Our Team

Emily Rubaton

ELC Team Leader

About me:

I am originally from the Philippines and have been living here in New Zealand for the last eight years. I have recently married and moved to Papakura area. I am looking forward to working with our tamariki and whanau at the Papakura Early Learning Centre.

My experience working with children:
I finished a Master in Education majoring in Early Childhood Education back in the Philippines. I have been into leadership roles in my previous ECE experience both in under 2's and over 2's area. I have enjoyed sharing lots of aroha with all tamariki under my care.

My interests:
I love travelling, exploring new places, and going for nature adventures. When at home, I love doing cooking, sewing and gardening.

I look forward meeting you and working alongside our whanau to provide the best care and education for our tamariki!

Kristen Dai

ELC Teacher

About me:
I was born in China and came to New Zealand in 2019. I moved to Papakura with my partner in 2021 and this has been our home ever since.

What is your experience with working with children?
I have been in Early Childhood since 2022 when I was studying towards my Master of Teaching and Learning. I have experience working with mainly over 2’s age group. Being a teacher, I am proud and honored to be part of a child's learning journey throughout their childhood. I am also passionate about fostering children’s emotional competency through my teaching inquiry.

My interests are:
I love exploring the city and watching movies. I love cars and love trying out new culinary. I am also into car racing and gardening.

Shondel Kahui

ELC Assistant

Latest

Introducing the MATES team for 2023

The MATES 2023 team is passionate about helping release the potential in young people. This year we will work with approximately 150 students from 11 schools across Auckland...
Great Potentials Annual Report 2021-2022

In 2021-2022, 4,841 children, young people and families were supported by us across New Zealand through our three life-changing programmes; HIPPY, MATES and our Family Service Centres.
From Ruzan: My role as the Playgroup Coordinator

Ruzan works as a Playgroup Coordinator at the Takanini Family Service Centre. She says it’s really rewarding to see smiles on the children’s faces and to watch how much they enjoy playing and exploring new things.
GP HIPPY Curriculum

Garden Vision: ‘Growing for Good’ at ELC

Papakura Early Learning Centre’s Team Leader has a vision for transforming the centre's unused outdoor spaces into an edible garden, with a worm farm, composting and recycling system to teach the children sustainability...
Our Learning Plan

Our Early Learning Centre offers a curriculum based on Te Whariki. Each child is welcomed for who they are. Our staff are skilful at settling and working alongside children, following their play ideas. Whānau experience respectful relationships with kind and caring teachers who value their children.
What We Offer

We provide FREE early childhood education for 30 hours per week for children aged from two-five years. We offer Zero Fees, to make it affordable for everyone.

HIPPY Locations

Locations and contact details for HIPPY sites around New Zealand
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...
HIPPY Programme

Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) is a home-based early education programme working in communities throughout New Zealand. It empowers parents to prepare their 2 - 5 year old children for success at early childhood education (ECE) and school by fostering parents' skills and confidence as educators.
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 (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.
Contact Details

Address and contact information for Great Potentials Office and programmes
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...
Takanini Family Service Centre

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.
Papakura Family Service Centre

Papakura Family Service Centre & Early Learning Centre has been providing valuable services to the families in Papakura since 1992. We provide an early learning centre, the HIPPY programme, social work and advocacy, counselling and Social Workers in Schools.
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...