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  1. Programmes
  2. MATES - Mentoring & Tutoring
  3. MATES Team

MATES Team

MATES Programme Manager: Teri Fong
 
EMAIL: [email protected]
MATES EPSOM CAMPUS OFFICE

Room 203, Building Block B

Epsom Campus, University of Auckland

74 Epsom Avenue

Auckland 1023, New Zealand

EMAIL: [email protected]
 
   

   

MATES Programme Manager

TERI FONG

Teri started working with Great Potentials in January 2023. Originally from Fiji, Teri moved to Auckland in 2014. She completed a BA from the University of Auckland in Gender Studies and Politics/International Relations and is currently studying for a Master of Arts in Gender Studies, due to be completed December 2023.

Prior to coming to Great Potentials Teri worked at the University of Auckland as a Schools Adviser, and Senior Schools Adviser with the Schools Partnership Office engaging with secondary schools and communities around the country. She also worked as a Resident Coordinator with UoA Accommodation managing 786 first year students in Australasia’s largest first year catered hall.

Teri has a volunteer background with the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement and Auckland Women’s Centre. She is most passionate about advocating for social justice and empowering our marginalised communities.  

Jessica

MATES Junior Coordinator

JESSICA VEA

Jessica is of Tongan descent, born in the beautiful island of Tonga and raised in Auckland New Zealand.

She is currently studying a Postgraduate degree in Creative Technologies at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Through her studies she aims to encourage more of our Pacific communities to take on opportunities that would pave a way for more Pacific representation in the STEM industry.

"What inspires me to be a part of MATES, are the supportive relationships built within our teams and being able to guide our mentees during a crucial part of their educational journeys", says Jessica.

Hester

MATES Junior Coordinator

HESTER ACHARYA

Hester is a 22-year-old Fine Arts and History student who was born and spent half her life in Canada, before moving to New Zealand from primary to the start of high school. She returned to New Zealand for university where she discovered the MATES programme.

Hester has always loved caring for children, teaching them, and helping them succeed in their passions.

"I joined MATES as a mentor because I felt it was a great way to continue to develop my passion for teaching and childcare. Through MATES I have discovered a passion for uplifting, empowering, and guiding children and youth," she says.

MATES Senior Coordinator

MADDY JENNINGS

Maddy is a 20-year-old Psychology and Education student who has started as a mentor in the Education 200 paper at the University of Auckland in 2021. In the last semester of her studies, Maddy aims to empower and encourage young people to step outside the box to discover their true potentials. 

"Enrolling in Education 200 was one of the greatest decisions I've made. Becoming a part of the team at MATES and working closely with Aotearoa's youth continues to be one of the best experiences to date. Creating meaningful relationships that enhance students' sense of belonging and potential makes this job very rewarding" Maddy says.

Read our MATES stories

Become a MATES Mentor

Published: 8th April, 2020

Updated: 13th March, 2023

Author: Simone Graham

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    Locations and contact details for HIPPY sites around New Zealand

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    If you are a tertiary student in Auckland and are interested in becoming a MATES mentor, please complete the online application form...

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    We are immensely grateful to all of our supporters who contribute in various ways to Great Potentials Foundation. Your generosity truly impacts the lives of children, young people and families propelling them towards brighter futures.

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    MATES Programme

    MATES (Mentoring and Tutoring Education Scheme) through its guided programme supports children and young people at year 8, year 13 and tertiary. Intervening at key transition points, it helps create pathways for success academically, emotionally and socially.

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    Contact Details

    Address and contact information for Great Potentials Office and programmes

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    Papakura Family Service Centre

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    Family Service Centres

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