenty years.

She has worked globally with ecovillages in West Africa and Latin America, social enterprises in Scotland, climate initiatives in Beijing and Singapore, and various organisations in New Zealand and Europe. This has involved large negotiation processes, facilitating visions, and developing organisational integrity and identity.

AwhiWorld was created in 2014 to integrate her mainstream development and social innovation practice with her creative skills and interest in emerging, reality-bending technologies. It also continued her transdisciplinary PhD research into AR, geo-locative placemaking, tricksters and the spirit of place.

Dr Buxton holds a PhD from AUT-Colab, an MSc in Organisational Development and Consulting from Sheffield Business School, and a BA in Politics and Education. Her career spans strategic consulting, leadership coaching, curating interactive installations and labs, and teaching and designing programmes in tertiary education.

Dr Buxton strongly advocates for transdisciplinary approaches, teaches in degree programs, and regularly speaks at events and conferences.

She is a member of SEADS Collective, CIRET, ITD-Alliance, NITRO – OCEANIA and is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

For more detailed information, visit her website

Kim Newall is a Creative Technologist and CTO at AwhiWorld, with a background that bridges hands-on technical expertise and creative practice. He works with immersive environments, interactive installations, and emerging technologies, including IoT, sensors, microcontrollers, embedded systems, projection mapping, and augmented reality. His approach combines digital systems with analogue processes such as printmaking and drawing, creating innovative connections between technology and traditional forms.

Alongside his practice, Kim has extensive experience in technical support, mentoring, and education, having worked across tertiary institutions, labs, and community settings. He has designed, built, and maintained interactive systems, coached students and professionals, and contributed to collaborative research and creative projects.

Kim holds a Bachelor’s (Hons) and Master’s degree in Creative Technologies from AUT University. He is also an active professional VJ, performing at festivals across Aotearoa, and continues to explore how technology can enhance creative, educational, and community outcomes.