Dr Chris Taua

Dr. Chris Taua is an educational specialist and experienced mental health nurse with a strong focus on mental health, cultural safety, and disability advocacy. Her PhD explored nursing care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experiencing mental distress—work recognised with a Fulbright Award, where she presented at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

As Director of Pumahara Consultants, Chris provides professional development, supervision, and consultancy to staff, teams, and services supporting people with complex needs. Her teaching covers key areas such as mental health, disability, de-escalation, safe and culturally responsive practice, communication, and boundaries. She also leads a team of Associates delivering diverse training topics.

Chris is a passionate educator and sessional lecturer in Aotearoa and Australia, and an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa Instructor, committed to equipping professionals with inclusive, holistic caregiving skills.