Red Stag x Tū Maia

Red Stag Timber is an independent, privately owned company based in Rotorua and New Zealand’s largest sawmill, producing high-quality timber for residential construction markets across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

Red Stag partnered with Waddell to strengthen its brand and community presence through meaningful investment in youth development. This led to the creation of Tū Maia (“standing strong”), a programme focused on building confidence, courage, and identity in rangatahi across Rotorua.

Through Tū Maia, Waddell connects Red Stag with local organisations and six secondary schools, facilitating partnerships that support youth who may otherwise miss out on opportunities such as sport, mentoring, and personal development. The programme supports organisations including Taiohi Tūrama, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Te Ara Tū Maia, and the Champions Boxing Programme, alongside Rotorua Boys’, Rotorua Girls’, Lakes, Western Heights, Te Koutu, and Ōwhata schools.

Waddell manages the programme end-to-end, including partnership facilitation, project management, social media storytelling, and sourcing additional funding to maximise impact.

Key initiatives include the renovation of the Taiohi Tūrama Youth Centre to create a safe, welcoming space, funding youth worker roles, and supporting mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters. In schools, the programme removes barriers to participation by covering costs such as sports fees, uniforms, and travel.

Specialist programmes further enhance impact. The Champions Boxing Programme uses structured training to build discipline, confidence, and resilience, supporting over 300 tamariki each year. Te Ara Tū Maia provides early intervention for rangatahi who are often overlooked, helping them build confidence and re-engage with school and community. Both programmes are supported by additional funding from the Phillip Verry Charitable Foundation.

As a result, Tū Maia is now supporting over 950 rangatahi annually across Rotorua. Investment into Taiohi Tūrama has been leveraged significantly, generating $3.06 in additional funding for every $1 invested, while additional funding has enabled the expansion of programmes such as Champions Boxing into primary and intermediate schools.

The programme continues to grow meaningful community partnerships, strengthen youth engagement, and enhance Red Stag’s visibility as a genuine contributor to positive social outcomes in Rotorua.