Kenzie’s Gift provides community-based early intervention and emotional support programmes for New Zealand children, young people and their families living with serious illness, a diagnosis of cancer, or a bereavement within the family. Our programmes aim to reduce their distress, improve quality of life and assist with the management of psychosocial issues arising from family life challenges such as grief, loss and anger.

We provide opportunities for children and their whanau to participate in one-to-one therapy sessions designed to alleviate the trauma associated with serious illness, a cancer diagnosis or death of a sibling or parent. We also provide families with a My Journey Kit, a valuable resource pack full of helpful information, tips and advice.

Kenzie’s Gift works with schools and other community-based organisations (and receives referrals for its services) to integrate children and their families back into school and everyday activities after an emotional and traumatic experience and to provide ongoing support through survivorship and/or bereavement.

Our programmes are free to the greater Auckland community. Our services are based upon a team approach, incorporating the expertise of oncologist Dr Mike McCrystal (Auckland Hospital), Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist Lorna Wood (Auckland’s Starship Hospital), and Play Specialist Nic Russell to provide a more holistic approach to care, embracing not only the child but the whole family too.