Jase Williams (Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Kahungunu)
walks the vital intersection of relational neuroscience, mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge), and
equity-centered practice. His work is built on a singular, disruptive truth: people do not need fixing.
Instead, Jase advocates for a return to our most basic human requirements—belonging and unconditional love.
With over 25 years of experience, Jase has walked alongside communities navigating the complex landscapes
of trauma, poverty, and intergenerational harm. As the Principal of Henry Hill School (2012–2022), he led
a internationally recognised transformation that earned the 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Award
for Wellbeing. This "in the trenches" leadership is the foundation of his book, Your Trauma Has A Whakapapa,
which reframes trauma not as a clinical deficit, but as a relational journey deeply connected to identity and ancestry.
Jase’s influence extends far beyond the education sector. As a National Champion for the Changemaker
programme (Ministry of Social Development), he supports whānau-led systems change in low
socio-economic communities. He reaches into our most vulnerable spaces—from delivering trauma-informed
workshops in correctional facilities to advocating for culturally grounded healing at national suicide awareness
and mental health events.
Whether he is speaking on a TEDx stage, supporting incarcerated men and women to reclaim their stories,
or sitting with community in the middle of the work, Jase brings a relentless commitment to equity.
He remains a leading voice in Aotearoa / New Zealand, helping us rediscover that the path to prevention and healing
is always found in the power of connection and the strength of our collective humanity.
KEYNOTE SPEAKING
Jase is a TEDx speaker and sought-after keynote presenter, having spoken at conferences throughout New Zealand and internationally.
Jase doesn’t just talk about trauma, connection, and healing; he’s lived it. His presentations are powerful, engaging, and deeply human, woven from raw personal experience, grounded in relational neuroscience, and illuminated through the lens of indigenous wisdom.
With honesty, humour, and heart, Jase invites audiences into conversations that go beyond theory. He speaks from lived experience of what it means to break cycles, rebuild connection, and lead with compassion. His storytelling bridges the science of the body with indigenous wisdom, creating a space where people don’t just listen—they feel, reflect, and remember.
What makes Jase’s message unforgettable is its authenticity. He doesn’t stand apart from the work; he embodies it. Every story, every insight, and every moment on stage carries the depth of someone who has walked through pain, led transformation, and continues to help others do the same. The result is an experience that is as relatable as it is transformative, reminding us that true change begins with connection.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional Development in Relational Neuroscience—delivered by someone who’s lived it, not just studied it.
Jase brings a rare blend of deep theory, lived experience, and cultural wisdom. With over 25 years in education, including a decade as a principal, he’s led real transformation from the classroom to the boardroom, helping thousands of educators become more compassionate, culturally grounded, and equity-driven.
Unlike most experts who speak from theory, Jase has walked the talk. His work weaves relational neuroscience with indigenous wisdom, creating a powerful, holistic understanding of the mind, body, heart, and spirit/soul.
This isn’t just professional development—it’s a paradigm shift. Jase doesn’t offer strategies; he offers transformation. He invites educators to see relationships, connection, and healing as the true foundations of learning and leadership.
Feedback from Professional Development Session attendees:
'An honest, thought provoking and relevant professional learning opportunity.'
'It honestly felt like I was in therapy for the whole day. And I loved it!'
‘Excellent, relevant, relatable and authentic to all of us. We loved the real life experiences of someone who has walked the walk - not just the theory.'
‘It was so insightful and inspiring and confronting. Thank you for your honesty and transparency.’
‘ I walked out feeling grateful for you. Finally someone who understood and could relate to us.’
'Inspiring and affirming of working with whānau (family) and tamariki (children) without judgement but with aroha (love).'
‘ You are inspirational! You know it and you’re living it and I love and appreciate your willingness to share.’
CONNECTIONS
Jase has been fortunate to have learned from and alongside the world's biggest names in this space including: Gabor Mate, Stephen Porges, Bessel van der Kolk, Dan Siegel, Vanessa Lapointe, Deb Dana, Marlee Liss, Lori Desautels.
BOOK: YOUR TRAUMA HAS A WHAKAPAPA
Foreword written by Dr. Lori Desautels and Matt & Sarah Brown, MNZM
What if the pain you carry didn’t start with you?
What if healing doesn’t begin with fixing others, but by coming home to yourself?
In Your Trauma Has a Whakapapa, TEDx speaker, storyteller, former school principal, and relational neuroscience and trauma educator Jase Williams weaves together raw personal narrative, powerful pūrākau, and relational neuroscience to explore the deep roots of trauma and the transformative hope of healing.
From the echoes of his nana’s kitchen table growing up, to the classrooms of Aotearoa, and the hearts of whānau across generations, Jase invites us into a conversation that’s both deeply personal and urgently collective. With aroha, honesty, and fierce clarity, he shows how trauma lives in the body, hides in silence, and repeats in relationships, until someone chooses to break the cycle.
This is not a book of quick fixes. It’s a book of remembering, reparenting, and reclaiming. It’s about showing up with presence, not perfection. And it’s about transforming not just our own lives, but the generations to come.
Your trauma has a whakapapa.
But so does your healing.
“Jase lights the path with honesty, wisdom, and unwavering heart.”
- Dr. Lori Desautels
“There are some books we read, and some books we feel. This is a book you don’t simply hold in your hands; it holds you.”
- Matt & Sarah Brown, MNZM
“Just finished it for the second time! This time with highlighters. Colour coded! Understanding me, understanding my wife, understanding my kids. Fantastic, fantastic book."
"Your book is healing in so many ways."
"I'm barely through the forewords, preface, and beginning of chapter 1 and already the truth bombs are hitting!"
"Finished. Couldn't put it down. You've got the compelling mix of storytelling, science, te ao Māori and relatability - easy to read even though the content is heavy. Honestly, so good."
"Every page is healing."
"I'm reading your book for the second time. First time I read it with my brain. Now my heart is digesting your words. This is such a good read!!!"
“Your book is truly healing. I don't like to read at all. However, there is a comfort in your writing that provides me the space to be vulnerable. It's like you are here, not in a spiritual or physical way, but just PRESENT."
