Tamariki mokopuna and whānau stories
Stories from the tamariki mokopuna and whānau we walk alongside are the clearest demonstration of the impact we have at Stand Tū Māia.
Here are some of those stories.
A child’s journey of transformation
At just five years old, a child entered Stand Tū Māia care following a history of severe trauma, neglect, and instability. Born into a household plagued by substance abuse and violence, the child was placed under state custody early in life. A devastating house fire at age 2½ led to further disruption, and by age 4, the child had endured multiple foster placements and a traumatic kidnapping by their mother.
Despite being placed with extended family, the child’s extreme behavioural challenges—linked to PTSD, ADHD, and emotional dysregulation—overwhelmed caregivers and the school system. Violent outbursts and lack of impulse control led to repeated school stand-downs, while promised support services failed to materialise.
Stand Tū Māia intervened with a multidisciplinary team over two years, delivering trauma-informed care and tailored interventions. The transformation was profound: the child now attends mainstream school, with behaviours stabilised and psychometric measures returning to normal. Caregivers report reduced stress and are now considering long-term permanence.
Stand Tū Māia filled critical service gaps, avoiding the use of High and Complex Needs funding, psychiatric assessments, and Teacher Aide support. Our work stabilised the care placement, reduced school management burdens, and prevented further trauma—resulting in significant social and economic savings.
Healing through trauma-informed care – a journey of hope
An 11-year-old child referred by a Ministry of Education Psychologist had endured extreme trauma from early childhood—exposure to violence, methamphetamine use, family instability, and a near-fatal accident at age five. His life was marked by self-harm, sexualised behaviours, fire-setting, and severe emotional dysregulation. Multiple agencies were involved, yet his needs remained unmet, and he was excluded from school for six months due to high-risk behaviours.
Stand Tū Māia began intensive, trauma-informed support. Over 17 months, the child received structured therapeutic care, including Safe & Sound Protocol and Group Theraplay, within a stable, culturally responsive environment. He built pro-social relationships and began healing.
Oranga Tamariki closed their case in late 2024. By February 2025, the child transitioned successfully to a Tikanga Māori charter school. His PTSD scores dropped from 25 to 17, and behavioural scores improved dramatically—from 32 to 3.6. Emotional and social functioning also showed marked improvement. Family therapy strengthened the bond with his mother.
Early intervention prevented costly care placements, reduced reliance on Oranga Tamariki, and lowered future demand on police, education, and mental health services. The child’s reintegration into school and society reflects a powerful break in the cycle of trauma.
Breaking the cycle – a mother and daughter’s story
A mother and her daughter were in crisis. Mum, overwhelmed by mental health challenges including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and unresolved trauma, feared she might harm herself or her child. Her history included childhood abuse in state care, postnatal depression, substance relapse, and exposure to violence and gang activity. With little support and a history of avoiding services, she was at breaking point.
In November 2024, the child disclosed physical abuse to a teacher. Stand Tū Māia acted swiftly, filing a report and arranging a safe temporary placement. As Oranga Tamariki began investigating, Stand Tū Māia supported Mum through the process, helping her make the difficult decision to place her child in care.
Mum received trauma therapy, mental health and addiction referrals, parenting support, and advocacy through professional meetings. The child was provided with one-on-one therapy, trauma education, and emotional support during separation. Despite initial resistance, Mum remained engaged with Stand Tū Māia, showing progress in therapy and parenting. Supervised visits transitioned to Oranga Tamariki, and safe whānau placements were established.
Early intervention from Stand Tū Māia helped avoid costly court proceedings, care placement delays, and long-term mental health issues. Our work supported healing, reduced risk, and broke an intergenerational cycle of trauma.
Restoring stability – a story of whānau healing
At referral, this family was in crisis. The children were exhibiting high-risk behaviours—running from school, theft, and frequent anger outbursts—while the parents struggled under the weight of trauma, addiction, and deteriorating relationships. The mother, burdened by a history of homelessness, sexual assault, and grief, felt isolated and overwhelmed. Gang involvement and substance abuse further destabilised the home.
Despite long-standing involvement with Oranga Tamariki and other agencies, safety concerns persisted. Trust between the family and services had broken down, leaving the children exposed to ongoing emotional harm. One child’s ASD and ADHD diagnosis added complexity to an already fragile situation.
Stand Tū Māia intervened at a critical moment, offering trauma-informed, culturally responsive support. Over time, the family experienced profound change:
All children are now engaged in school and showing emotional and social growth.
The parents’ relationship has stabilised, with improved communication and reduced conflict.
No incidents of family harm have occurred since intervention.
The mother’s mental health has improved, and she now feels empowered.
Psychometric assessments show marked improvement in family functioning.
Oranga Tamariki oversight is no longer required—the family is thriving independently.
A whānau journey from crisis to stability
This whānau was referred by Barnardos during a time of deep crisis. The mother, affected by past trauma and abuse, struggled with emotional regulation and attachment to her two children. The home environment was marked by family violence, neglect, and intergenerational trauma, including substance use and sexual abuse. One child suffered from poor physical health, and both faced social and behavioural challenges at school.
Despite involvement from multiple agencies, including Oranga Tamariki, the family’s situation remained unstable. Legal complexities and gang affiliations added further risk. Stand Tū Māia took over the case, providing intensive, wraparound support.
Over 4.5 years, Stand Tū Māia helped the family achieve remarkable progress:
Physical violence ceased, and parenting capacity improved.
Children’s health and school engagement significantly increased.
One child no longer requires Ministry of Education crisis support and has formed friendships.
The mother is now employed full-time and has disengaged from mental health services.
The younger sibling, with learning needs, is now supported by paternal whānau.
Breaking generational cycles – a whānau transformation
This whānau was entrenched in intergenerational trauma, substance abuse, and violence. With Oranga Tamariki involvement and repeated Family Court hearings, two children (aged 9 and 10) were on the verge of being removed from their parents’ care. Both parents had grown up in violent homes and were involved in gang culture, exposing their children to armed incidents, neglect, and punitive parenting.
The children’s behaviour reflected their trauma—both were frequently stood down from school, and emotionally dysregulated. The father had been trespassed from the school, and the family had lost trust in government services.
Over two years, Stand Tū Māia built a trusting relationship and delivered trauma-informed support:
Children re-engaged in education.
Parenting and attachment improved.
The father overcame addiction and became a stable caregiver.
Psychometric assessments showed significant positive change.
Oranga Tamariki closed the case, recognising the family’s progress.
A father’s story of reunification and healing
This whānau was in crisis. Years of domestic violence, substance abuse, and neglect had led to Oranga Tamariki removing the children from their mother’s care. The father, facing permanent separation from his children, entered a residential drug rehabilitation programme and chose to separate from his ex-partner to create a safer future.
Following rehab, he regained care of his two younger children and was referred to Stand Tū Māia for ongoing support. One child, deeply affected by trauma, faced exclusion from school. The father needed help to sustain recovery and provide a nurturing home.
The middle child completed eight therapeutic village stays and grief support, improving emotional regulation and school engagement.
The father participated in parenting and therapeutic programmes, building a stable, violence-free, drug-free home.
All three children are now in full-time education, with the eldest successfully reunified.
Professionals noted strong, positive relationships within the whānau.