I have seen of Drew's passing today. I feel a deep need to offer my condolences and heart felt love and care in this pain of loss and grief. I understand what it is to loose a close and dear family member suddenly and quickly, as with Drew's passing. I would like to say what a positive and educational influence Drew had had in my life, as a colleague. I work as a counsellor and over the previous year, until his illness, Drew was my supervisor. What a huge privilege to have learned from Drew. His wealth of knowledge in the field his deep compassion for those he worked with, and his willingness to share his learnings, knowledge and skills with me is cherished and treasured. I shall continue to name Drew as a vessel of my knowledges when I relate the learnings I have had from him in my work, today, tomorrow and as we continue onwards. I wish you, the family, my heartfelt aroha, and deepest compassion as you journey on. Kindest wishes, warmest regards Gwen xxx

Drew was a wonderful, gentle, and compassionate human being who made a positive difference to many lives, our family included. He has now gone beyond time, but grateful for having shared some of it with him. Rest in peace friend.

Im so sorry to just hear about Drews passing. He will be very missed by lots of people. Drew will live on in many lives. My deepest condolences to his family. Love to you all.

I had the privilege of Drew’s support through difficult times and nothing can replace the energy, time, and care that he gave. You will be missed in every step I take for the future, but your memory will remain.

It was a true privilege to have worked with Drew, and I’m deeply grateful for the time we shared. Over the past nine years, I had the honor of knowing him in both group settings and one-on-one sessions, and throughout that time, his presence and skill left a lasting impact on me. Drew was able to effect change in ways that are difficult to put into words.It was through his kindness, strength, and authenticity. I hold both Drew and Nicola in the highest regard, and I will carry your influence with me always. You are both beautiful souls, and I will continue to look up to you as role models throughout my life. With love and heartfelt condolences to Nicola, Lily, and Bella.

There have been so many feelings since Drew passed. It's hard to land in a world that doesn't have him in it. And yet he lives everywhere, in all the moments I feel safer and lead more loving life, memories of him joking, smiling, complaining when his chair was missing from our house, or especially in his voice when I replay the message he left where I just listen to his advice. Along with so many other places. Our conversations were often centered around our families, he lit up at any mention of them, his girls he'd say. He cared about everyone so fiercely. He's left such a massive hole, one that changes the way we view life in all meaning. What a beautifully tragic chance to experience a person that does that. I miss you funny man. Thanks for all the park walks, coffees, hugs, music chats and scrabble games just to try something different. You lit up my life, and many others because you cared ❤️

To Roger, Jenny and family My deepest condolences with the passing of Andrew. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Nina Osten

Jenny, Roger, and the whole family. I am so sorry to hear about Drew. You all meant so much to me growing up in Stratford and navigating those teenage years. As you all know, Drew was a friend to everyone and meant a great deal to all of us, but you played a significant part by always being welcoming and supportive of our antics and challenges. I am sorry to hear about his passing, and my thoughts are with all of you and his new family at this time. Cheers. Shane

We wanted to tell Higgy all these things when he was still with us, but we felt like we were losing hope in his fight if we said them out loud. I met Higgy at his 21st in the basement at Jenny and Roger's house. He became an absolute constant in our lives, the best of men, and the ultimate role model for my children, especially being a much loved mentor and all round good guy for Oscar. Higgy was gentle, dependable, patient, fair, supportive and generous. He was 110% devoted to his 3 girls, to his family, to his profession, and to his friends. Thank you Nicola, Lills and Bells for sharing him with us. If we found ourselves starting to fall off the wagon of life, Higgy would gently lift us back on. There's a scene in the Cruella movie where Cruella busts her friends out of jail. Everyone should have a friend who would bust them out of jail, and Higgy was ours. His one liners, so quick and delivered dead pan. I wish I could remember every one of them. My favourite I think was when Molly told him she had a new job with the Inland Revenue Department. He replied "well, I suppose there were some good people on the Death Star too". Catching up with Higgy and Nicola often involved fish and chips, and we will miss our walks to the Blow Fish with him. Thank you Higgy, for letting our 50kg dog share your single bed with you, all those years ago. Thank you for being ready to be my getaway driver at my 50th birthday. Thank you for gently guiding Abby through the perils of being a 2nd child. Thank you for being a rock-pooling superstar. Thank you for teaching my kids how to squirt the whipped cream in a can straight into their mouths. Thank you, dear Higgy, for being one of the best parts of our lives.

