StandingTallNZ.org
2 min read
OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
3 min read
Our dedicated team of staff bring both professional expertise and lived experience, creating a safe, supportive, and culturally grounded environment for tāne on their healing and rehabilitation journeys. We also welcome volunteers who are committed to contributing their skills, compassion, and aroha to support men in recovery and positive reintegration.
We provide upskilling workshops and specialised trainings that not only equip volunteers with practical knowledge and tools, but also nurture their growth, confidence, and cultural understanding to make a lasting difference in the lives of our tāne, whānau and communities.
Dr. Alexander Stevens II
Ngāti Kahu ki Whaingaroa / Ngāpuhi
Chief Executive Officer /
Reg Practitioner and Clinical Supervisor
Vocational trainer
Nigel Petersen
Matautu Utu-Uta, Apia & Sapo’e Falealili
Pacific Liason Officer / Facilitator
(Registered SWRB)
Irie Thomas
Muriwhenua / Ngāpuhi
Mental Health & Addictions Support Worker / Tikanga Advisor / Facilitator (Registered DAPAANZ)
Sione Finau
Ma'ufanga & Pea / Tonga
Registered Drug & Alcohol Practitioner / Facilitator
Vocational Trainer
(Registered DAPAANZ)
Kia ora and welcome. My name is Dr Alexander Stevens II (PhD). I am a qualified health professional with a clinical background (twenty years) in Sexual / Physical Violence Recovery / Intervention / Prevention, Addictions, Mental Health, Trauma, and Suicide Prevention.
I am also a healer using traditional Māori techniques called Rongoa. I have other roles in the community, including being a Senior Māori Lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, Indigenous Digital Content & Web-based designer, Kaupapa Māori Researcher, and registered clinical practitioner/cultural supervisor with DAPAANZ.
As a registered ACC clinician and healer, I have worked for over twenty years in the health and social service fields advocating for individuals, and training whānau, support people, and communities across Aotearoa how to support people affected by sexual violence. I am also a vocational trainer with multiple qualifications in adult teaching.
Here are radio interviews about my work across Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Mālō le soifua. I'm Nigel. I am a Social Worker (SWRB) with a background in working with young people, abuse and trauma. I am studying for a Master's in Violence and Trauma Studies from AUT.
Working to support people to get ahead and empower people is what I love to do. My role at StandingTallNZ is to work across Pacific communities and build relationships that enable Pacific men to get support from historical sexual abuse. I also work with clients living with trauma, addictions and mental health and manage Sione and Irie.
Fa'afetai tele lava
Kia ora,
Ko Irie tōku ingoa, I descend from the six tribes of Muriwhenua, in the far north of Aotearoa, extending from the Maungataniwha Range up to Cape Rēinga.
At StandingTallNZ I manaaki the tikanga, kaupapa, tinana and wairua to ensure our team and people who access our services are supported and feel safe.
Here is a radio interview about me and what I am passionate about decreasing anxiety and increasing wellness.
Mauri Ora!!!
Kia ora, Malo e lelei, Malo tau lava & warm Pasefika greetings!
My name is Sione, and I am a Mental Health and Addictions Practitioner pursuing a PhD in 2026.
I focus on developing online opportunities for Pacific communities to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health, addiction recovery, and the prevention of family harm and other forms of violence. Alongside this, I provide vocational training that supports personal growth, employment pathways, and long-term wellbeing. In this capacity, I work collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance awareness and understanding of mental health and addiction issues, ensuring that interventions are both culturally responsive and grounded in Pacific values. Through this integrated approach, I aim to create safe and supportive environments for dialogue and healing, empowering individuals, families, and communities to thrive.
Here is a podcast interview I did on education and goal setting.
Koia pe Malo!!