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KIA ORA, I'M NIC.

I’m a charity founder, speaker, author and general do-gooder.

I’m also a heart transplantee, mate pukupuku (cancer) survivor and bereaved māmā who lives with Parkinson's. Phew.
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Bollix! — My Memoir

My upcoming book Bollix! When Life Isn’t All It’s Craic’d Up to Be is a raw, unfiltered memoir of living through cancer, a heart transplant, Parkinson’s, and grief — and still finding ways to keep swimming, laughing, and moving forward.
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nic on stage

Speaking on: Resilience, Grief & Health

I speak to audiences about resilience, grief, and living well when life doesn’t go to plan. With humour and honesty, I bring real stories of survival and determination to conferences, workshops, and events.

Talk Options:
1. Keynotes – Conferences & leadership events
2. Workshops – Resilience, health & wellbeing
3. After-Dinner Talks – Stories with humour & humanity
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TeStimonials

“Nic spoke passionately and from the heart about fostering resilience at the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand National Conference - her presentation left a very deep and lasting impression on the audience. In all my dealings I found Nic to be a consummate professional who was a pleasure to work with.”
HRINZ
“Nic’s story is very powerful and although it moved me to tears, she manages to make it amusing. For someone who life has dealt so many blows to Nic is remarkably positive and upbeat. She is inspirational, enthusiastic and displays enormous courage. I would highly recommend Nic as a motivational speaker.”
People Potential
“Nic’s story is an extremely moving, compelling, and inspirational one which she delivers in a way which speaks to the heart of every person in the audience. Nic held the audience spellbound and we had an overwhelming response from attendees who were extremely touched by her story. I would highly recommend her as a keynote speaker.”
ING Life

IN THE MEDIA

Since 2005, I have been invited to share my experiences, thoughts and adventures with media, ranging from life with cancer, Parkinson’s and grief, to charity initiatives and sporting challenges. Below is a selection of media interviews from over the years.
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SOME OF MY ARTICLES

Read some of my articles below to learn more about grief.
articles

The One Thing I Kept: Living with Grief as Time Moves

I took a photo of Kenzie’s dolls’ house today. The tiny windows still catch the light. The front door never quite closes, as if waiting for small hands to come and play.
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articles

How Cycling Has Helped With My Parkinson’s

How cycling has helped with my Parkinson’s, from reducing stiffness to safer e-bike rides and everyday tips for living well in Auckland.
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articles

A Friend Is Known in Hardship

What my heart transplant, cancer, grief, and Parkinson’s taught me about friendship. There’s an Irish saying: “A friend is known in hardship.” I can vouch for that.
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about me

About Me

I'm a Northern Irish woman living in New Zealand.

Now us ‘Norn Iron’ women are made of sturdy stuff: assertive and stoic with a serious stubborn streak.  But cancer in my 30s, heart failure, Parkinson's, and a heart transplant in my 40s, and the death of my wee girl, Kenzie, to cancer—these traits alone couldn't save me from this onslaught of horrors.
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What are you after?

Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker, a workshop facilitator, or support with health communications — I would love to hear from you.

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