Rachel Taane

Rachel Taane is an engaging, adaptable and soulful speaker who is as comfortable addressing a corporate crowd as talking to all walks of life in a community setting.

Rachel was born and raised in Ōtautahi Christchurch and is of Greek heritage. Rachel shares her expertise to inspire and empower others, speaking at conferences, workshops, and events covering topics including well-being, consent education, healthy relationships and resilience.

Raising two children with her partner- well-known musician Tiki Taane. Rachel recognises the importance of balancing work with family life. She passes on her learnings with the hope that her story will inspire people to seek support and prevent intergenerational trauma.

In working with schools, family violence services, sexual violence support services, I Am Hope Gumboot Friday charitable trust and community centres, Rachel has helped young people and families navigate sexual abuse, mental health issues, financial difficulties and addiction.

Her social work career was fuelled by her own traumatic experiences which included being raped when she was in her first year of secondary school. This led Rachel on a downward spiral, dropping out of school, engaging in anti-social behaviours and became hooked on methamphetamine. This was a coping mechanism to escape from her sexual violence trauma.

She began using needles at age 17, was involved in multiple house police raids for drug activity, was arrested several times resulting in convictions for fighting and drink driving. After five heavy, long, traumatic years of addiction, Rachel begged for help and In 2010 supported by her mother, she went into residential rehab where she was inspired to become a social worker. 

Packed with information, Rachel's talks promote strategy and practical tools that draw on her own stories of addiction and abuse. A skilled communicator, Rachel knows how to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, mixing important messages with laughter, and anecdotes.