Great Potentials Foundation

25/05/2026

Too many children are starting school already behind.

Recent Ministry of Education NZ data shows fewer than half of five-year-olds passed new phonics tests after their first full year at school, with more than a quarter needing extra classroom support. Behind every statistic is a family doing their best, often while facing barriers that make it harder to take a leading role in their child’s education.

For many parents, hearing their child is struggling so early can feel overwhelming. The HIPPY Programme helps change that.

Through practical tools and structured support, HIPPY empowers parents to create positive learning environments at home so children can arrive at school ready to thrive and parents feel confident supporting their child’s learning journey every step of the way. HIPPY provides targeted, structured support that is evidence-based. ⭐⭐



Learn more here 🔗
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/education/595506/after-a-full-year-of-schooling-less-than-half-of-5-year-olds-pass-new-phonics-test?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=discover&utm_campaign=CCwqGQgwKhAIACoHCAow35aQCzD3-KMDML2UnQUwkZDaBQ&utm_content=bullets

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And Education Ministry results show some groups of children have pass rates of just 25 percent.

15/05/2026

💕 Today is Pink Shirt Day, a time to come together to stand against bullying and celebrate the diversity that makes our communities stronger ⭐

𝘒ō𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘔𝘢𝘪, 𝘒ō𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘈𝘵𝘶, 𝘔𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪 𝘛ū, 𝘔𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪 𝘖𝘳𝘢 – 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘶𝘱, 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨!

For many communities across Aotearoa, bullying is more than hurtful words. Feeling different, being left out, or worrying about not fitting in can have a lasting impact on a person’s confidence and wellbeing.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported.

At Great Potentials Foundation, we see every day how important support from local services can be. For the past 35 years, we have helped more than 89,900 children, young people, and whānau build confidence and believe in their potential.

By supporting Great Potentials Foundation, you are helping create opportunities for children, young people, and families who may otherwise miss out, while helping build a more connected community.

Together, we can continue to choose kindness, stand against bullying, and help create a future where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

12/05/2026

Thank you so much to Sophie Pink Boutique for the brand-new clothing donation for families at the Papakura and Takanini Family Service Centres. 👚👗 We are always grateful for businesses who want to make a difference. ⭐

If you'd like to support, we'd like to hear from you 👇
https://www.greatpotentials.org.nz/corporate-sponsorship

08/05/2026

Happy Mother's Day from the team at Great Potentials, HIPPY, MATES, Family Service Centres Papakura and Takanini, and Papakura Early Learning Centre⭐🌼🌸

05/05/2026

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and our tamariki are getting creative, making meaningful gifts for their mums. Something colourful, bright and full of flowers, made to celebrate the amazing wāhine in their lives. 💐🌼🌸

We’d love to hear from you, comment below: what’s the most special Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever received, and why did it mean so much?

Don’t miss out on more inspiring moments from our community, sign up to join the Great Potentials Foundation newsletter. ⭐

A charity working for and with children, young people and families to release potential, reduce disparities and break the cycle of disadvantage.

26/04/2026

Great Potentials Foundation, MATES, and Family Service Centres in Takanini and Papakura are closed today for Anzac Day.

22/04/2026

Such great hands-on learning activities for parents and their little ones to enjoy together at home ⭐

15/04/2026

Settling into life in New Zealand can be challenging, especially for immigrants with limited English. To help this, our Takanini Family Service Centres have partnered with Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) to offer a FREE English course. ⭐

This course is for anyone who wants to improve their English speaking and writing skills for everyday life, work, or study. Enrol anytime!

📅 Every Monday and Friday
⏰ 9:30am – 12:30pm

13/04/2026

⭐ Recently, our MATES (Mentoring and Tutoring Education Scheme) programme marked a significant milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau Faculty of Arts and Education.

A milestone built on years of belief, advocacy, and strong relationships. ⭐

🔗 Read more here
https://www.greatpotentials.org.nz/blog/formalising-a-decade-of-impact-mates-and-the-university-of-auckland-strengthen-partnership

10/04/2026

⭐ We’re looking back on all the laughter and smiles shared at our Papakura Early Learning Centre (Family Service Centres) leading up to the Easter weekend. Our tamariki enjoyed crafts, face painting, hot cross buns, and an exciting Easter egg hunt. 🐰

🔗 Get in touch today to enrol your child and be part of the magic: https://www.greatpotentials.org.nz/pelc