Ngā kaiwhakamahereora/Guidance Counsellor
Te Waka Kura o Mohua / Golden Bay High School

Abbey Gilligan - (on leave for 2026)

Tēnā koutou e te whānau
Ko Piki ki runga te Maunga e rū nei taku ngākau  
Ko Tākaka te Awa e mahea nei aku māharahara    
Ko Abbey Gilligan tōku ingoa
Ke te Tāhuna i whānau mai ahau
Kei Otautahi i tupu ake ahau
Kei te noho mātou ki Mōhua i Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui
Ko tenei taku mihi ki ngā tāngata whenua o te rohe nei
Ka mihi hoki au ki ngā tohu o te rohe nei
E ki ana te whakatauki
Waiho i te toipoto, kāua i te toiroa
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa
​
In this world, there are many different experiences that can be difficult for people to cope with. Most of the time, we get on with life. Sometimes we are stopped in our tracks by an event or situation that we may not, at that moment have the resources to manage. I believe that counselling is a useful option that enables people to tell their stories in ways that make them stronger and is an opportunity for people to:
​Gain insight, awareness  & self-acceptance
  • Discover & extend their skills, knowledge  & strengths
  • Explore difficulties & concerns & extend their ability to discover solutions & resilience
  • Become better able to develop & maintain meaningful & satisfying relationships       
  • Move in the direction of their potential, hopes & dreams.

​​In counselling, you can talk about any problems or concerns in a safe place with somebody who will support you. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. You can decide what works for you, how frequently you attend appointments and for
how many sessions. You can also bring a support person or friend if you wish. In counselling, you are supported to explore your difficulties and concerns, and to develop more satisfying and resourceful ways of living.
​​
A Counsellor can help you to...
  • explore your emotions, thoughts, and behaviour
  • become more aware of yourself, your values and what motivates you
  • plan and set goals
  • improve your relationships
  • reduce your stress
  • develop your sense of well being
  • do things differently

A Counsellor may...
  • see you on your own or with support people
  • give you information
  • discuss with you who you could talk to about your difficulties
  • act on your behalf with your consent
  • refer you to someone more appropriate
  • promote healthy communication between families, peers and staff
  • provide Student advocacy, mediation or restorative practices
  • access support from a variety of external agencies and social services

​How can I make an Appointment?
You can:
  • Ask your form teacher, dean or another member of staff you trust to help you
  • Email Emma:  emma.newcombe@gbh.school.nz
  • Come down to Te Whare Manaaki during interval or lunchtime
Emma Newcombe

Kia ora koutou e ngā tauira o Te Waka Kura o Mohua. Ko Emma tōku ingoa. Some of you will remember me from when I was working alongside Abbey in 2024. I will be the school guidance counsellor while Abbey is away for the rest of 2026. 

I am a Pākehā South Islander, and I live on Takaka Hill with my husband and our pets. I have lots of interests including art, tramping, kayaking, and marine science. I love animals, especially dogs, and my dog Alfie in particular.

I find all people interesting, and I really enjoy counselling. I would be really happy to get to know you and provide support as you manage life’s challenges. Together we can work out ways for you to feel better about your place in your school, family, or the wider world.


​I’m here all day on Thursdays and Fridays, so please pop in and say hello, or send me an email at [email protected]. You are welcome to come in for a general chat to get to know me - there is no pressure to talk about anything you aren’t ready to share. Our conversations are private, and are all about what works for you. I look forward to getting to know more of you over this year. 

Ngā mihi nui,
​Emma
(B. Counselling, provisional MNZAC)