Little Ollie farewelled
By ROSE STIRLING - Dargaville News
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Dargaville & Districts
Family and friends are mourning the tragic loss of a Dargaville boy described as caring and loving, 10-year-old Oliver Nicolson, also known as Little Ollie.
He was found dead at his home last Tuesday morning after an incident involving a firearm. Police are not treating the matter as suspicious.
Hundreds of mourners turned out to Oturei marae for his funeral on Saturday, including large numbers of students from Dargaville Primary, where Oliver went to school.
They sang songs such as You Are My Sunshine and Ripiro Beach in memory of their classmate.
His room 7 classmates have also created a shrine in their classroom, consisting of cards and hand-made mementoes in his memory.
Oliver was the youngest of four children and his 14-year-old sister Sarah says his brother and sisters “will miss him”.
Parents Sue and Laurie Nicolson say Oliver was very much a loved and wanted child. “We waited a few years for him.”
Mr Nicolson says: “I will miss his presence, just his presence, I will just miss having him around.”
Although he had been quiet and reserved in recent months he had been “particularly confident and happy”, Mrs Nicolson said.
She says she will miss her son bouncing off the walls.
Oliver’s grandmother Sharlene says: “Grandchildren can never do any wrong in a nana’s eyes.”
The family say that during Labour weekend Oliver had made a remote control holder for his school’s show day, and had a couple of friends over but he had not wanted to go to school the day he died.
Mrs Nicolson says she doesn’t want her son’s death to be in vain.
“I want other parents to find out if something is upsetting their children.”
The family want to thank friends who rallied around to support them, and staff at Family Link, where Mrs Nicolson works.
Mental Health Foundation chief executive Judi Clements said in the event of a sudden death, it was important to communicate openly and honestly with children about what had happened.
“That way you can make sure your children are told sensitively and appropriately, rather than overhearing stories.”
She says it is also important to reassure children they are not responsible for the person’s death.
“Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, even if it isn’t with you, and help them develop their own ideas about positive ways to solve problems.
“If you are concerned about changes in your child’s behaviour, seek help from a doctor or counsellor.”
- The Nicolson family also want to acknowledge families who struggle financially at Christmas by encouraging people to donate a present in Ollie’s memory.
Gifts for children can be dropped off at the Dargaville and Districts News office, 116 Victoria St, Dargaville.
Help is a phone call away
There are a number of agencies that can help in dealing with the problems that arise in everyday life, particularly as children are growing up.
-They are free, confidential and easy to access.
- Youthline: 0800-376-633
- What’s-Up – for kids 5-14: 0800-942-878
- Kidsline – for kids up to 14: 0800-543-754
- Lifeline – 24 hour counselling: 0800 543-354
Depression helpline: 0800-111-757
- Family Works northern – child and family counselling: (09) 437-6729
- Mental Health Caregivers Trust: (09) 432-7494
For online information visit suicide prevention in New Zealand at www.spinz.org.nz.
