MATES Team

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.  

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.

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.