Great Potentials Foundation introduced HIPPY to New Zealand in 1992. Over 30,000 children have benefitted since HIPPY was established in New Zealand 30 years ago. HIPPY is now available in 28 communities across New Zealand. 

HIPPY (Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters) is a FREE home-based programme that helps parents to get their 2-5-year-old* child ready for success in education.    

HIPPY supports families from diverse ethnic and geographic groups and those most at risk because of poverty, parents’ limited education, and social isolation.

HIPPY helps parents build confidence and skills to create a positive learning environment to prepare their children for school.

Parents are actively supported through Home Visits and Group Meetings, where they connect with other parents. 

Each HIPPY area is managed by a qualified, professional coordinator working with para-professional tutors. 

*2-5-year-old age range does not apply to the following sites: Papakura, Takanini, Wesley, South Kaipara, Huntly, and Porirua. These sites only accept children between 3-4 years old.  

 

How  Works

HIPPY works with parents of 2-5 year old* children who live in specific areas/districts across the country that have been identified by the Ministry of Education.

Parents are given weekly workbooks with activities to do with their child at home for 15 minutes a day, 5 times per week. 

HIPPY tutors, who are doing HIPPY with their own child, support parents through home visits and group meetings. 

The HIPPY curriculum is designed and linked to Te Whariki and the New Zealand Curriculum. The workbooks and activities develop both the cognitive and non-cognitive skills that are essential for children to become competent learners.

HIPPY believes and practices three core premises:

1. People learn by doing
2. Parents can and do teach their children
3. Parents can teach and support other parents

      

*2-5-year-old age range does not apply to the following sites: Papakura, Takanini, Wesley, South Kaipara, Huntly, and Porirua. These sites only accept children between 3-4 years old.  

 

is based on the belief that parents are their children’s first and most important teachers.   

HIPPY is unique in the way that parents are assisted to develop new skills and confidence in teaching their children.

It was designed specifically for whānau who live within communities and may not feel confident in their ability to support their child’s education.

Many parents, for whom school was a struggle, find they have talents they were unaware of and this is the beginning of a new phase in their life.

Two generations benefit from HIPPY - as well as setting children on a positive pathway through education, the programme opens doors for parents into training, education and employment.

 

Children...

develop a life-long love of learning

arrive at ECE or school ready to learn, and settle quickly into the learning environment

score better in literacy and numeracy and display a greater understanding of appropriate school behaviour than their non-HIPPY peers

retain their competency in reading and numeracy skills as they progress through school

experience increased self-esteem and confidence in learning      

 

Parents...

benefit from increased knowledge of child development and the way children learn

gain opportunities to enjoy positive time with their children

experience increased self-confidence

create a learning environment at home

experience an overall positive improvement in family relationships

develop improved communication with their children

meet with other parents and gain a sense of inclusion and connectedness with their community

are more likely than their peers to engage in positive educational activities with their children

are more likely than their peers to become involved in school activities with their children

are more likely than their peers to seek further education for themselves

gain employment and training opportunities