While the problems were enormously complex, the Oamaru-born clinical psychologist believed the solutions were often "surprisingly simple".
With his "incredibly wise and pragmatic" counsel, Mr Latta became New Zealand’s best-known psychologist, offering valuable insights into the working minds of everyone — from children to violent criminals.
Many across the country, including University of Otago academics and Dunedin community organisations, are mourning the loss of the popular clinician, author and broadcaster, who died aged 58 on Tuesday after being diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer last year.
Mr Latta was known for his deep dives into the psyches of criminals, troubled teens and parents, and for tackling difficult social issues such as obesity, poverty and child abuse.
He presented true crime series Beyond the Darklands, the Politically Incorrect Parenting shows, and more recently You’ve Been Scammed, as well as writing many books.
University of Otago Hazel Buckland Professor and psychological medicine researcher Prof Paul Glue said it was not only a loss for his family, but also for the profession.
"Based on what I’ve seen and heard in the media and in his writings, he was incredibly wise and pragmatic, and he will be sorely missed by many who were inspired and influenced by him."
Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study research manager Dr Sandhya Ramrakha said Mr Latta worked closely with her late husband and former study director Distinguished Prof Richie Poulton early in his television career.
Prof Poulton had said Mr Latta delved into the study’s research and used the science to make evidence-based information accessible to the public.
"At one of the Dunedin Study’s assessments, his parenting video was gifted to all the study participants — many of whom were starting parenting at that time."
Mr Latta recently attended the Louise Davie Charitable Trust dinner in Dunedin, and gave a passionate speech about his battle with cancer and his outlook on life.
Founding trustee Steve Davie said his message was one of love, compassion and optimism.
"We were very privileged to have him, simply because he wasn’t well, but he gave us his all that night and he had everybody just hanging on every word.
"It was quite emotional, but also uplifting."
Mr Latta was born on July 3, 1967, and had eclectic interests in his youth.
After finishing school at Waitaki Boys’ High School, he briefly considered a career as a police officer before deciding to study zoology and marine science at the University of Otago.
During his studies, he also played in a six-piece skiffle band with ukuleles, a tea-chest bass and washboards, which toured the South Island.
He went on to complete a master’s degree in philosophy (with first class honours), in psychology and a postgraduate diploma in clinical psychology at the University of Auckland.
He worked in private practice in Dunedin for a time, and was also a consultant in the field for private companies and government social service agencies, including the Department of Corrections, New Zealand Police and Child Youth and Family Services.
He was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2012 for his services to psychology.
On social media, his wife, Natalie Flynn, farewelled her "great love" and said he died with "the same dignity and positivity" that he carried through his life.
"You were never dying, just living until the moment you weren’t.
"You fought cancer with enormous bravery.
"You’ve spent your life helping others in need. And now it’s your turn to rest."
Mr Latta is survived by his wife, daughter Rina, son Kieran, and three stepchildren, Elijah, Maya and Leon.
An obituary will follow.
