Our Whakapapa

A century of care: the evolution of Stand Tū Māia

The story of children’s health services in New Zealand began in the late 1800s, when the Boer War exposed that many young men were unfit for military service due to poor health. Recognising that the roots of adult health lay in childhood, the Education Department began employing medical practitioners and nurses to visit schools, laying the groundwork for a national focus on child wellbeing.

In 1919, Dr Elizabeth Gunn, a school medical officer in Wanganui, had the vision and opportunity to pilot a new initiative for child health—a summer “canvas camp”. The first Children’s Health Camp was born, marking the start of a movement that grew to serve over 250,000 New Zealanders throughout the 20th century, supported by Public Health Nurse referrals and a commitment to universal health services.

Between 2000 and 2025, the organisation transitioned into a specialist social service with a new focus on children and families on the edge of care facing complex trauma. Major transformation was achieved through co-governance, insightful and innovative leadership, workforce development, facility upgrades, and a shift to a whole-of-government approach and support.

A proud history

2000–2008: A new direction

At the turn of the millennium, the Children’s Health Camp Act was dissolved by Parliament and Te Puna Whaiora Children’s Health Camps was established as a charitable trust, shifting toward a specialist social service for children and families with complex needs.

A new service specification agreed on by the Health, Education and Social Development agencies, a new child and family information and measurement system, and a comprehensive workforce development strategy marked a new era of professionalism and accountability.

Oversight moved from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Social Development, reflecting a broader and innovative whole-of-government approach. The Board created a co-governance structure and began a journey of rebuilding, including replacing facilities in Auckland and Gisborne and a major redevelopment in Rotorua.

2009–2013: Deepening the focus

The organisation’s contract was moved to be under Child, Youth and Family, and it honed its focus on children at the edge of care. Health Camp Schools ceased to exist and a child-centred therapeutic care and education model was introduced.

During this period, the Christchurch facility was rebuilt following the 2011 Earthquake. Referrals now came from across government agencies, emphasising the service’s role as a specialist, last-resort provider for the most vulnerable children.

A change in focus

2014–2017: Innovation and integration

Rebranded as Stand Children’s Services Tū Māia Whānau, the organisation moved from being trauma aware to trauma informed, began workforce development in trauma capable therapies, launched a Family Therapy Service and developed a new child and family information system. Clinical governance structures, and process maps were established to ensure quality and consistency. The organisation commissioned the TDB Advisory report, Moving the Needle for At-Risk Children?, providing critical insights into service impact and areas for growth.

2018–2024: Strengthening for the future

Now operating as Stand Tū Māia, we continued to evolve as a specialist, whole-of-government provider. Key initiatives included the continued expansion of evidence-based approaches including neurotherapies, and work to replace the Auckland and Whangārei facilities. We also played a pivotal role in achieving the social worker pay equity settlement in collaboration with the Public Service Association. Partnering with Impact Lab, we used our data-driven approach to measure and communicate our impact. The commissioning of the Changing the Trajectory research report underscored our commitment to understanding needs, continuous improvement and evidence-based practice.

2025-future: Evidencing effectiveness

Our co-governance structure is strong and our bicultural approach has confidence. Our organisational culture is trauma capable, and workforce development intertwined with strong clinical governance, provides a strong foundation for innovation. Tamariki mokopuna and whānau voice and choice are evident in what we do and this translates into the positive feedback they give us. Our amazing new facilities in Auckland and Whangārei are now operational. We have evidence that our work and our efforts to date are ensuring we are successfully engaging with those who need us most and we are getting results together.