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

MATES Team

MATES Programme Manager: Connor Bourne
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]
 
   

   

Connor

MATES Programme Manager

CONNOR BOURNE

Connor started at MATES back in 2015 as a mentor in the Education 200 paper at the University of Auckland. He has been a coordinator at MATES Jr for the past 3 years seeing the introduction of Finlayson Park and Mangere East Primary to the programme.

Connor finished his Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology in 2017 and more recently finished his Post Graduate diploma in Counselling theory in 2019, beginning a Masters of Counselling in 2020. MATES was the first place Connor found he could give back to the community and affect change in people’s lives through empowerment and education.

Through MATES Jr Connor has seen amazing mentors become amazing professionals and talented students thrive in both high school and in life. He was appointed MATES Programme Manager in March 2021.

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.

"Since a young age I’ve found joy in teaching others and now being a Coordinator working towards a bigger cause has been one of my greatest job experiences to date. Knowing that we are providing a space for students who have the potential to grow beyond their limits is very rewarding," Jessica says.

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

ILAISAANE FANGUNA

Ilaisaane is a 23-year-old young woman who is proud to be of Tongan descent and is also a proud Auckland Southsider. She is the eldest of her six siblings. She enjoys mentoring our younger generation and has a great passion in working with the Pacific Island people. She has recently completed her Bachelor's of Commerce Degree Programme. 

"I joined MATES in 2021 and I instantly felt connected to the MATES community. I absolutely enjoyed working alongside amazing mentors who are passionate for our youth. Empowering our youth to develop and understand their potential is such a rewarding experience and I am grateful to be a part of this community." she says. 

MATES Senior Coordinator

MADDY JENNINGS

Maddy is a 19-year-old Psychology and Education student who has started as a mentor in the Education 200 paper at the University of Auckland in 2021. Through the last year 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: 8th June, 2022

Author: Simone Graham

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  • HIPPY Locations

    Locations and contact details for HIPPY sites around New Zealand

  • HIPPY Programme

    HIPPY Programme

    HIPPY is a home-based Early Learning programme that helps parents from disadvantaged communities lay the foundation for their children’s success in school and later life...

  • Become a mentor

    Become a mentor

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

  • Community Funding

    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.

  • MATES Programme

    MATES Programme

    MATES Mentoring and Tutoring programme addresses the underachievement in education of disadvantaged youth in New Zealand, intervening at key transition points to create pathways for success...

  • Contact Details

    Contact Details

    Address and contact information for Great Potentials Office and programmes

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    Our Mission

    Working for and with children, young people and families to promote family function, relieve suffering, release potential, reduce disparities in New Zealand society, reduce crime and violence and break the cycle of disadvantage...

  • Work for us

    Work for us

    Situations vacant at Great Potentials Foundation

  • Family Service Centres

    Family Service Centres

    Our Family Service Centres assist the community with housing, food, health care, employment support and wellbeing services as well as offering early learning services, parenting programmes, playgroups, social workers in schools, counselling and more...

  • Takanini Family Service Centre

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    Family Service Centre Takanini opened its doors in January 2014. Our warm, colourful new Centre was established in partnership with the Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association, whose superb early learning centre provides a beautiful environment for the local children.

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