MATES Team

MATES Programme Manager

TERI FONG

Teri started working with Great Potentials in January 2023. Teri grew up in Fiji and then moved to Auckland in 2014. Teri holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics/International Relations and Gender Studies and has recently completed a Master of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Auckland. 

Prior to working at the Great Potentials Foundation, Teri was involved in a number of not-governmental organisations, including the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, and the Auckland Women’s Centre as an intern and volunteer. Teri started her career 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. Teri later moved into a Resident Coordinator role at one of the largest first year halls in Aotearoa.

Teri is passionate about youth empowerment and uplifting and empowering our marginalized communities in Aotearoa. In her role as the Programme Manager, Teri hopes to enact positive and proactive change to ensure the success of our tauira and rangatahi through the MATES programme. 

MATES Coordinator

ASHRITHA BAGADAM

Ashritha is of Indian descent and grew up in central Auckland.

Ashritha's journey with the Great Potentials Foundation began in January 2024. Ashritha initially pursued nursing before discovering her passion for teaching and went onto completing a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at the University of Auckland in 2022. Prior to joining the MATES programme, she worked as a primary school teacher and coordinator, focusing on enhancing positive outcomes for Tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa.

Ashritha's commitment to addressing educational underachievement among disadvantaged youth in New Zealand is deeply rooted in her teaching background. Ashritha is passionate about supporting young people's education during crucial points in their journey, believing in the impact that mentoring and tutoring can make. In this role, Ashritha aims to not only enhance the mentee's academic performance but also to elevate aspirations and boost self-confidence as they progress to the next chapter in their educational journey.

Through her teaching and coordination experience, she's become passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential, especially those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Ashritha is enthusiastic about contributing to the impact of the MATES programme and is eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across Aotearoa.

MATES Coordinator

Gemma O'Connor

Gemma is a 21-year-old born and raised in South Auckland.

Gemma's journey with the Great Potentials Foundation started in 2022 when she joined as a mentor through the Education 200 paper at Waipapa Taumata Rau. Her dedication and passion for mentorship led her to continue her involvement in 2023, transitioning into a general mentoring role. Alongside her commitment to mentoring, Gemma successfully completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education in 2023.

Now a MATES coordinator, she says she can't get enough of the MATES programme, and the incredible mahi the Great Potentials Foundation continues to achieve. Working with rangitahi has always been Gemma's passion, learning from and supporting them on their exceptional journeys in life. 

"MATES is an excellent way to help students realise their potential. As mentors, we aim to offer guidance and encouragement to a treasure we know they can possess."

MATES Coordinator

Ma'ukakala Hindt-Ofa

Ma'ukakala is of Tongan, Niuean, and Samoan descent, born and raised in South Auckland. 

In 2023, Ma'ukakala embarked on her journey with the MATES programme, initially joining as a general mentor through the Education 200 paper at the University of Auckland. Now, as a coordinator at MATES, she is dedicated to enhancing her practice and studies, striving to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Education and Pacific Studies.

"MATES is an amazing opportunity to give back to our communities, especially our rangatahi. My goal through MATES is to continue fostering a welcoming and safe environment for rangatahi to confidently express themselves and guide them into making confident decisions in their academic journey."

MATES Coordinator

Rebecca Thwaites

Rebecca is a third-year student at the University of Auckland, who is studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Psychology. Originally from Christchurch, Rebecca moved to Auckland in 2022 to pursue tertiary education. Rebecca started her journey with MATES as a mentor through the Education 200 course in 2023.

"Moving from Christchurch to the University of Auckland was a big step for me, but it opened up a world of opportunities to explore my passion for psychology. Joining MATES as a mentor in 2023 through the Education 200 course was a pivotal moment, as I discovered how I can use my skills to positively impact others and help them reach their full potential. Through MATES, I've discovered a meaningful way to build supportive relationships and empower others to excel academically.”