Drew was a great guy and a solid good heart- he was real, down to earth and so talented with the skills he had and shared to help so many people improve their lives- and a great resource person (loved to get me critically thinking, and laugh at me when I answered my own questions!). He was definitely the right man for the job he did and he’d challenged others where there was a need in such a caring/kind way. We are so so lucky to have had him touch our lives, and share skills and laughs, and those eye rolling moments! My heart goes out deeply to his wife kids and family- so so hard, even with him probably helping pave the way to cope with some of the grief for you all. The skills, knowledge and memories he has left with us all, will live on and be shared by us all- a rich legacy. Thanks Drew. Rest well.

While it has been a number of years since I have worked with Drew, I remember him as being kind, supportive and an advocate for those who needed one. The loss you must feel is unimaginable, may you find comfort in your memories of time spent with him and the knowledge that if he could have he would still be with you all

Drew was such an amazing supervisor and all around human being. Has genuine compassion for people shone through with every encounter I had with him. He not only helped me immeasurably in my clinical work but guided me to live closer to my values in every aspect of life-something that he demonstrated himself even when the going got incredibly tough through his illness. His supervision sessions with me were times when I could just spill out what needed to be shared without fear of judgement. As a supervisor he could be challenging… which I needed.. but he skilfully balanced that with humanity, kindness, wisdom and humour . Drew was also an incredible support and mentor to members of my family and my workplace colleagues. I’m eternally grateful that I had a chance to meet Drew even for the short time I knew him… but the impact of that time will be something I hold precious and look back on with huge gratitude and appreciation. He will live on in the positive difference he made in the lives of all those he knew.

Dear Roger, Jenny and family We are devastated to hear of Andrew’s passing. Whilst we are along way away we feel more closer to you than ever at this sad time. Thinking of you. Love David, Elisa, William and Tommy

A beautiful send off. Sending family and friends our heartfelt condolences and virtual hugs. With love Cher, Lola and Dylan xxx

To Roger and Jenny and family, Sending deepest sympathy to you all in your sad loss of your son and a brother. Thinking of you all just now. Keith and Joy Hosking l

Dear Nickola, Lilly and Bela Our hearts go out to you in your time of loss. Our deepest sympathy and love to you. Thank you for enabling us to share in the service online Nicola, your tribute was a magnificent and heartfelt tribute to Drew. Bella and Lilly, you shared beautiful thoughts and memories, Drew would have be so proud of you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and will be with you in the days to come. May God bless you in your time of grief. Shalom Pete and Jan

Sending love from our family to yours. Mervyn, Patricia, Deanna & Linton

For the toughest and strongest soldiers are given the greatest test of them all, you were selected to leave us and to watch over your girls...the greatest, bravest, strongest of that you were Rest easy and to see you another day

Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time love Carolyn and John Evans

Fond, cheeky and exasperating memories of you as a little boy and babysitting you, Donna, Benjamin and Lana-Jane on the farm. A special soul, who made the lives of all you encountered richer for knowing you. Gone too soon. Arohanui. You are all in my thoughts.

Dear Drew. You were an inspirational colleague in a challenging team, however more importantly you were a trusted confidant for my son in your professional capacity three times, for this I am very grateful. You leave a notable hole among those working for the hauora ō te tāngata ō Taranaki.

I send my deepest condolences to all of Dew's family and loced ones; I had the privilege of having Drew as my therapist when he worked for the DHB and put me on the path of becoming a social worker and I now work in South Taranaki as a clinician in mental health. He was so kind, empathetic, warm and funny. R.I.P to one of the best.

I’m so grateful to have shared a wee portion of our lives together. Higgie, you had a huge heart, every connection and conversation had meaning. I was blessed to reconnect with you in Jan this year. To meet you Nicola was a real privilege. I immediately saw that you both had a super bond and were one. I can’t imagine the pain and sadness you and both your daughters feel. You lost an amazing man. He has positively left fingerprints on so many peoples lives. And for those that have experienced his care, wit and compassion, I’m am absolutely certain we will pay it forward to others with him in mind. Higgie, thank you for making the world better than you found it. Woody (R3 89)

Thanks for all the smiles and cheeky grin. Will never forget. AJ.

To Nicola. Our deepest condolences to you and family. Sending strength and love from us all. Our heart goes out to you. Anne, Heather and Graeme xx.

