About Us
The Hope Collective formed as a trust in November 2025 and gained full charitable status in May 2026. The trust is dedicated to supporting the maternal/perinatal mental health and wellbeing of pregnant māmā and new parents in the Manawatu. We connect those experiencing perinatal distress to counselling, support and information.
Born from a vision of Whakapono/Faith, Tumanako/Hope, and Aroha/Love, we work with whānau/families through empowerment, connection, and community to create a nurturing space where they can flourish. Along the journey we strive to cultivate resilience, joy, and shared hope, one whānau/family at a time.
Our Why
Suicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant and postpartum women in NZ (7 x the rate of the United Kingdom).
Current NZ statistics show that 1 in 4 mothers and 1 in 10 new dads struggle with depression following the birth of their baby.
In addition, 2-6% of mothers suffer all three classic symptoms of PTSD after childbirth, with 20-30% of women or people with partial symptoms of PTSD that can impact the transition to being a mother or birthing parent.
Bereavement can have a significant impact on the mental health of parents. Annual NZ data shows 600 babies die per year from 20 weeks of gestation through to full term, and 13,000-15,000 pregnancies per year end in miscarriages.
How can we make a difference?
The first 2,000 days of a child’s life, from preconception to around age five, is a period of rapid development that sets the foundation for everything that follows. The developing child is shaped by their family’s wellbeing. Chronic stress on families can derail child development. Neurodevelopmental science tells us that nurturing care and supportive environments around children help build the architecture of the brain.
So, actions we take to better support families in the first 2,000 days yield immediate benefits for children’s developmental trajectory, and the benefits continue to accrue over a lifetime. The support, connection and programs offered by The Hope Collective enable māmā/mothers, papa/fathers and whānau/family to feel supported, empowered and connected. When we support new parents the whole whānau flourishes and the positive ripple effects through wider whānau and community can impact many peoples lives for the better.