Swimming

ABOUT ME

Buckle up.

My story comes with a heart transplant, mate pukupuku (cancer), Parkinson's, the death of my wee girl, and starting a national charity. Life has taken me places I never would have dreamed of nor imagined.

my story

MY STORY

After cancer in my 30s, heart failure in my 40s, Parkinson’s, and the death of Kenzie, you’d think I’d be angry at the world. But Kenzie taught me better.

Kenzie lived fiercely. Because of her, I refuse to just exist—I want to live, fully and unapologetically. With Northern Irish grit, a wicked sense of humour, raw honesty, and the love of those around me, I came through hell and found my way back to a life worth living.

the things i've done

My life experiences have influenced my professional career. With a degree in psychology and postgraduate diploma in PR and communications management, I've developed and delivered campaigns to bring about positive change in the health and charitable sectors.  I’m proud of my mahi—have a look through some projects close to my heart.
Fight for Herceptin
2005
Working alongside the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition, my story brought the issue into the spotlight, gaining a high level of media exposure here plus overseas in the UK and Ireland.
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Kenzie's Gift
2006
I founded Kenzie’s Gift in 2006 with the intent of providing appropriate and research-based psychosocial support for tamariki, mātātahi and their families experiencing cancer, serious illness or bereavement.
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Pindrop Foundation
2010
Through the years I’ve worked closely with The Pindrop Foundation. It’s an Aotearoa New Zealand charity supporting severely hearing impaired adults into a hearing world through cochlear implant technology and services.
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Hope Emerges
2013
For wāhine facing mate ūtaetae (breast cancer) the daunting decision to have a mastectomy can lead to feelings of loss, grief, insecurity and self-doubt.
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#DearGrief
2016
It began with two young tāne who lost their siblings, my son Conor and Luka Wolfgram, sharing their grief journey through short films which resulted in nationwide TV coverage.
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NZ Sculpture Onshore Image
2017
Positioned as a premium and iconic event on the New Zealand arts and events calendar, we set about launching a new look and feel website, showcasing the outstanding artistic talent featured at the exhibit.
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Winter Swim Challenge
2020
Winter Swim Challenge
While I can't swim the way I used to, I can challenge myself in a new way, embrace physical challenges and push my capabilities. So the Winter Swim Challenge was born.
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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.”
Beverly Main, Chief Executive, 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.”
Andrea Ross, Managing Director, 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.”
Naomi Ballantyne, Managing Director, ING Life

A few proud moments

achievement

Kiwibank Local Hero Medalist 2014

I was honoured with the Kiwibank Local Hero Award for 'Hope Emerges' a breast cancer body-positive campaign.
achievement

TEDx Speaker

It was a privilege to speak at TEDx Invercargill on what grief taught me about resilience.
achievement

Kiwibank Local Hero Medalist 2021

In recognition of my work with Kenzie’s Gift, supporting young people and families through grief and serious illness.

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