OUR HISTORY
For 19 years we have worked to help children, young people and families to flourish. We are now recognized as one of New Zealand’s leading agencies of social enterprise and innovation. Since 1991, Great Potentials has created the Family Service Centre model; introduced HIPPY- Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters – and established it in 27 communities; it has introduced MATES – Mentoring and Tutoring Education Scheme; and it has successfully advocated for the introduction of Family Start, now in 32 communities.
OUR VISION
Our vision is well-nurtured children within well functioning families, contributing to safe communities and a prosperous nation.
OUR PRINCIPLES
Our principles are to be solution focussed, working for positive change and acting early and cost-effectively to prevent later high cost negative spending resulting from educational failure, violence and crime.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to work for and with children, young people and families to:
- Relieve suffering
- Release potential
- Reduce disparities in NZ society
- Reduce crime and violence
- Break the cycle of disadvantage
- Promote family functioning.
Great Potentials works at critical points of transition:
- transition into parenthood
- transition into primary school (HIPPY)
- transition from intermediate to secondary school (MATES Junior)
- transition from secondary school to tertiary education (MATES Senior).
The Auntsfield 4 Legged Race – coming soon! Sat 24.3.12
The Auntsfield 4 Legged Race is held annually as a fundraiser for Great Potentials Foundation and is a unique multi-sport event, held on private land in picturesque Clevedon. Individuals from teams of four complete one leg each; either a kayak, run, horse ride or mountain bike. The race takes around six hours for each team to complete.
Family and friends cheer on every transition at the Auntsfield 4 Legged Race Base Camp, and there is a bbq and children’s entertainment throughout the duration of the event at base camp.
In 2012 the event will be held on Saturday, 24thMarch 2012.
If you’re interested in contributing to the event (either as a competitor or sponsor) and for more information, visit the Auntsfield 4 Legged Race website: www.the4leggedrace.co.nz
AMP Foundation invests in MATES
Great Potentials is delighted to announce AMP Foundation as a Major Partner through its sponsorship of the MATES Senior Programme for 2012.
AMP Foundation’s investment has enabled tertiary students to continue to provide inspiration (through MATES Senior) to secondary students from low-decile Auckland schools.
AMP Foundation representative, Veronica Ruddenklau, noted that the Foundation strongly believed in the importance of MATES.
“AMP Foundation is proud to support the MATES programme, which is achieving great results for disadvantaged young people in Auckland.”
Great Potentials’ CEO, Dame Lesley Max says the sponsorship by AMP Foundation is a “great gift to the young people of Auckland and a wonderful start to the 2012 year.
“We are deeply grateful to AMP Foundation for recognising the importance and potential of MATES.”
MATES Senior 2012
We are now seeking Mentors for MATES Senior for 2012. If you’d like to be a mentor, please complete the form below and email to to register your interest.