Media & Recognition

Award-winning mental health speaker, bestselling author, and educator - with 1,000+ presentations across her career and featured across New Zealand's leading media, podcasts, and publications.

"Julia has delivered over 500 events, written a bestselling book, appeared on radio, and worked with many large organisations. On top of that, she's achieved healthy growth and strong numbers - an impressive solo achievement."The David Awards 2025 - Judges' Comments, Solo Meo Award

Julia Grace is a New Zealand mental health speaker, author, and educator with over 30 years in education. With more than 1,000 presentations across her career - including 500+ events as a mental health keynote speaker - she has spoken across five continents including New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, India, Fiji, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the bestselling book Be Kind to Your Mind (2023), a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor (Adult & Youth) through Te Pou, and a former President of the Professional Speakers Association of New Zealand.

1,000+
Presentations
5
Continents
30+
Years in Education
9,500+
Young People Reached
300K
Radio Listeners
Awards & Recognition
2025
Solo Meo Award
The David Awards - recognising discipline, resilience, and business acumen in solo business ventures
2025
Keynote Speaker of the Year
Professional Speakers Association of New Zealand (PSANZ)
2024
Breakthrough Speaker Award
Virtual Speakers Association International (VSAI)
2022/23
Educator of the Year
Professional Speakers Association of New Zealand (PSANZ)
2022/23
Breakthrough Speaker of the Year
Professional Speakers Association of New Zealand (PSANZ)
2006
Tui Award
Best Gospel/Christian Album - New Zealand Music Awards for debut album juliagrace
Selected Speaking Appearances
2025 - Waikato
Youth Health Conference 2025
Keynote speaker alongside Nathan Wallis, Dr Colette Muir and leading NZ health professionals - University of Waikato, two-day national conference
Multiple Years - Nationwide
National Young Leaders Days
Mental wellness keynote speaker reaching 9,500+ pre-teens across NZ schools in Auckland, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Palmerston North, Dunedin and Christchurch
May 2024 - Invercargill
Courageous Wellbeing Event
Keynote for Southland community members, hosted by Re:Woven Therapy Charitable Trust with support from Community Trust South and ILT Foundation
Auckland
Go Red for Women Charity Breakfast
Featured speaker alongside Dame Susan Devoy and Go Red for Women Patron Dame Jenny Shipley - Heart Foundation New Zealand
March 2025 - Brisbane, Australia
CADENCE25 - Professional Speakers Australia Convention
Featured at the PSA Australia national convention in Brisbane - connecting with the Asia-Pacific and international professional speaking community
International
International Speaking Conferences
Keynote speaker at Professional Speakers Association conferences in Singapore, India, UK and Australia, and at the Global Speakers Summit in Bali, Indonesia
Professional Credentials
🎓

Certified MHFA Instructor - Adult

Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa New Zealand, administered by Te Pou

🌱

Certified MHFA Instructor - Youth

Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa New Zealand, administered by Te Pou

📋

Mind Health Carer Certificate

Accredited training in supporting people experiencing mental health challenges

🏛️

Past President - PSANZ

Professional Speakers Association of New Zealand

📚

30+ Years in Education

Registered teacher with extensive experience in NZ schools and health education

✍️

Contributing Author

Trailblazers and Trailblazers II - published by the Professional Speakers Association of New Zealand

The Juliagrace Charitable Trust

Julia is committed to making mental health education accessible to all. The Juliagrace Charitable Trust is a registered New Zealand charity that helps subsidise events and organisations - including education events, health sector events, community groups, and church events - that would benefit from mental health education but have limited resources. A portion of Julia's work each year is provided on a complimentary basis, supporting organisations including the Breast Cancer Foundation and community trusts.