About Us

Niki Grennell is a Registered Psychotherapist and in a past life a Contiki Tour Manager. Matthew Hawke is a Life Mechanic - all you need is a little fine tuning , blending counselling, mindfulness practices, body work, and meditation - so you can fly. Together we have over 40 years experience working with people. What we have developed out of this work is a unique and powerful experience that will knock your socks off. We are proud to say ‘we walk the talk’.
We are a blended family and it has not been easy to walk that road. We still make mistakes, and we have learned to take responsibility for those mistakes and repair them, with new learning that we are able to share with you. Perfection is not the goal. Ways to move forward stronger and connected are what we offer.
Our family is multicultural, includes neurodiversity and there is a unique story of how we came to be. We are of an age where elderly parents, young adult children, menopause, mid life crisis and loss have been lived. There isn’t much we haven’t faced personally.
We work well together as evidenced by our first joint venture. Almost 15 years ago we embarked on a 3 month journey around New Zealand (with kids) to write The Great New Zealand Cafe. Now it’s time for a new adventure - Relationships.

about taoby - The Art Of being you

The Art Of Being You is an Impact Enterprise that measures success by how effective we are in the communities we work in. Niki and Matthew are the co-founders. Our goal - to empower others, and share our experience authentically. Our guiding principles.● We accept everyone as they are● We engage in authentic real conversations● We create win win situations● We can be challenged to see other points of view At the core of TAOBY is the belief that we are here for a purpose. We have lessons to learn, and a place in the larger framework of the world - we belong. The programme gives you the chance to explore who you are as an individual and a couple. Life is about the experience, and how we connect. Our connection with self, and those around us is what gives us fulfilment. We can't change what we did, only what we do. What would you give to have the life your heart desires? Your life is about creating a tapestry - The Art Of Being You

What others say

"I’ve been working with Niki since 2017, and throughout that time I’ve found her approach to be incredibly flexible and responsive to whatever I need in the moment. The time I spend with her is deeply valuable—especially as an additional lens to help me navigate feelings or situations where I might otherwise get stuck in rumination. Her insight, care, and willingness to challenge me are qualities I truly appreciate and have come to rely on." Ben
“Serious Superstar”"Niki is empathetic while also being pragmatic. I have a connection with Niki built on the foundation of professionalism and trust and I am eternally grateful for this.I have nothing but gratitude for Niki’s work and leave our sessions not only as a better person but also feeling empowered… to continue the mahi that I do. Everyone needs a “Niki” in their world and my world is a better place for the work I do with her."Gaylene

"I have been seeing Niki on and off for 8 years and she has had such a positive influence on our whole family's lives.She has helped me make decisions both big and small and guided me through situations that caused me great anxiety, to now be a walk in the park and cause me no stress at all.I love the respect we both have for each other, and that we can question things and work through them together."Jana – 43 "I would absolutely recommend the Art of Being Men course to anyone thinking about attending. I have learned a lot of techniques and practical applications I will continue to carry into my personal and professional life. It is without a doubt worth it."Adam "I remember my partner asking what it was like working with Matthew. The first word that came to mind was profound. At the time I didn't understand what profound meant. So I typed the word into Google and sure enough it had precisely explained my experience. I've noticed I'm not so worried and anxious about what will happen, now it's a sense of excitement towards what sort of path we will go down together. I am taken back by the time and thought Matthew puts into his work."Elliot "I genuinely see the world, myself, and my relationships differently now after working with Matthew. He helped me connect with a part of myself that had been neglected for years. If you're interested in life-changing personal development, I highly recommend working with Matthew in any capacity you can."Tory

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Our gatherings are limited to 5 couples, and us. Your opportunity to discover how relationships can be, with an intimate like minded group. All in the magic of the Bali Bubble.
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