MATES Matters Term 1 2026

Welcome to MATES Term 2!

We invite you to reflect on Term 1 with us through our quarterly newsletter: MATES Matters

In this edition of MATES Matters, we shine a spotlight on our MATES Greats section. Nasili, a former mentor from 2021–2024, shares her journey of supporting rangatahi through the MATES programme and her career pathway now completing a Conjoint Bachelor's degree of Commerce and Law in 2025.

Nasili says:

"Passing the bar has broadened my kete of knowledge and deepened my sense of responsibility to contribute to and serve communities meaningfully. Be prepared to put in the mahi, because law school requires commitment and resilience, but the skills you gain also provide opportunities to advocate, protect, and uplift others. If you are driven by justice and a desire to give back to your communities, law can be a powerful tool for creating meaningful and lasting change."

Read her story and more in this edition of MATES Matters.

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MATES Matters Term 1 2026

Welcome to MATES Term 2! We invite you to reflect on Term 1 with us through our quarterly newsletter: MATES Matters In this edition of MATES Matters, we shine a spotlight on our MATES Greats section. Nasili, a former mentor from 2021–2024, shares her journey of supporting rangatahi through the MATES programme and her career pathway now completing a Conjoint Bachelor's degree of Commerce and Law in 2025.
Farewell Doreen and HIPPY Wesley

It is with grateful hearts that Great Potentials Foundation says farewell and thank you to Doreen and HIPPY Wesley.
HIPPY Foundations Refresh

Great Potentials Foundations and HIPPY are proud to announce the release of the refreshed Foundations curriculum. This will impact over 500 families receiving Foundations across HIPPY’s 22 sites.
Formalising a Decade of Impact: MATES and the University of Auckland Strengthen Partnership

In 2026, MATES (Mentoring and Tutoring Education Scheme), a programme of Great Potentials Foundation, proudly marked a significant milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Auckland Faculty of Arts and Education.

Farewell Doreen and HIPPY Wesley

It is with grateful hearts that Great Potentials Foundation says farewell and thank you to Doreen and HIPPY Wesley.
HIPPY Foundations Refresh

Great Potentials Foundations and HIPPY are proud to announce the release of the refreshed Foundations curriculum. This will impact over 500 families receiving Foundations across HIPPY’s 22 sites.
From HIPPY mum to Leading from Lived Experience

I feel so fortunate to have discovered the HIPPY programme, it’s helped me learn and develop so much as a parent, a person and a professional. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I have had due to the involvement with this incredible programme and GPF.
Mentee to Teacher to MATES lead: Bruce’s Full-Circle MATES Journey

When Bruce joined the MATES Programme as a Year 13 student at De La Salle College, he had no idea how much it would shape his future.
HIPPY Graduation: The Many HIPPY Hats of Learning

We recently celebrated 27 tamariki and their whānau as they completed the Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) this year. After two years of supporting their child’s learning and growth, families took a moment to pause, smile, and reflect on their HIPPY journey as they crossed the graduation stage.
From Hesti: My role as the Early Learning Centre teacher

Curious about New Zealand culture, Hesti, an Early Learning Centre teacher, came here in 2019 to experience it for herself. She has enjoyed the opportunities at the Papakura Early Learning Centre and loves supporting young children in their early years of learning.
From Allwin: My role as a Social Worker in Schools

Now in his fourth year at Great Potentials Foundation, Allwin continues to thrive as a Social Worker in Schools (SWiS). Watching his students grow in confidence and navigate challenges brings him a deep sense of pride.
MATES at Southern Cross Campus, Supported by Craigs Investment Partners

Southern Cross Campus Senior School was one of the very first schools to open its doors to the Mentoring and Tutoring Education Scheme (MATES) in 2002. What began as a new mentoring initiative has grown into a partnership that has supported generations of students.
From Polait: My role as the Family Harm Social Worker

Polait is a Social Worker for Family Harm at Great Potentials Foundation. She works with individuals and whānau who have experienced family harm, whether emotional, physical, or psychological. Her role is to help keep them safe and connect them with the right support.
HIPPY Lower Hutt visit to the Marae

Seven families from HIPPY Lower Hutt came together for a visit to Waiwhetu Marae, home of the local iwi/tangata whenua. With support from the Upper Hutt and Hutt City Welcoming Communities Coordinators, and in collaboration with the Nepali community and the Red Cross, the visit helped families connect more deeply with Māori culture.