Red Stag x Tū Māia
Year
Scope of Work
Location
Based in Rotorua, Red Stag Timber is a privately owned company and New Zealand’s largest sawmill, producing high-quality timber for residential construction markets across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
In 2023, Red Stag partnered with Waddell to strengthen its 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 community organisations and secondary schools to create partnerships that support young people who might otherwise miss out on opportunities such as sport, mentoring and personal development.
Community organisations involved include Taiohi Tūrama, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Te Ara Tū Maia and the Champions Boxing Programme. Six Rotorua secondary schools are also part of the programme: Rotorua Boys’, Rotorua Girls’, Rotorua Lakes, Western Heights, Te Koutu and Ōwhata.
A fully managed partnership
Waddell’s team manages every aspect of the programme - from partnership facilitation and project management to social media storytelling and sourcing additional funding to maximise impact.
To date, the programme has delivered a range of practical initiatives. These include renovating 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 extend the impact further. The Champions Boxing Programme uses structured training to build discipline, confidence and resilience, supporting more than 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 receive additional funding from the Phillip Verry Charitable Foundation.
Growing impact, year on year
Each year since launching, the programme has grown its community partnerships, strengthened youth engagement and built on Red Stag’s desire to be a genuine contributor to positive social outcomes in Rotorua.
Tū Maia now supports more than 950 rangatahi across Rotorua each year.
Investment in Taiohi Tūrama has been leveraged significantly, generating $3.06 in additional funding for every $1 invested.
Additional funding has enabled programmes such as Champions Boxing to expand into primary and intermediate schools.
What began as a way for Red Stag to give back to its local community has become a critical part of how the company shows up in Rotorua, and a lasting investment in the next generation of the region’s leaders.
