I was born in
Whanganui and grew up on a farm in Westmere, just to the north of
the city. I attended the local primary school, and I remember how
much I enjoyed that rural lifestyle, and the myriad events that
were part of being a pupil at our small country school and a member
of the close-knit local community.
I went on to
secondary school at Wanganui Boys' College which I attended until
the end of the seventh form. Throughout my time at the school, I
was a member of the well-reknowned Wanganui Boys' College Brass
Band, as well as being in the choir. I was also a Librarian for
several years and, in my last two years, was a School Prefect.
Alongside my
schooling, I studied piano and theory completing my Grade 8 exams
with the Royal Schools of Music. I later went on to attain my Associate
Diploma (ATCL) in keyboard and theory from the Trinity College,
London, while I was at university.
I attended Canterbury
University and Christchurch Teachers' College, training as a secondary
teacher. I went on to commence teaching, but returned to university
at Waikato to complete my BA degree a few years later. Since then
I have continued to gain further qualifications and have worked
in a range of public-sector roles before moving to New Plymouth
in 2010 and transitioning into working with community-based service
organisations (see above for full details).
I am the proud
father of a 'home-for-life' son who currently attends Devon Intermediate
in New Plymouth. I am always excited to be able to support him in
his schooling activities, and in his interests in swimming and music
- and his obsession with cars! He and I also very much enjoy maintaining
contact with our various families.
I established
Support-Plus Ltd in 2015 in order to be able to provide a range
of services about which I feel passionate - supporting individuals,
families, and organisations within our communities.
Nigel
Christie