Deya’s Story

I was born in the Fiji Islands and so English is my second language and Hindi is my first. When I began as a HIPPY tutor I was very shy and worried that my English wouldn’t be good enough. This year, being a second year tutor I have gained more personal confidence and professional confidence. HIPPY has provided me with a lot more knowledge about being a better parent, a mum and how to take care of myself. I have almost completed a Level 4 NZQA National Certificate in Adult Education and Training. This has made me more confident with my learning skills and ability to take on any studies that I may be interested in – without thinking twice!

Rachel’s Story

It’s 25 years since I left school! I did a full-time certificate as a Dispensary Technician for a year, but that was 15 years ago! Doing the NZQA  made me learn time management skills and work out what I needed to complete by certain dates. It made me more confident in knowing my own abilities. This even helped me with my Parent Help work at my children’s school as I was able to use principles learned in the course. I am now doing the Financial Literacy Course with the other tutors, and enjoying that too!

Natalie’s Story

I left school at 15 with no qualifications. Since leaving school 11 years ago I have done a 6 month, Level 2 National Certificate in Computing and Play Centre Training up to Level 3. I really got into my NZQA this year, and enjoyed realising that I could do it! For me the challenge was learning how to study and use the right words. Every time I passed an assignment it made me keen to begin the next one. I was proud of my achievements and have the confidence to do more study in the future. I would like to go into Social Work one day and now know that I am able to do it!

Jenna’s Story

Like Natalie, I left school at 15 with no qualifications. I also did a 6 month National ertificate in Computing and Play Centre Training up to Level 3! I enjoyed doing the NZQA. It helped me to feel organised and now I have the confidence to do more learning. I have started to do the Financial Literacy Course through the Wananga O Aotearoa, and next year I’ll do the Mauro Ora Course. I now have the confidence to give anything a go!

Wendy’s Story

This year I will complete my Level 4 Adult Education and Training Certificate. I have not studied since I did a one year TV and Film Maker Artistry Course 11 years ago. It has been a struggle working as a tutor and having 2 young children. I almost gave up my studies this year, but with support from my coordinator and the other tutors I am happy to be able to say that I have completed the course! I have learned to improve my time management skills and now have more self-confidence. I feel like my brain has “switched back on” after all this time of being just a mum! It has also made me want to do more study and develop my own learning rather than do things for others all the time.

How HIPPY Works

Benefits of HIPPY

The HIPPY Method

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Read the article here http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/papakura-courier/8387669/One-stop-for-families

Dame Lesley Max gave an inspiring speech to new graduates at the AUT graduation on 13.12.12.

Click here to read the full speech.

In her speech, Lesley refers to a speech by James Heckman, Nobel Prize winning economist. Find James Heckman’s speech here http://kidsnow.ky.gov/Pages/James-Heckman-Event.aspx

HIPPY Update

For all the latest HIPPY news, check out our HIPPY Update

Marilyns Hairdressing Charity Event

On the 7th April, Marilyns Hairdressing held a chairty event with all proceeds going to Great Potentials. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the event, we are thrilled to announce that over $5000 was raised! See more photos from the day on our Facebook page.

Dame Lesley Max with the staff at Marilyns Hairdressing

Great Potentials’ Annual Report 2011-2012 is now available.  Click here to read the report and learn more about the Foundation’s activities over the last period.

For a copy of the printed report, please contact us.

Click on the links below to access JPEGs of the covers of each of the 18 HIPPY books – each will open in a new window, right click on the image to save to your computer.

An Afternoon at Emmis

Beware Ducks Crossing

The Cat Who Looked for a House

Charlie Starts School

Goodbye Berry

Maria’s School

Masiva’s Best Day

Nanny Potaka’s Birthday Treat

Pete and the Vegetable Soup

A Piece of Home

The Rock Pool

Shawna’s Bit of Blue Sky

Something Else

Sometimes Big, Sometimes Small

Sounds I Hear

A Surprise for Reggie

The Brave Frog

The Pigs Got Out

The coroner’s report on the deaths of the three-month-old Kahui twins has been released.  Simon Moore SC, Crown Solicitor for Auckland, Patrick Kelly, Auckland Starship Pediatrician and Clinical Director of the Child Protection Team and Great Potentials CEO, Dame Lesley Max, speak with Kathryn Ryan on Nine to Noon.  Listen to the audio here (Dame Lesley starts at 21 mins).

The thoughts of everyone at Great Potentials are with family, friends and colleagues of the Irish-born businessman and philanthropist Hugh Green, who passed away at his home last Friday. Hugh Green achieved much in his lifetime and received well-deserved recognition this year when he was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for his services to philanthropy.

Through his foundation, Hugh Green has been a constant supporter of Great Potentials and we are grateful to be included amongst the many in the charitable sector benefitting from his generosity.

Click here to view the article from the Norwest News, May 10, 2012