Loneliness NZ is structured with a Board of Trustees who govern the Trust, and a group of advisors who provide specialist expertise to Loneliness NZ. Our Trustees are:
Cathy Comber
Founding Trustee, CEO and Counsellor of Loneliness NZ
Cathy Comber is deeply committed to enhancing the personal and professional well-being of individuals, fostering harmonious relationships, and facilitating organisational success. With a wealth of experience in management, leadership, counselling, coaching, and mentoring, she takes pleasure in empowering others to reach their full potential.
Cathy’s academic credentials include a Master of Counselling (specialising in loneliness), PGDip in Counselling Theory, PGDip in Business Management (Human Resource Management), and a BCom degree (includes psychology).
Additionally, she has participated in countless professional development courses, including an Inspiring Leadership programme and the tertiary sector New Zealand Women in Leadership program.
With full membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors Cathy is an accredited Te Whatu Ora counsellor.
In addition to leading the Loneliness NZ counselling service, she has her own practice Cathy Comber Counselling which serves those seeking relationship and general counselling and coaching.
Cathy’s vast experience comes from her contributions to these organisations:
Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection—through Loneliness NZ, Cathy participated in co-founding GILC and was an inaugural member of the Steering Committee.
TalkLink Trust (assistive technology for the disability sector)—Trustee.
Lifeline Aotearoa—Helpline counsellor with suicide intervention skills; co-facilitated training and mentor for new counsellors.
LifeKidz Charitable Trust (supporting special needs children)—Trustee.
Campus Connections Aotearoa (youth alternative education program)—Counsellor/mentor.
Mount Albert Grammar School—Guidance counsellor.
Shine (domestic violence)—Counsellor.
University of Auckland—Senior manager.
University of Cape Town—Senior manager.
Cathy finds joy in spending quality time with family and friends. She has a passion for multiday tramping and is particularly fond of being on New Zealand mountains.
Dr Spencer Scoular
Founding Trustee
Dr Spencer Scoular is a founding Trustee of Loneliness NZ. He is the inaugural Chair of the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection (GILC). His commitment is driven by the profound impact Loneliness NZ and GILC have in potentially transforming the wellbeing of both New Zealanders and global citizens. In the past few years GILC has encouraged the WHO to establish the WHO Commission on Social Connection (2024–2026)—which aims to see the issue of loneliness and social isolation recognised and resourced as a global public health priority.
Spencer has a distinguished academic background, having earned a Doctorate from the University of Cambridge, a Bachelor of Engineering (First Class) from the University of Canterbury, along with diplomas in accounting/finance and stockbroking. His academic excellence was recognized through the prestigious Prince of Wales Scholarship to Cambridge University, for his exceptional performance across all subjects at universities throughout New Zealand. A notable scholastic achievement was in the New Zealand Senior Mathematics competition, where he secured third place.
Spencer held the role of Dux of Nelson College.
Spencer’s professional background encompasses high-level management consultancy. He formerly was a consultant for McKinsey & Company, a globally renowned consultancy firm, and co-founded Partners in Performance (UK), specializing in operational turnaround consultancy.
Currently, Spencer maintains a diversified career portfolio, including the operation of his own management consultancy, Synergy Partners. Moreover, he dedicates approximately half of his time to pro bono endeavours, notably in private research initiatives.
Spencer actively engages in the New Zealand start-up community, contributing his expertise as an adviser and investor.
He enjoys multiday tramping, squash, and spending time with family. Spencer is an avid collector of historic books and documents relating to New Zealand.