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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

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...
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...