Co-founders of She Is Not Your Rehab
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.
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Where it started
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.
Milestones
The TEDx talk
The Barbershop Where Men Go to Heal introduces She Is Not Your Rehab.
The book
Their #1 bestselling book, She Is Not Your Rehab, is first published.
The Art Gallery
The She Is Not Your Rehab Art Gallery opens in Christchurch, launching the Who Is She? exhibition with graffiti artist Mr G.
MNZM
Both become Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to mental health and the prevention of family violence.
innerBoy
A first of its kind, free, trauma-informed mental health app for men launches in New Zealand.
innerBoy Australia
innerBoy launches in Australia, supporting thousands of men across both countries.
Relationship Rehab
After thousands of readers asked for more guidance, their first online course for couples launches, with 21 lessons, one for each chapter of She Is Not Your Rehab.
Father, Son & The Holy Plate
Conversation cards for fathers and sons are launched.
This Is Not Yours to Carry
Their debut children's book is released.
In Gagana Sāmoa and Te Reo Māori
E Le O Sau Avega E Amo and Kaua Māu e Pīkau, the Samoan and Māori editions of This Is Not Yours to Carry, are released.
CycleBreaker Podcast
Mataio hosts conversations with local and international experts, including Dr Gabor Maté and Dr Bessel van der Kolk, that make healing accessible to everyone.
Honours
- Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit2022, for services to mental health and the prevention of family violence
- Commonwealth Points of LightAwarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in one of her final acknowledgements as Head of the Commonwealth
Campaigns
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.
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Bio of Matt + Sarah
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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, now also available in Te Reo Māori (Kaua Māu e Pīkau) and Gagana Sāmoa (E Le O Sau Avega E Amo).
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.