about us

Hosts: Dorothy Piper and
Malcolm Edwards

Born and raised in the South Island, Dorothy spent her youth in the hot, dry landscapes of Central Otago and to this day retains a passion for the region. She was educated in Dunedin and spent a number of years at the Canterbury University school of fine arts under the tutelage of well known New Zealand artists Doris Lusk, Don Peebles, Bill Sutton and Rudi Gopas. As a working mother, Dorothy raised four children and worked as an art teacher, a project and conference manager at the University of Otago, tourism manager for Dunedin City Council and chief executive of the regional tourism organisation, Destination Marlborough. In the 25 years she has been involved in tourism she has travelled extensively throughout Asia, USA, Canada, Australia and Japan. Over the years Dorothy has maintained an interest in art and is currently working towards an exhibition of her water colours.

The Coromandel was home to Malcolm until he ventured to the South Island to attend the University of Otago. He has held a variety of positions, as an assayer for a gold and silver mining company, an upholsterer, an environmental health officer for a number of local authorities and a landscape gardener for famous wine maker Cloudy Bay Vineyards. Malcolm also spent some time as an independent gold miner in Central Otago and it was during this time that he was awarded the title of New Zealand's top gold panning champion and represented New Zealand at the Australasian gold panning championships. He also represented New Zealand at the World Power Lifting Championships in Australia.
Kokonga Lodge is a dream that Dorothy and Malcolm have had for some years. They have a love of the landscape of Central Otago and a desire to provide a guest haven full of ambience with art, books, music, wonderful food, wine and interesting conversation. They will also assist guests to explore this distinctive and unspoiled area of New Zealand.