Family First Board of Reference
Ian and Mary Grant
Ian Grant and Mary Grant are high-profile parenting and relationship gurus in New Zealand who have written a series of bestselling parenting books, including Growing Great Boys, Growing Great Girls, Growing Great Marriages, Growing Great Families, and Fathers Who Dare Win. They are the founders of Parents Inc. (now called Parenting Place), seminar speakers, and have had long careers on television and radio. Mary founded faith4families org; while Ian founded fatherswhodarewin.com. For their work with youth and families, Mary has been awarded the Queen’s Medal, and Ian the Queen’s Service Order. In 2013, Ian was named Senior New Zealander of the Year.
Jim and Sue Hickey
Jim is well known to all NZ’ers as the TV1 “Weatherman”. He is based in New Plymouth heading up Rustic Road Productions with his wife Sue. They have 4 children.
Nick and Vasa Tuitasi
Nick has served with the NZ Police for the past 25 years, has worked in the area of youth at risk, and set up a programme in 1993 which became the blueprint for 45 Police projects nationwide working with at-risk youth and their families. In 1998 Nick was awarded the QSM for Services to the Community. Nick nows works as Pacific Liaison Office at the Mangere Campus of Te Wananga o Aotearoa. He is a much sought after speaker and motivator. Vasa is a part-time administrator and full-time mum. They have 3 daughters.
Stu and Chris Hight
Chris is a psychotherapist and Director of the Kumeu Therapy Centre, and pioneer of NZ’s first web-based online counseling service. She is also a radio commentator and is involved with the NZ Christian Counselors Association. Stu is a Baptist Pastor, and has also been involved in farming, youthwork, and is on several boards of community based groups. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
Dr Mary Daly and Chris Martin
Mary is a GP practicing in South Auckland. Chris is a stay-home dad with a background in boatbuilding and tutoring in Marine Technology at Unitec NZ. They are both heavily involved in pre-marriage education. They have 4 children.
Anthony and Shannon Samuels
Anthony is well known to the younger generation as a past presenter of TVNZ’s What Now! programme for 10 years, and is now a freelance Director and businessman. Shannon is a trained physiotherapist and full-time mum. They have 3 children.
Tony and Kay Jurgeleit
Tony is a retired businessman who was part-owner of a substantial apparel company, is a past member of the NZ Society of Accountants and also serves on the Boards of a number of companies including Hammer Auctions and Kiwi Self-Store. Kay is a Dental Therapist and has recently completed her degree in Education and History. They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren.