Matt + Sarah Brown MNZM

Mataio (Matt) and Sarah Brown MNZM are internationally recognised New Zealand-based advocates, authors, and communicators committed to eradicating family violence by inspiring a new generation of cycle breakers. Together, they co-founded the global movement She Is Not Your Rehab, first
introduced in Matt’s groundbreaking 2019 TEDx talk, The Barbershop Where Men Go to Heal. The concept emerged from a decade of transformative conversations Matt held with men in his barbershops, via men’s groups and through his prison programs. These conversations invited men to confront their childhood trauma,take responsibility for healing, and disrupt cycles of intergenerational harm. Since its inception, the couple have worked relentlessly to redefine masculinity, advance mental health equity, and make family violence prevention both accessible and culturally resonant. In 2022, they opened the She Is Not Your Rehab Art Gallery in Christchurch, New Zealand, launching the Who Is She? exhibition in collaboration with renowned graffiti artist Mr G. In 2023, they launched innerBoy; a first of its kind, free, trauma-informed mental health app for men which actively supports thousands of men across New Zealand and Australia to heal. Their bold and compassionate storytelling has fuelled viral campaigns such as Dear Mr Rock and Love U Bro, reaching millions worldwide and igniting global conversations about healing, accountability, and community transformation. Their #1 bestselling book, She Is Not Your Rehab, first published in 2021 has inspired countless people around the world, and is followed by their debut children’s book released in 2025; This Is Not Yours to Carry. In recognition of their services to mental health and the prevention of family violence, both Matt and Sarah became Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022, and were awarded the Commonwealth Points of Light honour by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in one of her final acknowledgements as Head of the Commonwealth.