Kia Korowai – ACC Sensitive Claims

Kia Korowai, meaning "to cloak," is Tāmaki Health's newly established ACC Sensitive Claims Service. Just as a Korowai (cloak) wraps and protects, we are here to offer support with honour, warmth, and mana—both physically and spiritually. Our service is dedicated to nurturing the hauora (wellbeing) of survivors, guiding them on a journey of personal growth, resilience, and healing.

Kia Korowai offers dedicated support for survivors of sexual harm through the ACC Sensitive Claims Service. ACC provides funding for those in New Zealand who have experienced sexual harm, regardless of whether it occurred recently or in the past. It doesn’t matter if the event was reported to the police or not—support is available to everyone who has been affected.

If you are a New Zealand resident and have experienced sexual violence while overseas, ACC may also be able to assist you.

As an ACC-contracted service provider, we offer fully funded support to guide you through the process of making a claim. You can begin your healing journey whenever you're ready, and we are here to support you throughout the process.

Our team consists of experienced psychologists, therapists, and counsellors who are experienced in supporting individuals with their unique needs. We’ll assist you through the entire claim process and provide support for your recovery.

To begin, please get in touch with our friendly Kia Korowai Coordinator at kiakorowai@tamakihealth.co.nz. We'll send you a referral form to complete, discuss your needs, help match you with the right therapist.

More information on the ACC Sensitive Claims Services in New Zealand is available here: ACC Sensitive Claims Services

Meet the team:

Juliana Lawerance

Kia Ora, I'm Juliana, a Malaysian-born Indian who has called New Zealand home for the past 22 years. I've been working as a therapist for 15 years, and my approach is always client-centred, meaning I tailor my work to your needs and readiness. I strive to provide a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable sharing your story.

I’m a compassionate listener, and I’m dedicated to understanding your unique needs and goals in therapy. I have a particular passion for supporting Māori and Pasifika clients, and I’m committed to providing culturally sensitive care.

My main purpose is to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your strengths, build self-compassion, and move toward healing. I am also trained in EMDR, which is a powerful tool to help process trauma and support your journey.

• Regions: Auckland and telehealth (for those residing in Auckland)

• Gender: Female

• Spoken languages: English, Tamil, and Malay

• I have experience working with diverse cultures including but not limited to Māori, Pacific peoples, Asian, and Pākehā, along with supporting males, females, adults (18+) and older adults

• Registration: DAPAANZ

Chako Nishikawa-Mori

I am a registered counselling psychologist originally from Japan and trained in the US. I have genuine respect for all aspects of human diversity (e.g., cultures, ethnicities, languages, sexualities, religions, physical/mental/emotional conditions, ages, etc.) and am deeply passionate about supporting individuals from all minority groups on their psychological recovery journeys. It will be my privilege to assist you in overcoming your emotional, mental, or physical challenges so that you will be able to realise your unique and beautiful potential and live your precious lives as your authentic selves.

• Regions: South Auckland and telehealth (for those residing in Auckland)

• Gender: Female

• Spoken languages: English & Japanese

• I have experience working with diverse cultures, including but not limited to Māori, Pacific peoples, Asian, and Pākehā, as well as supporting individuals of all genders, including males, females, non-binary people, and those from the Rainbow community, along with adults (18+) and older adults.

• Registration: NZPB

Hannah

Kia ora, I’m Hannah, a registered Counselling Psychologist originally from South Auckland. I began working in mental health in 2014, beginning on crisis helplines, and going on to work in a secondary school, integrated health clinic, private practice, primary care, and insurance setting in New Zealand and overseas. I have experience and advanced training in the treatment of single and multi-incident traumas and am passionate about supporting survivors toward wellbeing and safety. I use a variety of strengths-focused and evidence-based psychotherapies, including CBT, DBT and exposure therapy. I welcome working with people from diverse walks of life — including all cultures, ethnicities, religions, spiritualities, and members of the Rainbow community.

• Region: South Auckland

• Gender: Female

• Languages: English

• Experience: I have worked with a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including New Zealand European, Māori, Pacific peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI), American, and Asian. I support adults (18+) and older adults of all genders.

• Registration: NZPB

Manjusha Mane

Kia ora, I’m Manjusha, an Indian living in Aotearoa for over 25 years. I have over a decade of experience working in healthcare, I have 5 years of experience as a therapist, where I have supported individuals and whānau in their healing journeys from trauma, domestic violence, sexual violence, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more. I have also been a Mindfulness Educator for 8+ years and am the Clinical Lead for Tāmaki Health’s Mindfulness Programmes.

