2024 Distinguished Alumni Recipient - Nick Laing

Nick Laing attended Howick College from 1994 to 1998 and has since dedicated over 20 years to leadership roles in the health and not-for-profit sectors. Known for his humility and highly regarded as a public servant who creates "positive change in our communities," we are here today to celebrate Nick’s unwavering commitment to service. Those who know him describe him as someone who "lives the Howick College 4Cs every day," and he is recognised for being "all about service." As an inspirational leader, Nick demonstrates a true passion for helping people in need and making a genuine difference in their lives.

During his seventh form year (Year 13), there were already strong indications that Nick was destined to help others and give back to the community. As a Bacot House student tutor, he could be found in the Learner Support Department every Wednesday during period 2, volunteering to tutor the 84 Form 3 – 6 (Year 9 -12) students who needed support with subjects including English, chemistry, maths, accounting, and biology. Nick also impressed the Learner Support staff with his commitment to the Reading Partners Programme, which aimed to help primarily third form students improve their reading comprehension through twice-weekly sessions.

In his final year, Nick received a Premier Service Award for his contribution to running the Howick College Circle of Friends Programme. This programme ran over a period of 4 weeks, several times a year and focused on developing general social skills, boosting self-confidence, and teaching goal setting and stress management. Shy and awkward junior students engaged in group discussions and activities with seventh formers, benefiting all involved. Nick’s experience in the programme was transformative, leading him to shift from his initial ambition of becoming a vet to pursuing a different career path.

Nick’s commitment to social justice and his desire to make a positive impact guided him towards a career in service to others. After graduating from Howick College, he earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Massey University in 2002, before joining the Auckland DHB. Over the next nine years, he held several senior roles within the organisation, including Community Health Worker, Social Work Supervisor at Starship Children’s Hospital, and Team Leader of Auckland Sexual Health Service.

In 2012, Nick joined the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (now the Burnett Foundation) as General Manager of Operations. Aimed at combating the spread of HIV and supporting at-risk individuals, this small nonprofit organisation not only strengthened his resolve to care for vulnerable community members but also prompted him to further develop his business leadership and management skills. In 2014, he completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Massey University.

Nick has also dedicated his time as a volunteer in several capacities, including as an Executive Advisor at Rainbow YOUTH from 2016 to 2020 and a Volunteer Phone Counsellor at Youthline from 1999 to 2003. Currently, he holds the position of Chairperson of the Board at the Artworks Community Theatre on Waiheke Island.

Since 2019, Nick has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Canteen Aotearoa, a charity organisation that provides psychosocial and practical support to rangitahi (young people) aged 12 to 25 impacted by cancer. As CEO, Nick is committed to leading and developing the organisation to ensure it remains at the forefront of innovation and uses cutting-edge technology to support young individuals diagnosed with cancer. His dedication to positively impacting the lives of rangatahi affected by cancer continues to drive the organisation, ensuring that no whānau faces this journey alone.

From his time at Howick College to his distinguished career in the health and not-for-profit sectors, Nick Laing’s dedication to service, compassion, and leadership has been unwavering. His commitment to making a positive impact, whether through his professional roles or volunteer work, reflects the very best of what it means to serve others. His passion for helping people in need has touched the lives of many, and his contributions continue to inspire those around him.

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