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Latest

Congratulations! MATES Senior 2022

Congratulations to all MATES Senior Mentees 2022, and a massive thank you to the MATES Mentors, teachers and whānau.
My role as a Counsellor at the Papakura Family Service Centre

Sophie says she feels blessed with whānau sharing stories of their lives with her and finding strength through their self-awareness journey. The counselling service is accessible to anyone, with no limits on how many sessions, which allows her to do therapeutic work on a deeper level.
From Icao: Mentoring is about meaningful listening

MATES believes in the ecology of growth and positions itself in a very community-centric way. It is a familiar system that a lot of our Pasifika people have grown up with.
From Smita: My role as a HIPPY Data Administrator

I love coming across people in the community who say, “I did HIPPY with my children!” or “I was a HIPPY child!”. Hearing families identify so strongly and proudly with a programme they were involved in so long ago speaks to how significant HIPPY is in our communities...

From Smita: My role as a HIPPY Data Administrator

I love coming across people in the community who say, “I did HIPPY with my children!” or “I was a HIPPY child!”. Hearing families identify so strongly and proudly with a programme they were involved in so long ago speaks to how significant HIPPY is in our communities...
Zeenathul’s story: HIPPY develops positive behaviour

“I can see the reflection of HIPPY on my son’s day-to-day life as he continues to get awards from school for positive behaviour in learning. Bilaal has always been a shining star!”
Sravani's story: HIPPY taught me skills

Sravani said that participating in HIPPY taught her many skills about educating Harshitha, preparing her for school, and supporting her learning and development...
Krystal’s story: HIPPY was the best decision

"I know Olivia will change the world, and you'll be proud that HIPPY helped to pave the way when that happens."- Krystal, a HIPPY parent.
HIPPY delivers $2.50 of social value for every $1 spent

Evaluating the impact of our programmes is an integral part of Great Potentials Foundation. We have been working with Impact Lab for the past few months so we can gain a deeper understanding of the social value and measurable good HIPPY brings to New Zealand society.
From the archives: NZ’s first Dad Tutor

Back in 1995, John Grubner made the local newspaper for being New Zealand’s very first “HIPPY dad” tutor. The local community paper said at the time, “Mr Grubner is a rare breed as a HIPPY tutor because it is usually mums who are recruited from parents who have been through the programme...”
Marissa's Story: "HIPPY gave me confidence"

Marissa was 18 when she had her first baby. Shy and lacking confidence, she thought her working life was over. Until she started her son on the HIPPY programme and her confidence began to grow...
Creating Connections in Kaikohe - with DIY Deodorant

Group meetings – or ‘whānau hui’ – are an important part of HIPPY, helping build connections and combat isolation. Kaikohe Coordinator, Emily Rogers, recently took her HIPPY whānau to a local drop-in centre/pregnancy hub and did a very cool enrichment activity making DIY deodorant...
A Community Empowered thanks to HIPPY

Back in 1997, Kelston cluster school principals met to discuss how they might better engage with local families and support parents. HIPPY became the catalyst that helped empower and engage the Kelston community...
HIPPY Founder’s New Zealand Legacy

Professor Avima Lombard was HIPPY’s original founder back in 1969, in Israel. When she passed away in 2008, Dame Lesley Max wrote a piece in appreciation of Professor Lombard, giving us a glimpse into the legacy she created for us in New Zealand....

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...
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.
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...
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

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...
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

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, Plunket, social work and advocacy, counselling, parenting, budgeting and Social Workers in Schools.