We are pleased to announce the appointment of two new Ambassadors of our organisation.

Ambassadors are the face of our organisation, they speak on our behalf, raising awareness to support the 20,000+ New Zealander’s living with these chronic diseases.

Nicole Thornton, our first ambassador, is well-known for her advocacy work, both in the community and in Parliament. Nicole, who is currently pursuing a career in nursing, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of eight. At the age of 12 she presented a petition to Parliament and gave nationally televised testimony to the Health Select Committee to allow workplace toilet access to those that might need a bathroom urgently. She is also the author of our national “I Can’t Wait Campaign”, a campaign to promote toilet access to normalise the lives of people living with IBD. Nicole was recently recognized by New Zealand’s prestigious Kiwibank’s Local Heroes’ Awards. Her campaign and work have been endorsed by several city councils throughout the country. Nicole is also a member of the CCNZ board.

Our second Ambassador, representing the many children and teens with Crohn’s and colitis, is 15 -year-old Charlotte Livingstone. Charlotte has been an instrumental member of the young IBD community, sharing her story and advocating for greater understanding and support for those living with the condition. On World IBD Day in 2022, Charlotte shared her experiences of living with Crohn’s disease at Parliament and appeared in the video “IBD Has No Age”. 

On the 25th of January, a presentation at Camp Purple Live was held to celebrate these appointments. MP Brooke van Velden, who accepted CCNZ's petition for funding our new medications, and Charlotte’s home-town mayor, Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown, spoke to the children and volunteers and presented certificates to the new Ambassadors initiating their new roles.

We are confident that Nicole and Charlotte will be instrumental in raising awareness for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis throughout New Zealand, and we look forward to working with them and celebrating their successes.