Jase Williams (Ngāti Tamaterā) is a dynamic TEDx speaker, educator, and thought leader whose voice resonates across New Zealand and beyond. With over 25 years in education, he’s recognised as a leading voice in compassionate, equity-driven, and relational neuroscience & trauma-informed practice, grounded in the wisdom of te ao Māori.
From ECE & Kōhanga Reo through to secondary schools, Jase has worked alongside thousands of educators, leaders, whānau, and rangatahi—helping communities rediscover the power of aroha, equity, and mana-enhancing connections
As Principal of Henry Hill School (2012–2022), he led an internationally recognised transformation that earned the 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Award for Wellbeing.
Today, Jase continues to inspire change through professional development, community wānanga, and advocacy that uplifts tamariki and rangatahi, through belonging, compassion, and unconditional love. Whether on stage, in schools, or sitting with whānau, Jase brings authenticity, deep knowledge, and a relentless commitment to healing and equity.
From ECE & Kōhanga Reo through to secondary schools, Jase has worked alongside thousands of educators, leaders, whānau, and rangatahi—helping communities rediscover the power of aroha, equity, and mana-enhancing connections
As Principal of Henry Hill School (2012–2022), he led an internationally recognised transformation that earned the 2021 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Award for Wellbeing.
Today, Jase continues to inspire change through professional development, community wānanga, and advocacy that uplifts tamariki and rangatahi, through belonging, compassion, and unconditional love. Whether on stage, in schools, or sitting with whānau, Jase brings authenticity, deep knowledge, and a relentless commitment to healing and equity.
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 te ao Māori.
With honesty, humour, and heart, Jase invites audiences into kōrero 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 brain with the wisdom of whakapapa and wairua, 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.
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 te ao Māori.
With honesty, humour, and heart, Jase invites audiences into kōrero 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 brain with the wisdom of whakapapa and wairua, 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.
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 te ao Māori, creating a powerful, holistic understanding of the mind, body, heart, and wairua.
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 and tamariki without judgement but with aroha.'
‘ You are inspirational! You know it and you’re living it and I love and appreciate your willingness to share.’
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 te ao Māori, creating a powerful, holistic understanding of the mind, body, heart, and wairua.
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 and tamariki without judgement but with aroha.'
‘ 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!'
Chris Patten - RTLB Manager - Hauraki RTLB Cluster
Jase is currently working across a number of our Kahui Ako in the Hauraki RTLB cluster. It is great to see a number of these schools now going on their own trauma informed journeys not only as individual schools but as Kahui Ako. 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 PLD 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.
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!'
Chris Patten - RTLB Manager - Hauraki RTLB Cluster
Jase is currently working across a number of our Kahui Ako in the Hauraki RTLB cluster. It is great to see a number of these schools now going on their own trauma informed journeys not only as individual schools but as Kahui Ako. 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 PLD 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.
Unconditional with Jase Williams Podcast on Spotify
Click on the Spotify icon below to link to some of the guests Jase has had on his podcast ...
Click on the Spotify icon below to link to some of the guests Jase has had on his podcast ...
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, Dr. Ross Greene
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, Dr. Ross Greene
