Peer Support
Team

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.

My journey into counselling and addiction support is deeply rooted in my own life experiences and the transformative impact therapy has had on me and those close to me. Having grown up witnessing the effects of depression within my family, I developed a strong interest in understanding mental health, human behaviour, and the tools that support recovery.

Counselling gave me the space to heal, reflect, and grow. It offered a safe, non-judgmental environment where I could process challenges, reframe negative beliefs, and build emotional resilience. This personal journey inspired a strong desire to support others navigating similar struggles.

Alongside academic study and extensive self-education, I’ve gained valuable frontline experience working in rehabilitation settings with individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges. These roles deepened my understanding of the human condition and strengthened my belief in the importance of empathy, cultural awareness, and treating each person as an individual.
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Now, I’m committed to using my lived experience, professional insight, and passion for mental wellness to help others find clarity, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose in their lives.
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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.
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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.

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 Trauma Recovery Aotearoa — I want to learn, connect, and give back where I can.

Kia ora,
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I’m Leisha. Having experienced trauma myself and completed a Diploma in Counselling as a taiohi, I have been around the social services for the past decade both supporting others and being supported. Two highlights of my professional journey are my time at Vibe (2017-2018) and Youthline Wellington (2016-2020). After taking a break from frontline mahi for the last couple of years, I connected with Richard (Managing Director) in March 2025 and am now volunteering here as Operations Lead while also co-facilitating the friends and whānau peer support group. 

When coming alongside others in peer support, I focus on providing both emotional and practical support, helping people to feel less alone and more aware of what their options are in the midst of difficult situations. My work is strengths-based and person-centred, and I can draw from a number of approaches including Te Whare Tapa Whā and DBT if these feel helpful for whaiora. I am interested in the peer workforce development being led by Te Pou, and hope to complete the Level 4 Peer Support Apprenticeship with CareerForce in 2026.

Trauma can disrupt multiple parts of someone’s life, including finances and housing, and I am committed to connecting people with other services if they have a specific need. I also believe in the importance of supporting the supporters, ensuring that the friends and whānau of trauma survivors are well cared for too. Trauma Recovery Aotearoa welcomes this holistic approach to healing, and this is what makes it a great fit for me as an organisation.

My hope is that as we tautoko survivors and their whānau to stand in their mana and experience greater hauora, the healing will flow out to their communities and the next generation.

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.