Off to a good START

The story of how START started up until the present day

Our Story

Established as a charitable trust in 1993 by a group of people who stuttered, parents and whānau of children who stuttered, and speech-language therapists, the Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust (START) remains the sole organisation in New Zealand dedicated to offering therapy and support to people of all ages who stutter, as well as their families and whānau.

Initially offering in-person sessions exclusively in Auckland, START has evolved into a nationwide organisation since the introduction of Skype and later Zoom during the pandemic. 

Now, START provides therapy and support services across New Zealand via Zoom, ensuring accessibility and reach to people who stutter throughout Aotearoa.

In 2020 to celebrate 25 years of providing services START, in association with the University of Auckland, published START: The story so far. The story captures the first 25 years of START with many moving insights into why it was needed and the people who made it happen.

“A story of an organisation with shared vision and energy in times of change and upheaval, well told and fundamentally human” Professor Michael Belgrave, Massey University

To order a copy of START: The story so far

Buy the Book

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini

Success is not the work of one but the work of many

Young boy with nerf gun smiling

Our Vision

People of all ages who stutter are supported to fulfil their potential

Young boy with two adults puzzle

Our Mission

To provide specialist therapy and support for people who stutter and their families and whānau

Man and boy build lego

Our Values

Acceptance

Mana enhancing – Whole person, bring out the best

Working together and collaborating – Whakawhanaungatanga, whānau and family

Manaakitanga – Respect, care, support, kindness, hospitality

Available for all – For everyone, anyone can come

Strength through community

We’re all on a journey

Always learning and innovating

Thanks to our Incredible Supporters

COGs Logo
Rata Foundation
Mt Wellington Foundation Logo
Lindsay Foundation Logo
McCarthy Trust Logo
Aotearoa Gaming Trust Logo
ILT Logo
Foundation North Logo
ANZ Logo
Kiwi Gaming Foundation Logo
Trust Waikato Logo
Lottery Grants Board Logo
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Pub Charity Logo
Blue Sky Trust Logo
Four Winds Logo
Milestone Foundation Logo
Ara Lodge Logo
Community Trust South
Raye Freedman Trust Logo
The Lion Foundation Logo
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Together, we can support people who stutter to reach their full potential.

Each year, we support over 250 people to get the help they need to achieve their goals – and we’d love your support to keep this going. Your generosity makes a big difference, ensuring that everyone who needs affordable stuttering therapy and support can get it. Whether you choose to make a one-time donation, become a monthly supporter, or leave a gift in your will, your contribution helps us make a lasting impact and support future generations. Thank you for being a part of this life-changing journey.