About
Us

Genuine results
from genuine people

No more faceless agencies. No more lengthy contracts. No more quick-fix solutions.
Just the digital marketing results you need, from people you want to work with.

We are Digital Hothouse

A small but perfectly formed SEO turned full-service digital marketing agency. Made up of a close-knit group of expats, we take our can-do attitude and turn it into results for our clients. But with none of the nonsense that other agencies do – no account managers, no misleading reports, and no lengthy contracts.

In an industry of Goliaths, we’re David.

Changing the digital marketing landscape in New Zealand

We’re the only agency offering a full suite of digital marketing services with all the results you would expect, but none of the nasty contracts. By giving people freedom, we keep them coming back. And we rebuild industry trust in the process.

We’ve been around the block…and back again

Established in 2010, we’ve seen a thing or two at Digital Hothouse. We started as an SEO agency, however, over the past 13 years, we’ve continued to upskill our team and now offer a full suite of digital marketing services including AdWords, social media, content marketing and of course, SEO.

Whilst we have welcomed new members of the team over the past 13 years, the core of the team remains the same, helping us to build long-lasting relationships with clients, some of whom have been with us pretty much from the start.

Fully flexible

Business goals change. We get that. Our agility means we can adapt to your objectives as they evolve, seamlessly shifting to focus on what’s most relevant for you right now.

Totally transparent

Know exactly what’s being worked on and why. Get direct access to the people working on your project, honest answers to your questions and transparent reporting for peace of mind.

Purely positive

Our years of industry experience mean we can always find a solution. We make it our mission to be proactive – going above and beyond to solve your problems, not just present them back to you.

Meet the
team

Managing Director

Paul Thornton

I formed Digital Hothouse in 2010 after six years of working for both agencies and client-side, focusing on SEO strategy development. I have a broad knowledge of digital marketing; however my specialities lie in Search Engine Optimisation, PPC, and Web Analytics.

Experience

Digital Hothouse was formed out of a need to do things differently – I was sick of working for agencies that are focused on their bottom line and seeing clients turnover once their contract ended. We have clients that have been on our books ever since we started; our clients aren’t tied into long arduous contracts; they stay with us because we get them results. If a client isn’t happy then we haven’t done our jobs and if we haven’t done our jobs, then why should a client be forced to stay. Speak to us and see how we can help.

Head of SEO

Gavin Hirst

I moved to New Zealand in November 2014 after nine years of working as a marketing specialist within the education sector in both the UK and NZ. Since 2010, I have specialised in Digital Marketing with a particular focus on SEO and content strategy.

Experience

I work with a number of high-profile clients in NZ and overseas, creating and executing digital marketing, SEO, and content strategies that deliver results. My background from the UK means I have a lot of experience working in large organisations – a highly transferable skill that has allowed me to slip seamlessly into agency life, attaching myself as an extra member to all my client’s teams. I am passionate about SEO and content marketing and have written a wide range of news, blog and content marketing pieces that have achieved high engagement and delivered results.

SEO Specialist

John Madale

I began my journey in the SEO industry in 2019 and have since had the opportunity to work with numerous agencies and was grateful for my opportunity for Digital Hothouse. I have a solid foundation in digital marketing, with my core strengths lying in Search Engine Optimisation, YouTube SEO, Web Analytics, and some experience with Facebook Ads.

Experience

Over the years, I’ve worked with clients across different industries, helping them improve their online presence and achieve measurable growth through strategic SEO and data-driven insights. My international experience has given me a versatile and adaptive approach, allowing me to collaborate seamlessly with global teams and local businesses alike.
I’m passionate about staying ahead in the ever-changing world of search and digital trends. Whether it’s fine-tuning a content strategy, optimising video rankings on YouTube, or diving into analytics dashboards, I’m always focused on delivering results that matter. I aim to be more than just a service provider — I become an extension of my client’s team, working collaboratively to achieve success.

Head of Production

Joey Salazar

I have worked with Digital Hothouse since 2012, firstly as a developer but over the past few years, managing all website design and development for our clients. I have worked on php websites for over 20 years, and the current focus of myself and the team is WordPress, Shopify and Magento. I love building websites from scratch, but also enjoy making improvements.

Experience

As Head of Production at Digital Hothouse, I specialise in leading teams to deliver high-quality websites that exceed client expectations. My core strength lies in overseeing every stage of website development, from initial concept to final launch, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. I excel at building strong, collaborative production teams, allocating resources effectively, and driving continuous improvement in our processes. My technical expertise allows me to communicate complex requirements clearly to both clients and developers, ensuring seamless execution and outstanding results. I am passionate about creating user-focused, visually engaging websites that help clients grow their digital presence and achieve their business goals.

Google Ads Specialist

Kiran Mehta

I started working in Digital Marketing in 2009 and have worked for a number of digital agencies, and whilst doing so, have worked for a number of high profile clients over the years. I’ve worked for Digital Hothouse clients since 2020 getting solid results across ecommerce clients and clients requiring leads. I keep up with the latest technology and abreast of everything Google is doing.

Experience

As a Google Ads Specialist, I am passionate about helping businesses achieve measurable growth through targeted and effective digital advertising strategies. With extensive experience managing Google Ads campaigns across diverse industries, I excel at optimising budgets, improving ad performance, and driving high-quality leads. My approach combines data-driven analysis with creative problem-solving, ensuring every campaign is tailored to meet specific business goals. I stay up to date with the latest trends and platform updates to maximise ROI for my clients. By maintaining clear communication and providing transparent reporting, I build strong relationships and deliver results that matter. I am committed to helping businesses succeed in the competitive digital landscape.

SEO and Social Ads Specialist

Nic Jones

I first met Paul in 2006, employing him in an agency in the UK. We worked on a number of SEO and Google Ads clients during this time and when the option came up to work together again, I jumped at the chance, albeit the other way around this time! I enjoy working across a number of mediums, SEO, Google Ads and Social Media ads – on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Experience

I am an experienced leader in brand planning, strategy, and management, known for future-proofing brands and driving innovation in the digital landscape. With a proven track record as a trusted advisor, interim executive, and mentor, I excel at building collaborative teams and nurturing talent. My approachable leadership style balances industry expertise with a genuine passion for empowering others, challenging teams to deliver their best while encouraging creativity and intuition. I am also a recognised advocate for social shopping and digital transformation, helping businesses adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving market. Mycommitment to growth and positive culture has inspired colleagues and delivered lasting results across multiple sectors.

Giving
back

We love to deliver for our clients, but we have learnt that as an agency, we can deliver much more than that.

In early 2020, we started working with Paralympics New Zealand, donating our time and expertise to help to grow their audience and raise awareness of the fantastic work they are doing here in New Zealand. It’s a relationship we are proud of and it’s just a little something we like to give back each year.

We also donate to charities throughout New Zealand that are close to our hearts.