0800 63 62 63
Nik Sala
Good with people, I have found a calling finding work in creative and supportive spaces interfacing with people's disturbance and suffering towards some kind of amelioration, increased self understanding and agency.
Able to hold space for those living with traumatic disturbance and mental health issues, I have skills and experience working with Tangata Whaiora in creative or therapeutic environments and peer support roles (Vincents Community Arts workshop, Te Whare o Matairangi, Men and Trauma NZ, Whakamatutu), employing art as a tool for personal process and healing.
“In my place of work, I see many people work with tangata whaiora utilising art as a tool for engagement, hope, recovery and health. In comparison, Nik’s work with tangata whaiora is unmatched. The care, passion and love that he delivers through his art not only creates engagement, hope, recovery and health but a sense of humanity that can be lost a lot of the time when working with tangata whaiora.”
Former mental health staff member at Te Whare o Matarangi, Sara Tamati.
Coming from a background in personal trauma amidst unresolved intergenerational traumatic experience in my family and broader society, I am familiar with numerous mental health issues intersecting addiction, alcoholism, sexual abuse, suicide, anger and violence, bullying, divorce and
broken families, among others.
Able to hold space for those living with traumatic disturbance and mental health issues, I have skills and experience working with Tangata Whaiora in creative or therapeutic environments and peer support roles (Vincents Community Arts workshop, Te Whare o Matairangi, Men and Trauma NZ, Whakamatutu), employing art as a tool for personal process and healing.
“In my place of work, I see many people work with tangata whaiora utilising art as a tool for engagement, hope, recovery and health. In comparison, Nik’s work with tangata whaiora is unmatched. The care, passion and love that he delivers through his art not only creates engagement, hope, recovery and health but a sense of humanity that can be lost a lot of the time when working with tangata whaiora.”
Former mental health staff member at Te Whare o Matarangi, Sara Tamati.
Coming from a background in personal trauma amidst unresolved intergenerational traumatic experience in my family and broader society, I am familiar with numerous mental health issues intersecting addiction, alcoholism, sexual abuse, suicide, anger and violence, bullying, divorce and
broken families, among others.
Xinyue Kang
My name is Xinyue. I moved from China and have been living in New Zealand for over nine years. As a migrant and a mother, I truly understand the challenges we might face when starting a new life here – language barriers, cultural differences, finding work, raising children, and creating a sense of belonging. I have walked through many of these experiences myself, and I would love to walk alongside you too.
My background is in psychology and education. I have worked as a journalist in the past and now work with special needs young children and families in schools. I enjoy listening to people’s stories and believe that sharing our experiences can give us strength and connection.
In this Asian Peer Support Group, I hope to create a safe, warm, and supportive space. A place without judgment, but full of understanding. Here, we can talk about challenges, celebrate small wins, share resources, and build trust and friendship.
Most of all, I want every migrant here to feel: you are not alone, we are here for each other.
My background is in psychology and education. I have worked as a journalist in the past and now work with special needs young children and families in schools. I enjoy listening to people’s stories and believe that sharing our experiences can give us strength and connection.
In this Asian Peer Support Group, I hope to create a safe, warm, and supportive space. A place without judgment, but full of understanding. Here, we can talk about challenges, celebrate small wins, share resources, and build trust and friendship.
Most of all, I want every migrant here to feel: you are not alone, we are here for each other.
Madhuvanthi B M Vallaman
I'm currently an Honours student in Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington, working towards my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. I moved to Aotearoa New Zealand at the age of 25, so I’m still quite new here and bring with me the fresh perspective of someone navigating the early stages of migration. Coming from an Asian background, I’ve experienced first-hand the cultural differences and the challenges that come with adjusting to a new environment.
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned on this journey is how
deeply important social connection is—it has helped me feel grounded, supported, and more in touch with who I am. I’m really passionate about being part of a community that uplifts and supports each other, and I look forward to connecting with others who are also finding their way in a new place.
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned on this journey is how
deeply important social connection is—it has helped me feel grounded, supported, and more in touch with who I am. I’m really passionate about being part of a community that uplifts and supports each other, and I look forward to connecting with others who are also finding their way in a new place.
Max Chan
I have a background in Law, Sociology and Counselling Guidance. Migrating alone to Aotearoa New Zealand at fourteen gave me a lived experience of the challenges faced by Asian communities.
These experiences deepened my understanding of how migration and isolation affect mental health. The connections I maintain with Asian communities highlight the importance of culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches to peer support.
These experiences deepened my understanding of how migration and isolation affect mental health. The connections I maintain with Asian communities highlight the importance of culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches to peer support.
Timmy Li
I’m studying Psychology and Education at Victoria University of Wellington and will be finishing my degree soon. I first came to New Zealand from Shenzhen, China when I was 14, and that journey has shaped a lot of how I see identity and belonging. I’m really passionate about mental health and that’s what brought me to Men and Trauma — I want to learn, connect, and give back where I can.
