Our Regions

Stand Tū Māia is a nationwide service.

The National Office is in Wellington, and we have seven regions with 7 regional centres in Whangārei, Auckland, Midland (Rotorua), East Coast (Gisborne), Central (Lower Hutt), Christchurch and Dunedin with 7 satellite offices in Tauranga, Taupo, Napier, New Plymouth, Nelson, and Invercargill.

We believe healing from complex trauma happens best in safe, connected communities. That’s why each of our seven regional centres and satellite offices across Aotearoa embrace the concept of a Therapeutic Environment —a place where tamariki mokopuna, and their whānau, can experience:

  • Safe, nurturing relationships

  • Structured, predictable routines

  • Evidence-based therapies offered in the regional centre or across home, school, and other community spaces

  • Culturally affirming practices that strengthen identity and belonging

A healing environment for children and whānau

Our centres are intentionally designed to feel welcoming, homely, and secure. Every detail supports emotional and physical safety and security, connection, and calm.

Key features of our centres include:

  • Child and whānau-friendly spaces: Private spaces and communal areas encourage creativity, comfort, and connection. High and low energy play areas, indoor and outdoor options, and inclusive designs provide for diverse needs and comfort zones.

  • Sensory-friendly design: Soft lighting, natural textures, and quiet zones help regulate emotions.

  • Nature integration: Gardens, bush walks, and water features promote grounding and wellbeing.

  • Culturally responsive environments: Spaces reflect tikanga Māori; karakia and waiata start and end the day; and Maramataka-aligned rhythms are listened to and followed.

  • Inclusive access: Referrals are welcomed from schools, health services, and social agencies.

  • Open-door support: Parents, siblings, teachers, and referrers are encouraged to stay involved.

Daily life skills and healing routines

Whether through residential care or day programmes, or working together in the home or school, we support children and families in developing life skills and routines that promote healing and growth.

Routines matter because they help to:

  • Create safety and predictability: Daily rhythms help regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety.

  • Build confidence and autonomy: Learning everyday tasks fosters mastery and self-worth.

  • Support relational healing: Shared routines become moments of connection and emotional repair.

  • Affirm cultural identity: Tikanga-based practices restore disrupted roles and strengthen belonging.

  • Integrate therapeutic models: Approaches like the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), Theraplay, and Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) can be and are woven into daily life.

Activities that inspire growth

We offer a range of therapeutic and adventure-based activities to help children build resilience, express emotions, and reconnect with joy.

  • Cultural experiences led by mana whenua: hikoi, pūrakau, mau rākau, noho marae

  • Animal-assisted therapy: equine and pet therapy to build trust and emotional regulation

  • Creative therapies: music, dance, visual arts, and storytelling

  • Outdoor pursuits: gardening, swimming, cycling, rock climbing, orienteering, and nature walks

Honouring indigenous healing

We integrate traditional Māori healing practices to support holistic wellbeing:

  • Te reo me ona tikanga: expectation and support to treasure te reo Māori and its customs

  • Maramataka: living by lunar cycles to support emotional and physical regulation

  • Mirimiri and romiromi: traditional bodywork to restore balance

  • Mau rākau and kapa haka: to strengthen identity and collective healing

Therapeutic interventions

Whether through residential care or day programmes, or working together in the home or school, our centres offer a wide range of therapies tailored to each child and family’s individual needs:

Individual and group therapies

  • Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

  • Family Therapy

  • Seasons for Growth (grief and loss support)

Neurobiological and somatic approaches

  • Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)

  • Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Training

  • Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

  • Functional Neuroimaging (EEG/fMRI for research)

Advanced trauma therapies

  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Brainspotting

  • Neurofeedback

Theraplay

  • Dyadic therapy to strengthen attachment and emotional connection between child and caregiver