Vivienne Janice Scott

SCOTT, Vivienne Janice. Passed away unexpectedly in her sleep, aged 55 years. Loved daughter of Janice and Bruce Scott, sister of Alastair and Robyn, Helen and Dave, Claire and Adam and their families, and a friend to many. The service to celebrate Vivienne’s life will be held at Collingwood Funeral Home Chapel, 1358 Eruera Street, Rotorua on Friday, November 22nd at 11am.  Live streaming is available via www.collingwoodfuneralhome.co.nz.  All communications to Scott Family C/o 1358 Eruera Street Rotorua 3010

Funeral service held at Collingwood Funeral Home

Tributes

Viv joined our team of volunteers for Tech2Empower Malaysia last June. We spent a week in Penang, where Viv contributed greatly to our efforts and to our community. She was part of a small team that partnered with Befrienders, a Malaysian NGO with a mission to address suicide prevention through emotional support and alleviating loneliness, misery, despair & depression by listening. She brought a lot of talent, skills and dedication to the team's impact project. Viv provided small group mentoring for high school girls in Penang, and led a very popular and effective workshop on how to start a business, encouraging the students to dream big and giving them practical advice on how to pursue the path of entrepreneurship. The students were incredibly engaged in her interactive and fun session. When we shared the tragic news of Viv's passing with her fellow volunteers from the program, everyone responded immediately. The themes of all these messages included mention of how deeply Viv touched each person, despite our short time together, everyone mentioning her wit, humor, humility and kindness. She also kindly put up with a whole bunch of Americans! We feel truly lucky to have known her and grateful for all she brought to Tech2Empower Malaysia, and to each of us and the many young women and girls she impacted in Penang.

Trish Tierney

Viv and I first crossed paths as colleagues at the Advisory Board Centre (ABC). I live in Hawaii and she in New Zealand, so we initially knew each other only in the digital world. That changed when she volunteered as an advisor for a WAKE (Women's Alliance for Knowledge & Exchange) trip to Penang, Malaysia—where I, too, was volunteering. It was there that I truly came to know Viv, experiencing firsthand her larger-than-life Kiwi spirit and her boundless heart for giving. One only needed to witness the hugs and tears of gratitude she received from Befrienders Penang (whose mission is suicide prevention), the social enterprise she so passionately supported, to see the impact she had on those around her. Or to hear the lively, curious chatter of schoolgirls captivated by her workshop on entrepreneurship to understand the magic she brought into the world. Viv had a remarkable way of inspiring others, her generosity and joy lighting up the lives of others. (I share one of MANY pics of her inspiring others.) On that trip, I also got to know another side of Viv—her sharp, wicked sense of humor, which we shared while commiserating over our respective foot injuries. Viv always found a way to make us laugh, even turning pain into a point of connection. We had been planning to join another one of these pay-it-forward trips next year, eager to deepen our friendship and pursue our shared passion for spreading goodness in the world. That future will now never come, and the loss feels intense. Viv leaves behind a void—a space where goodness, kindness, and laughter once flourished. I can only imagine how many lives she touched and the ripples of positivity she created. Her legacy is one of doing what is right, just, and joyful, always with humor and grace. Though my time with Viv was brief, it was a true gift. Thank you, Viv, for your inspiration, your spirit, and the example you set for us all. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Renée Lahti

It is with deep sadness and disbelief that we acknowledge the sudden passing of Vivienne Scott, taken far too soon. As a colleague and fellow board member of Infracore Rotorua, Viv brought an infectious energy, passion, and unwavering commitment to every task. She was a straight shooter who was never afraid to tell it as it was—punctuating her honesty with a well-placed expletive that always brought a smile or broke the tension in the room. Jude had the privilege of working alongside Viv on projects for Te Tatau o Te Arawa and admired her determination, her sharp wit, and the boundless enthusiasm she brought to her work. Viv was a vibrant and inspiring presence, always willing to give her time and expertise to ensure the success of any endeavor. Her authenticity, humor, and heart made her one of a kind. Her loss is not only a significant one for her family but also for all who had the fortune to work with her. To Viv's whānau, please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this unexpected and profound loss. Moe mai rā, moe mai rā e te rangatira. With aroha, Geoff Rolleston and Jude Pani

Jude Pani

I got to know Viv over the last year as we talked through different thorny advisory board challenges and situations and was so impressed with Viv’s willingness to challenge, to logically think through scenarios and ask intelligent questions, always being considerate, thoughtful and respectful to those she was discussing. I always came away from my time with Viv with a smile, knowing the tremendous value she was adding to those she interacted with. I will greatly miss our interactions, her challenging questions so she could learn and consider other perspectives, and most of all, I’ll miss that genuine cheeky smile and warmth from a true colleague. My condolences to family. Rest in peace Viv.

Jane Beaumont

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Viv, a community leader, close friend, and mentor to many within the global Advisory Board Centre community. Viv actively contributed to the development of the sector and our New Zealand community. Always challenging our thinking, championing quality with great fervour, and actively participating in everything we do - she will be sorely missed. Viv’s contribution to our community has been significant in a very short period of time and members from around the world have paid tribute to her. She has been an important role model for others. She recently wrote to me “one of my life’s mottos is to lift up and support other women, no matter their situation.” On behalf of the Advisory Board Centre, thank you for being you. On a personal level, I will miss your friendship, sense of fun and unwavering support. Thank you Viv, for just being the legend of being you.

Louise Broekman

I was shocked and saddened to hear today of Viv's passing. We were wing-mates on Police Wing 159, 29 years ago. We also worked together at Wellington Central Station for a few years before she left to pursue more study. She was a caring and thoughtful person with a good sense of humour and will no doubt be sadly missed by family, friends and colleagues. Moe mai ra Viv.

Jillian Reid

So sorry to lose you Viv. Felt like we were only just getting started with your contribution and generosity in NZ's Advisory Board space. Thoughts with all the family and friends who'll not have you around as part of their lives, both personal and business and more often than not, both.

Marty

I am so terribly sad to hear this news today. Viv served on the NZ Water Polo Board of Directors from 2016 - 2022 and transformed the governance of our sport. She was tireless in her work and was incredibly generous with her time coaching and mentoring incoming Directors and people joining us new to governance. She became a good friend personally and a wise mentor - someone who helped shape my governance career in NZ. Fly well Viv we will miss you x

Alex Howieson

Truly saddened to hear of Viv's passing. Her contribution to New Zealand Water Polo governance practices has been far reaching and served to improve the sport for thousands of participants, staff and administrators. Thank you Viv also for your service in the New Zealand Police & continuing that strong family tradition. Condolences to all Viv's family and friends. Rest in Peace Viv.

Andrew Berry

I am so sad to hear this news. I am so very sorry to her family. Viv was a strong supporter of many and always at the end of a phone call. Her advocacy for women's right and in particular women in governance, was inspiring. She was admired and valued by many of us. Catch you soon, Viv.

Aleisha Clarke
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