Through a different perspective.
Real Life supports people and organisations to see things differently, navigate difficult conversations and understand what matters most.
Sometimes the way forward starts with understanding what is really happening.
A different conversation.
A different way of thinking.
We’ve worked alongside
Professional Affiliations
From executive tables to kitchen tables, we’ve spent years working alongside people when the way forward isn’t always clear.
Along the way, we’ve held space for some of life’s most difficult conversations. Those experiences have taught us that lasting change starts by understanding what is really happening — not just what first appears to be happening.
Today, we draw on experience working alongside iwi, communities, organisations, businesses and government across Aotearoa, bringing together insight from many different settings.
Our role is to create the space for better thinking, better conversations and better decisions, through practical experience, thoughtful questions, safe places and a grounded understanding of how people and systems work — even when they don’t.
Taylor brings experience across leadership, advisory, restorative practice, innovative initiatives, evaluation and research. Her background includes leadership and advisory roles within New Zealand Police, restorative justice and community-based initiatives. She is known for bringing fresh thinking, asking difficult questions respectfully and helping people make sense of complexity in practical ways. Her work includes facilitating workshops, speaking engagements and learning experiences for audiences ranging from local communities to national and international forums.
Mary Anne’s background spans across leadership, strategic thinking, restorative practice and community development. She is known for her calm presence and creating safe places, building trust quickly and helping people feel heard, valued and understood. Throughout her career she has worked alongside whānau, communities, iwi and government agencies, supporting initiatives focusing on wellbeing and positive change.
To restore balance in systems, relationships and mindsets.
Help people and organisations find freedom through understanding.
Understanding creates freedom.
Because not every situation needs a lawyer, an investigation or another policy document.
Sometimes people need:
“Their quick communication and delivery made the entire process easy.”— Phil, Manawātū Restorative Justice Manager
Real Life currently delivers most services online.
We’ve intentionally built our business around our season of life, raising a young whānau while continuing to support people and organisations across Aotearoa.
To ensure every piece of work receives the time, attention and care it deserves, we work with a small number of clients and projects at one time.
Helping organisations solve the right problems, not just the obvious ones.
Drawing on systems thinking, qualitative insight and restorative practice to uncover what others might miss.
“Your feedback on the draft Alternative RJ guide was principle-based as well as pragmatic — reflecting overall purpose with on-the-ground realities — and we were able to incorporate your insights with little to no change.”— Justine, Te Ngāpara, Centre for Restorative Practice, Te Herenga Waka, VUW
Some conversations are too important to avoid. We help people have them well.
We also help organisations build the confidence and capability to do the same.
We can help
We can teach
“When they are facilitating a case, we know people are in safe hands.”— Naomi, RJ Wellington Community Law Centre Manager
“The facilitators were gentle and understanding.”— RJ Participant
“They navigate the complexities of the situation while upholding the mana of everyone involved.”— RJ Participant
Helping people see situations differently, so they can respond differently.
Every decision begins with a story. The question is whether it’s the whole story.
“It challenged our thought processes, created discussion and new ideas.”— Workshop Participant
“It felt like ideas were being shared, not in the usual presentation style.”— Workshop Participant
“Taylor and Mary Anne “nailed it” with their approach — challenging content, good use of group discussions at our tables.”— Workshop Participant
“We may not be your cup of tea, or we are the exact tea you need right now.”
Grounded in Southland, available nationwide.