Holding the Light for Others
Professional supervision, coaching and mentoring grounded in decades of experience supporting people through complex and meaningful work.
A Waikato Story
I’m Cynthia Ward, a proud Waikato local who grew up on a farm southeast of Cambridge before completing my nursing training in Hamilton, the city that has since become home.
My husband and I spent many years living in Matangi where we raised our two sons on a 10-acre block of land. Our boys grew up learning that people come first, and how to care for animals and the land, values that continue to shape our family today.
Now that our sons have families of their own, I enjoy spending time with my five grandchildren, walking, spending time in nature, and connecting with friends and family. The values that guide my life include family, community, honesty, learning, growth and service to others.
Ko Maungatautari te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Nō Kirikiriroa ahau
Ko Ward tōku whānau
Ko Cynthia tōku ingoa
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa
Advocacy and Community Leadership
Advocating for the wellbeing of children and families has always been central to my work.
I was deeply honoured to receive a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to children and families in the Waikato.
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A guiding mantra in my work has been:
“Listen to the voice of the child.”
At True Colours this was paired with another important principle:
Helping families to stand strongly together.
I continue to contribute to the community as a trustee for:
True Colours Children’s Health Trust
Child Matters
The Cake Detective
I have also mentored women through the Community Waikato Business Mentoring Programme, supporting business owners and leaders in their professional journeys.
Professional Supervision, Coaching and Mentoring
After stepping away from the operational leadership of True Colours in 2025, I now focus on providing professional supervision, coaching and mentoring.
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My work supports professionals who are navigating complex roles, leadership responsibilities, or emotionally demanding environments.
Through professional supervision and coaching, I provide a safe, respectful space where people can:
Reflect on their work and experiences
Gain clarity and perspective
Strengthen confidence and resilience
Develop their professional practice
Navigate challenging situations
I also continue to undertake occasional work as a Nurse Consultant.
A guiding philosophy in my work is:
“Holding the light – supporting others.”
It is a privilege to support people as they grow, reflect and move forward in their personal and professional lives.
A Career Supporting Children and Families
I am a Registered Nurse with a long-standing focus on paediatric palliative care and children’s health services.
For 21 years I served as CEO and Nurse Specialist at the True Colours Children’s Health Trust, supporting children living with complex health conditions and their whānau throughout the Waikato region.
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Before this, I worked at Hospice Waikato for 13 years, where my Master’s research contributed to establishing Rainbow Place, the children’s service within Hospice Waikato.
My PhD research later helped guide the development and growth of True Colours as a specialist service supporting tamariki and their families.
Supporting children and families living with complex health needs has shaped both my professional path and my personal values.
A Guiding Philosophy
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini
My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.
This whakataukī reflects the importance of community, connection and shared strength.
Qualifications
PhD
Master’s Degree
Bachelor of Nursing (BN)
Registered Nurse
Professional Memberships
NZNO – New Zealand Nurses Organisation
College of Nursing Aotearoa
Supervision Collective Aotearoa
Paediatric Society of New Zealand
Helen Clark Foundation
Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)
Community Leadership & Governance
Trustee — True Colours Children’s Health Trust
Trustee — Child Matters
Trustee — The Cake Detective
Mentor — Community Waikato Business Mentoring Programme, supporting women in business and leadership
Cynthia was also honoured to receive the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to children and families in the Waikato.
Connect with Cynthia
If you are interested in professional supervision, coaching or mentoring, you are welcome to book a complimentary 30-minute introductory conversation.
This provides an opportunity to explore whether working together would be helpful for you.
