Nigel Latta: Clinical Psychologist and Beloved New Zealand TV Presenter

Nigel Latta was a New Zealand clinical psychologist, author and television presenter best known for his straight-talking shows about crime, parenting and society. Born on July 3, 1967, in Oamaru, he became one of the country's most trusted public voices on psychology.

Latta published Into the Darklands in 2003, a book on the psychology of criminals that inspired the TVNZ series Beyond the Darklands, which he presented from 2008 to 2012. He was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2012 for services to psychology and co-founded the production company Ruckus Films in 2016.

Latta married psychologist Natalie Flynn in 2023, becoming a stepparent to her three children, and had two children from his first marriage. He disclosed an incurable stomach cancer diagnosis in September 2024 and died in a hospice in Auckland on September 30, 2025, at age 58. Remembered for his warmth and humor, he helped thousands of New Zealanders understand themselves and their families.

Achievements: Published Into the Darklands (2003), presented Beyond the Darklands (2008-2012), appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2012), co-founded Ruckus Films (2016).

Birth: July 3, 1967 - Oamaru, New Zealand.

Profession: Clinical psychologist, author and broadcaster.

Interesting Facts: Latta studied marine science and zoology at the University of Otago before turning to psychology. As a young man he toured the South Island with a skiffle band.