Please accept our very deepest sympathy is the sad loss of your son. Meg and John

Not too long ago, I was talking to someone about therapy and therapists, and they said "it's so amazing when you find 'the one'." For me, Drew was 'the one'. I started seeing Drew for therapy after a particularly traumatic time in my life. I was vulnerable, scared, and not really 'me'. Drew was so gentle and caring with me, and I quickly learned to feel at ease coming into his office. I really loved that he would goof off with me about silly things. He treated me like a person - a friend, even - rather than 'a mental health patient'. I was in a very dark place when I met Drew, and I am a much better person today because of the care he gave to me. He saved my life. Thank you so much, Drew :)

Deepest condolence's, Nicola, Lily, Bella and family. Drew - a very special man and colleague, will be lovingly missed. Sending much love and strength to you all xxxxx Sheril Buckley

Drew, Having you at our wedding was the biggest privilege we will be forever grateful for. You changed so many lives. Including mine and Rubz. Every moment we had with you was precious, and we will be forever grateful for all you did for us. Your legacy will live on, through the knowledge you shared, the love you gave, your witty sense of humour… We will miss you greatly, and remember you fondly. Lots of love to you, Nicola, Bella and Lily. So so sorry for the loss of your incredible husband and father.

I have watched over the years the strength, support and love you have given to all those you worked with and related to, with great admiration. We learned of your illness with great sadness, it seemed utterly unfair that bad things can happen to SUCH good people like this. I know many many people will miss you and never forget you Drew Thank you for the man you were, and the people you helped us be, Rest in peace. Aroha!

Thinking of you all today. John and Jennifer Patterson

The greatest man that walked this earth. Drew was so special in many ways! I have had the privilege of knowing him for my whole adult life and I couldn’t be more grateful. It has been an absolute honor to know him and the beautiful family he created. I can’t express enough how much Drew had an impact on my life. To be included in the chosen family is what makes his legacy even greater. Nicola, Lily and Bella, my heart breaks for you as I know he was your rock. We will be here for you until the end. Love you all ❤️

I feel so lucky to have had Andrew in my world, and I'll never stop being grateful for that. Life would take us in different directions, we'd come and go, pick up where we left off, but we always stayed in touch. He truly was everything good wrapped up in one person and he always knew when to knock a good 10-15 years off a happy birthday message. He had the best sense of humour. I'm heartbroken he's no longer with us. Nicola, Lily, Bella, Jenny, Roger, Ben, Lana and the family, you are all in my heart and thoughts. I am sending you all so much love now and always.

I can't believe you won't be in your office down the corridor for me to have a quiet word, laugh and glean some wisdom. You are a superb psychologist, husband, father and friend. Till we meet again. Much love to Nicola and girls xxxxx Michelle

Thinking of you, Nicola, Lily, Bella and family of Drew. Sending love and strength to you all. X

So very, very sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Higgy and I were firm friends in the RNZAF and dorm-mates on R1/89 Recruit Course; 1/89 Basic Engineering (the Lost Boys); and our paths crossed again as we each did our Avionics Mechs courses. As many have already said, you could not wish to meet a nicer, more genuine, more caring guy. He really was one of the good ones. He had a wonderfully mischievous sense of humour, and an irresistibly impish grin when fully indulging it. I was beyond stoked to see him and catch up with him at our Recruit Course Reunion last year; and it was no surprise to learn he had moved into a field where he could really help people. That's the type of guy Drew was - always wanting to make a positive difference. I was really looking forward to catching up with him again sometime. But the universe had other plans... RIP buddy.

Andrew made 1980's Stratford a bearable place to be a teen. You could talk to him about literally anything and he'd always know when to lend a sensitive ear and when to razz you instead. You could cry in front of him, but you'd much more likely be laughing. He was also very practical and would give you a hand with stuff like, oh I don't know, getting you home with the dislocated knee you'd sustained during mad drunken dancing with him and all his numerous friends. Despite being afflicted with a great love for the music of Alan Parsons he was always able and willing to bring people together for a great time, no matter what the music was. He was often round at ours having a laugh and arguing with the boys. Andrew was clearly a very loving husband and father and I never saw him with Bella and Lily without wishing more parents were like him and Nicola. A huge loss. Goodbye mate, it was great knowing you.

Drew, my mate and best man. I am forever grateful having you in my life. Our friendship spanned almost four decades. Over that time we shared happiness, sadness, tears. laughter and a whole lot of crazy talk ;) The world was a better place with you in it. Your legacy carries on in all of those whom you connected with. I will always be here for Nicola, Lily, and Bella, a promise I made to you in your final days. Love ya mate...

Higgy you where one hell of a bloke , love that cheeky smile and man those witty, sometimes out there comments but man truly unique…will remember the hockey trips away and the fun we had , rest in peace x

Condolences to Nicola and family. Thank you for sharing Drew with us all in the mental health community in Taranaki North and South. Drew touched many lives with his soft spoken gentle manner. He will be missed by all patients and staff.

So sorry for your loss. Drew was a good man, taken far too soon. My deepest condolences Nicola, girls and family.

