About Skylight
Skylight is a New Zealand charity that supports children, young people, and whānau through tough times by providing counselling, resources, and programmes.
Our story
Skylight started in 1996 to support children and young people through grief, loss, and trauma. After a local bereavement service closed, a group of professionals created a trust to fill the gap—starting small in Newtown with donated space and community backing.
We quickly grew into a national organisation, offering counselling, resources, and training. Programmes like Travellers brought support into schools, and we responded to major events like the Christchurch earthquakes with practical tools and immediate care.
Today, we continue helping people of all ages navigate tough times, with a focus on community partnerships, cultural respect, and making support accessible to anyone who needs it.
Kaimahi
Kaimahi
Kathryn Ross
CEO
Amanda Gregan
Director of Operations | Rangatohu Mahi Rangapū
Jenny Devine
Clinical Advisor | Kaiwhirinaki Haumanu
Vonnie Marshall
Counselling Team Leader | Kaitaki Kapa Whakamāherehere
What we stand for
Ngā whainga – Vision
In Aotearoa tamariki and rangatahi are empowered to thrive.
Tā mātou whakatakanga – Mission
Guiding tamariki and rangatahi hauora through responsive, informed and effective practice.
Ngā uara – Values
Ko tā te tamaiti - Child Centric
Ngākau pono - Integrity
Whakamanamanahia - Empowered / Uplifting Relationships
Tāngata Rite - Equity
Our services
Counselling & support
We offer confidential, professional counselling for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and adults facing grief, trauma, family breakdown, domestic violence, illness, behavioural challenges and more.
With locations across the Wellington region and nationwide online/phone sessions, our family-centred approach supports individuals and entire families in finding strength together.
Group programmes
Skylight runs tailored group programmes to help people connect and heal.
We hold regular support groups like Heart Song for bereaved parents and varied groups for children facing different forms of loss.
School-based resilience
Our Travellers programme equips Year 9 students to cope with change, transitions and loss through an eight-week, in-school journey led by trained staff.
We also offer short courses such as Matika and Tai‑oranga, plus Awhi Mai Awhi Atu wellbeing counselling directly in schools, promoting mental health and resilience where students spend their day
Resources & training
Skylight provides an online resource library and support pack service with materials on grief, trauma, and resilience that we post across Aotearoa.
Our workshops and professional development training empower educators, organisations, and communities to confidently support others through crises, grief, and life challenges.
How we are funded
Our funding comes from fundraising events, grants and donations, sponsorships, and Government contracts for some service provision.
Thank you to all the individuals, organisations and grant agencies that have supported us and helped us become what we are today.
Skylight is a national, not-for-profit trust. Skylight is registered with Charities Services as Skylight Trust, CC27206.
We are governed by a Board of Trustees, from a wide variety of backgrounds, who share the vision of seeing people of any age supported and empowered to move forward in their lives.
Annual reports
View our annual reports for more information