Who We Are

Stand Tū Māia is a specialist not-for-profit with a century-long legacy. Since 2001, we’ve supported tamariki mokopuna and whānau through trauma-informed, culturally grounded care.

We offer an alternative to state care, focussed on preventing further harm, restoring wellbeing, and building resilient families. Our services are trauma capable - designed to heal trauma, strengthen relationships, and grow essential life skills.

With a 100-year history and 25 years of evidence-based practice, we remain committed to innovation, clinical excellence, and lasting impact.

Our Values

Ngā Tikangā o te Kaupapa

Our values describe how we act in every aspect of our work.

  • We honour te reo me ōna tikangā.

  • We uphold the mana and aspirations of tamariki mokopuna, whānau, hapū and iwi.

  • We act with integrity, humility and respect for each other’s beliefs and customs.

  • We work together as one, so all whānau can stand equal and strong.

Our Strategic Goals

To address inequity in Aotearoa, social services must be use the lens of Te Ao Māori wisdom lived experience, and learning from neuroscience. Tamariki mokopuna and whānau deserve culturally responsive, relationship-based support that reduces stress, restores wellbeing and strengthens their resilience—because the systems that shape their lives must no longer perpetuate harm.

Our strategic goals are to:

1. Champion responsive relationships

Promote strong, healing connections between tamariki mokopuna, whānau, and service providers as the foundation for resilience and development.

2. Advance culturally grounded, science-informed practice

Affirm Te Ao Māori wisdom, lived experience, and scientific insights to guide effective, holistic support.

3. Prevent harm and promote wellbeing

Focus on early intervention, trauma recovery, and reducing toxic stress to prevent abuse, neglect, and long-term harm.

4. Address structural inequities

Challenge systemic barriers like racism and poverty through advocacy, policy influence, and inclusive service design.

5. Empower whānau and communities

Elevate whānau, hapū, iwi, and community voices in shaping services that are equitable, transformative, and locally led.

Our whakapapa

The story of children’s health services in New Zealand began in the late 1800s. Learn more here.

Our whānau

The greatest asset that Stand Tū Māia has is our people, our Pou Māia. Learn more about our Pou Māia here.