MATES Team

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.

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.

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.