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JASE WILLIAMS
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Enquiries & Bookings - email: info@jasewilliams.nz
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.
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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.


Click the book cover image below to order ...
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“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."

UPCOMING EVENTS
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Keynote Speaking
Jase is a TEDx speaker and sought-after keynote presenter, having spoken at conferences throughout New Zealand and internationally. 
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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.
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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 Sessions
Professional Development in Relational Neuroscience—delivered by someone who’s lived it, not just studied it.
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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.
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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 whanau (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.’

Testimonials

Jacinda Ardern - Former Prime Minister of New Zealand

'I want to congratulate you for winning the Excellence in Wellbeing Education Award in this year's Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards. This is an amazing achievement, and you should be proud of what your team have accomplished for your ākonga.
​Your story is such an inspiration and I look forward to hearing more stories of success about your ākonga and schooling community in years to come.'


Nathan Wallis - Neuroscience Educator 
'I’m always being asked for examples of where the research I talk about is put into practice.
Principal Jason Williams is a pioneering, passionate and positive leader. The (Henry Hill) school's tranquility garden is named Te Āhuru Mōwai (Peaceful Paradise) but this really describes the whole school! Although recently devastated by floods, the resilience developed in a trauma informed and research based curriculum has shone through, with lots of vibrant, intelligent and articulate young people showing me proudly through their environment.
And true to form - what happens when a school focuses more on wellbeing than academic advancement?? When they did last have National Standards they were amongst the best in the region! It’s not wellbeing INSTEAD of academics, it’s understanding wellbeing is the birthplace of academics!'
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Chris Patten - RTLB Manager - Hauraki RTLB Cluster
Jase brings "realness" to drilling down to what trauma informed practice is all about from his own experience as a Principal and now as a professional development facilitator who understands schools. We have had Jase run a session for RTLB and he is great at challenging different perspectives and bringing everything back to the needs of the children. I would recommend Jase in a heartbeat in terms of how he can relate to all walks of life, he brings his own vulnerability which absolutely resonates with any audience. 



Rachel Ward-McCarten - Principal - Te Kura Waenga o Wēteri  / Wesley Intermediate
Working with Jase has been an invaluable experience for our school. His relaxed and friendly approach created an environment where we felt empowered to explore and implement new ideas with confidence. His deep passion for neuroscience and trauma-informed practices is evident in every interaction. What sets him apart is his profound knowledge of relational neuroscience, paired with an ability to offer tailored support that met our unique needs. His guidance never feels like a 'one-size-fits-all' solution but rather a thoughtful approach that fits perfectly with our school’s context. We are grateful for his expertise and the positive impact he has had on our school.

Connections
Jase has learned from and alongside some of the world's leading experts in this space... Gabor 
Maté, Bessel van der Kolk,
​Stephen Porges, Dan Siegel, Lori Desautels, Ruth Lanius, Deb Dana, Vanessa Lapointe

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