When Nigel was asked to become the ambassador for Kenzie's Gift, he agreed without hesitation. He’s passionate about promoting the importance of psychosocial wellbeing for the tamariki / children of Aotearoa New Zealand and recognises the contribution we’re making.
Nigel believes it’s important to heighten awareness of the need to support our tamariki / children and mātātahi / young people when a whānau member is diagnosed with mate pukupuku / cancer or serious illness, or there is a bereavement within the whānau.
"It's not just the nature of the services Kenzie's Gift provides," says Nigel, "but also the strong evidence base behind those services. It is fundamentally important that families struggling with these kinds of issues receive support that is evidence-based rather than simply ‘well intended’."
Nigel works tirelessly with tamariki / children and mātātahi / young people as a Clinical Psychologist and his books and talks about parenting and raising tamariki / children have been hugely popular.
Upon completion of his marine science qualification, Nigel went to Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland where he trained as a clinical psychologist and worked there for a period of some 17 years in a number of agencies - Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation, Sex Offender Treatment Programmes, Family Therapy agencies, Child Youth and Family, Probation Services, as well as in private practice.
Nigel works as a clinical psychologist in private practice and continues to consult with organisations and agencies throughout the country working mainly with tamariki / children and mātātahi / young people, as well as adult forensic work. He lectures on a number of senior courses at the NZ Police College and is a frequently requested speaker at conferences and events for schools and organisations.
In addition to psychology, Nigel has published a number of books. These publications include a novel, followed by a non-fiction book published in 2004 about his work as a forensic psychologist called “Into the Darklands” which was the inspiration for a critically acclaimed television documentary series “Beyond the Darklands” which screens in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.
For a complete list of Nigel's publications and his latest news, visit his website.
If you or your whānau are affected by serious illness or grief, talk to us to see how we can help.
Nina’s mum died suddenly when she was 21. In this episode, she opens up about navigating milestones without her, creating rituals to keep her close, and how gratitude has been a powerful tool in her grief.
A charity named after a child cancer victim can continue supporting families thanks to a community grant. It was founded by Nic Russell and provides registered therapists to help families deal with the emotional stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
Kenzie's Gift helps support Rebecca through loss of her mum to Leukaemia. Rebecca Hounsell was only seven when she said goodbye to her mum for the last time. Her mum Emma, an Auckland pediatrician, died from an aggressive form of leukemia two years ago.
Kenzie's Gift is a registered charity under the Charities Act 2005 (CC21425)