Oh, Drew! How sad to know this news... you fought so hard! What a devastating loss to your family and our community!! You changed my practice forever, I'll never forget! I'm finishing my Masters of Counselling next year and although we were not close beyond hospital walls, you'll always be a beacon in work ethics and mental health for myself and many others. Rest in peace, Drew! Kia kaha, whānau! <3

Jenny and Roger So sorry to read of Andrew’s passing. Our love and sympathy to you and your family. Take care Gill and Geoff

Not just our neighbour but a friend. We shared stories of our girls adventures; we shared eggs, relish, books, and firewood… We often solved the world’s problems over beers or a cuppa on the deck, and we’re very much going to miss having you around. Our wee street won’t be the same without you in it. Your witty intelligence and kind nature lives on in the girls. Our sincerest condolences Nicola, Lily and Bella. Sarah, Mick and Amelia.

Drew ….my mentor , my coach , my colleague ,the rational, the clever and the witty one … and just an all round bloody great human… an incredible person who made an immeasurable impact on so many including me. You will be so missed. Thank you for showing me and so many what’s important , what matters and sharing so much skill and knowledge, thank you Drew.

Sincerest Sympathy to all of the Hignett family at the very sad loss of your beloved Drew.Keeping you in our thoughts & prayers Maureen Green & Family

Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne' (a tōtara in the great forest of Tāne has fallen) ❤️ Such a loss Miss you my friend

Drew Hignett , I met you as a teenager, went to your coming of age (21), caught up several times over the years, watched you become the man you became, watched you find true love and grow a beautiful family. I'm sad to say goodbye my dear friend. Birthday messages won't be the same moving forward, but I'm proud to have known you the majority of my life, I'm sorry we never got to catch up when you came down, I know you will forever be watching over your girls and I have peace that your out of pain. Rest easy dear friend until we meet again.

A beautiful soul has left this world ...Drew I will always remember our young years with all the cousins hanging out as the best times .it's really shit you had to leave so soon but I'm glad your not in pain anymore .To Nicola and Lily and Bella ,Aunty Jenny and Uncle Roger..Donna ,Ben and Lana and families my heartfelt condolences..xx

Our deepest condolances to Nicola, Lily, Bella, Jenny and Roger and the family. Andrew was the greatest of the great. Friend and confidant, calm voice, always loving and accepting. Math tutor, Avionics technician, and clinical psychologist. The loss is profound. Love always David Beth and family.

Nicola a girls, thinking of you all at this time in the loss of a lovely man, so very grateful that Grant, Marissa a Vincent had you in their lives, rest peacefully now Drew. much aroha, Marissa’s mum Kathie

Jenny & Roger Our deepest sympathy and love to you all on your loss RIP

To Jenny and Roger. Our hearts break for you with the loss of your much loved son. Sending love to you and your family during these tough days. Xx

Most sincere and ❤️ felt aroha and hugs Nicola, Lily, Bella and all of your whanau xxx most definately a sad and unfair loss of a great human being. May you be resting in peace and light Drew. Thinking of you all, Penny and Simon. Xxx

Dear Drew You are deeply missed you were the epitome of professionalism & care your kindness towards others especially the people you helped pave away towards other healing their trauma made you stand out amongst others within the workplace. I had already heard about you prior to meeting you. We got to know each other & you became a trusted colleague & friend. Walking through the corridors a quick hello or a conversation & on your way to help another. I have the deepest respect for you & the role model you were. You lit up when you spoke of your family I knew they were your strength & within this family you were steeped all of you within a deep & profound love for one another. Rest now Drew the work day has ended may your beloved family find peace & comfort at this very sad time. A True friend & a beloved husband father son uncle & college you will be deeply missed & you have left an indelible mark on the world of psychology & a void in all those that knew you & loved 💙 My deepest condolences 🙏

To Jenny, Roger and family. My deepest sympathy to you all. May all your beautiful memories carry you through this difficult time.

Sincere sympathy to you Jenny , Roger and your extended family in the loss of your loved son.

RIP Drew ❤️ Thank you for all your support, guidance & kindness over the years. Arohanui Nicola & family Thinking of you all xxx ❤️

Roger Jenny an d family we are so very sorry to hear of Andrew's passing,our thoughts are with you all during this tragic time in you're lives.

Nicola, Lily and Bella, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your amazing Drew and Dad. My thoughts are with you all as you all navigate through this new journey your on. Much ❤️

Dearest Nicola my heart goes out to you on the loss of your amazing partner and father of your beautiful children . RIP Drew.

My thoughts go out to Nicola, the girls & Drew’s family. He was far too young to go & yet has left a legacy of long lasting impact on those clients lives he touched. Will be sorely missed by many. I will be with you all in spirit on the live stream. RIP Drew 💜

Our deepest sympathy and love to you all losing this awesome man way too soon. Big hugs. May he RIP Christina (Radich) and Terry Gilmour