Travel and Learning Award for Nicole Johnston
Borrin Foundation Travel and Learning Award
Nicole’s plan
Nicole has been selected to receive a Travel and Learning Award to travel to Canada in 2027 to attend events on trauma-informed justice. Nicole also plans to meet with Canadian experts and advocates for trauma-informed and trauma-responsive practice, and she aims to observe courtrooms and justice spaces that apply these principles. She is particularly interested in indigenous understandings of trauma, and what it looks like to be culturally-responsive within the context of the justice system, and hopes that what she learns can be incorporated into future projects she is involved with in Aotearoa.
About Nicole
Nicole is a pākehā contract legal researcher, trauma-informed justice advocate and lifelong learner. She completed her LLB(Hons) and BA at the University of Canterbury, and was a practising lawyer in a range of criminal law and human rights roles. She also completed a LLM in International Law at the University of Auckland. Through a combination of lived experiences and supporting clients navigating the justice system, Nicole developed a passion for trauma-informed justice. Through her experiences, Nicole came to understand the importance of wellbeing and taking a holistic approach to self-care, including understanding the effects of chronic stress and vicarious trauma. She is currently completing a 300-hour trauma-informed facilitation course, and is collaborating with other professionals and academics to improve understandings of trauma, responsive practices and self-care in the justice system. Nicole also hopes to begin a PhD in 2027 that focuses on trauma-informed principles and education for all justice professionals.
Grant Amount
$10,000 in 2026 to support travel
“I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to deepen my understanding of trauma and culturally-responsive practice in the justice system, and connect with other like-minded humans. I cannot thank the Borrin Foundation enough for this support”