In my therapy practice, I take a person-centred, integrative approach, with the goal of supporting your healing, personal growth, and self-actualisation. I honestly believe that people are the experts of their own lives, and my work focuses on empowering clients to achieve their full potential. I combine the core principles of person-centred therapy with a holistic, tailored approach that looks at physical, mental, emotional, spiritual wellbeing, and relationships to support your recovery and healing.

• Regions: South Auckland

• Gender: Female

• Spoken languages: English, Hindi and Marathi. Can understand Gujarati, Punjabi and Urdu.

• I have experience working with diverse cultures including but not limited to Māori, Pacific peoples, South Asian, and Pākehā, along with supporting males, females, adults and older adults.

• Registration: NZAC

Tania McLean

Kia ora, ko Tania McLean ahau, originally from Te Teko, a small country town in Whakatane, Eastern Bay of Plenty. I have over 10 years of experience working in the community, with the past  five years focused on roles as a Primary Health Counsellor in the PHO sector and a Crisis  Counsellor in the Sensitive Claims field. My background reflects a deep commitment to supporting people and  whānau through a wide range of mental health and wellbeing challenges. I work across both Te Ao Māori and Western models of care, bringing a holistic and culturally grounded approach to my practice. I am passionate about creating a safe and supportive space for people of all cultures and  backgrounds. My work is guided by the principles of wairuatanga, manaakitanga, tikanga and arohatanga. 

I believe in empowering people by walking alongside them on their healing journey to wellness, drawing on the strengths of both traditional knowledge and their authentic qualities. I can provide therapy in both English and Te Reo Māori, ensuring clients feel  supported in the language and cultural context that best suits their needs.  My areas of expertise include Te Whare Tapa  Wha,  Pūrākau, Whakapapa, Genograms, CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and SFBT Solution-Focused Brief Therapy healing frameworks. It will be a privilege to support you throughout your journey to wellness. 

• Regions: South Auckland and Telehealth (for those residing in Auckland)

• Gender: Female

• Spoken Languages: Te Reo Māori and English

• Registration: NZAC

Yasaman Emad

Yasaman completed her PhD in Health Psychology at the University of Auckland as an academic scholar following her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology. Her professional journey spans over a decade, during which she has worked with clients from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Yasaman’s expertise lies in addressing severe mental health challenges, including depressive and anxiety disorders, and trauma-related conditions. Her approach is informed by a commitment to cultural sensitivity and evidence-based practice, ensuring that each client’s treatment is both personalised and effective. Yasaman's practice incorporates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Expressive Therapy with a person-centered approach, tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Yasaman’s therapeutic approach is centered on collaboration, compassion, and a non-judgmental stance, aiming to help clients navigate their challenges and enhance their quality of life and wellbeing. 

• Region: Mt Roskill

• Gender: Female

• Spoken languages: English

• I have experience working with diverse cultures. I support adults (18+) and older adults of all genders.

• Registration: NZAC & NZPBi

Dr David Codyre

• Regions: Auckland/telehealth (for those residing in Auckland)

• Gender: Male

• Spoken languages: English

• Cultural experience: NZ European, Asian, Māori & Pacific peoples

• Note: Dr Codyre is only available for Specialist Assessments. Assessments with Dr Codyre will be arranged with your Lead Service Provider if required.

About the Wellness Support Team:

Kia Korowai is part of a broader wellbeing initiative known as the Wellness Support Team. This team provides a wide range of individual and group support services for registered patients of Tāmaki Health clinics, including Local Doctors, White Cross, and our partner clinics.

Our team is led by Dr. David Codyre, a consultant psychiatrist who pioneered primary mental health services in 2001 and founded the Wellness Support Team in 2012.

In addition to Kia Korowai, the Wellness Support Team offers a variety of services, including:

• Brief therapy with psychologists, psychotherapists, and counsellors

• Wellbeing groups, such as mindfulness, self-management education, DBT skills, and men's groups

• Medication reviews and diagnostic assessments

• Health coaches, Health Improvement Practitioners

• Care Partners and Pharmacists and administrative support

We are committed to providing comprehensive, accessible, and culturally responsive care to support the wellbeing of our community.

"Beneath the surface of the protective parts of trauma survivors there exists an undamaged essence, a Self that is confident, curious, and calm, a Self that has been sheltered from destruction by the various protectors that have emerged in their efforts to ensure survival." - Bessel A. van der Kolk