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Nic Russell founded Kenzie’s Gift in 2006 with the intent of providing appropriate and research-based psychosocial support for tamariki, mātātahi / young people and their families affected by serious illness or grief. Nic has a degree in Psychology and a post-graduate degree in Communications Management and PR.

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Specialising in the health and social sector, Nic has extensive experience in campaign development, stakeholder management and championing social issues. As a recipient of the New Zealander of the Year, local hero award, she is seen as a passionate social change agent who can turn visions into reality.

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Dione is an experienced manager with 30 years' commercial experience in Aotearoa New Zealand and the UK. Her broad skillset has been developed across a range of publishing, editorial, product and commercial management roles within large corporates.

A keen supporter of Nic and what has been achieved through Kenzie’s Gift, Dione is looking forward to assisting the Board and the fantastic work that is being done.

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Kris is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. She worked at Auckland and Starship Hospitals as a neuropsychologist for approximately 11 years. At Starship Hospital, part of her role was working with tamariki / children who had survived mate pukupuku / cancer and their families. Kris was employed at ACC for 12 years in various senior management clinical positions which involved clinical governance.

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Currently, Kris is working for Active Plus, a rehabilitation organisation, lecturing at Auckland University in neuropsychology, and running a private practice. She is on the New Zealand Psychological Society executive as well as Director of Professional Development and Training.

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Niamh is the Honorary Consul General for Ireland in Aotearoa New Zealand and a commercial lawyer with over 30 years’ experience as a partner in her law firm - McMahon Butterworth Thompson. 

Niamh shares the honour with Nic of also being from Ireland. Niamh sits on a number of committees and Boards and is involved in many Law Society activities. She enjoys giving back to the community. In her spare time, Niamh enjoys anything on the water, including scuba diving. She says that scuba diving is just like a day in the office – you need to make sure you have enough air, avoid bottom feeders, and remember that there are always bigger fish in the sea! Niamh is looking forward to bringing her skills to Kenzie's Gift and joining an awesome team of similarly committed trustees.

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Ruth, a not-for-profit consultant, has worked in governance and management of the not-for-profit sector for over 35 years. Her public health background and work building the capacity of small to medium sized charities has enabled the growth and sustainability of many charities.

She is passionate about meeting the needs of those that are under-served in the community, in particular high need communities. Ruth is actively supporting Kenzie’s Gift in operations as well as governance.

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