A Message from our Co-founders

Kia ora e te whānau,

Today we share an important announcement, that Mihi is taking on the role of sole Managing Director at Māia as Bee steps down as a Director.

The Māia journey began as Brave Bear Publicity 11 years ago in Bee’s tiny office at home in Petone, back when her babies were still twinkles in her eye. 

We joined forces during COVID—when the world was upside down. With nothing to lose, we leaned into our shared values, volunteered for kaupapa and causes with purpose and proudly introduced our Conscious Communication Framework to Aotearoa through Māia.

It’s been a wild ride, full of highs, challenges, and moments that will be etched into our hearts forever. We sent out the good vibes, and good things followed. Together, we’ve supported countless kaupapa that have made a real impact in Aotearoa. 

But what we are most proud of is the incredible humans we’ve attracted to our side—people who, with nurturing and mentoring, have become agents of mass goodness for our industry and our world.

“Bee has left behind more than just a legacy; she’s left behind the systems, processes, and plans that will ensure Māia continues to thrive.

“The team and I send Bee off with huge aroha and gratitude for putting her heart and soul into growing the Māia kaupapa, and are amped to continue our mission of spreading conscious communication with even more passion and purpose,” says Mihi.

Bee’s farewell was marked with a team and whānau waka hourua sail thanks to Te Toki Voyaging Trust, which Bee says was both moving and poignant.

Bee adds, “Mihi Blake is an incredible visionary, co-founder, and now Managing Director. I will watch on in full tautoko as she takes control of the waka Māia to steer the team forward as a force for change in Aotearoa. Thank you—each and every one of you—colleagues, clients, suppliers, and supporters of Māia. Thank you for teaching us, for jamming with us, for sharing your causes and your culture, and for making us belly laugh on the daily.

“The road ahead is bright, and with Mihi at the helm, Māia is in the best possible hands. I’m stepping aside with a heart full of gratitude and pride, and with the knowledge that Māia will continue to soar.

“Over to you, Mihi. May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. You’ve got this, e kare.”

With aroha and gratitude,
Mihi Blake & Bee Stevenson