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.
Te reo me ona tikangā
We acknowledge the sacredness of the language and its customs.
Ko te reo te kakano i ruia mai i Rangiatea
The language is a seed born of greatness from Rangiatea.
Whanāu, hapū and iwi
We respect the inherent sovereignty of tamariki mokopuna and whānau
Kei ngā whānau, hapū me ngā iwi o rātou ake mana motuhake, kia eke ai ki taumata angitū
All whānau, hapū and iwi have their own sovereign rights, which ensures they can be all they aspire to be.
Ko te tika me te pono
We act with integrity and humility
E mau nei i te tika me te pono, i te māia hoki o te tū.
Holding to what is right and true, and standing with strength.
Kaua e poka tikangā
We respect the beliefs and customs of one another
I ū ki te kore rawa e poka tikangā.
With strong heart we respect the customs and beliefs of others.
He waka eke noa
We act in a way that recognises collective over individual good.
E takatū ana kia kōkiri whakamua i rūnga i te whakaaro kōtahi kia tū māia a tātou tamariki mokopuna, whānau.
Ready to galvanise and act with unity so families and children stand 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.