Nigel Latta on Shocking Cancer Diagnosis, Outliving 6-12 Months' Life Expectancy, Managing Adversity

Nigel Latta, New Zealand’s best-known psychologist, shared a video to Facebook on the evening of September 5, 2024, announcing he has been living with cancer.

After sharing his shocking news, he received an outpouring of love and media articles because we all feel like we know Nigel Latta- even Lordes mum left a comment giving Nigel credit for how she raised her kids!

For the past 15 years, Nigel has been responsible for some wildly successful TV projects including the Beyond the Darkland’s series (which I loved) and the politically incorrect series with episodes devoted to parents, teenagers and grown-ups. He is also the author of seven best-selling books.

This is part of the Nigel Latta story with a focus on lessons he has learned since the cancer diagnosis and being forced to face his own mortality.

Thanks to my show sponsors- Generate, the award-winning KiwiSaver specialists.

Chances are you have not been making the most of your KiwiSaver- Don’t be embarrassed, most of us are guilty of this.

But checking if you’re in the right fund and making the most of your account can really boost your retirement lifestyle. And that’s where Generate can help.

Their KiwiSaver advisers can meet with you in person or remotely to go over your options, and make sure your investment is working for you. It’ll take 30 minutes at most, and it could be the best investment you ever make for your future self.

Request a no-obligation chat with one of their advisers. Head to:

A copy of their product disclosure statement is available on their website. The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited and past performance does not guarantee future returns.

**The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**

00:00 – Why Nigel Came On 02:35 – The Cancer Diagnosis 04:15 – Living, Not Dying 07:06 – Resilience, Gratitude & Perspective 10:17 – Telling the Kids & Going Public 13:11 – Public Response & Reflections on Impact 15:53 – Growing Up in Ōamaru 21:03 – Career Detours 27:40 – Beyond the Darklands & Ethical True Crime 30:24 – Working with Offenders 39:10 – Internet Trolls, Twitter & Fame in NZ 46:11 – TV Career, Teamwork & Humility 50:01 – Meeting Natalie 52:35 – Trauma, Death & What Happens After 1:03:01 – Chemo, Insurance & Healthcare Inequality 1:17:01 – Regrets, Priorities & What Actually Matters