At our core, ME believes in the power of local community, the people that make Māngere and Ōtāhuhu so special and give it a collective strength to achieve anything – especially when the ME that’s inside each of us is prepared to make it happen.
Our focus at ME is to work together to realise the ambitions of Māngere and Ōtāhuhu’s individuals, families and communities. We are here for all those living in Māngere and Ōtāhuhu who want to grow and make a difference.
Māngere East Family Service Centre has worked hard to be a pillar of strength in our community since 1993. Our focus on Early Childhood, Parenting Engagement and Whānau Support is widely acknowledged, and we are immensely proud of all we have achieved so far, along with the special relationships we’ve cultivated.
In 2014, we changed our name to ME Family Services, while continuing our Early Childhood and Whānau Support. We have grown a Taiao Team, focused on regenerative practice by encouraging the importance of the relationship between people and place. We are dedicated to our journey of becoming a more sustainable organisation. ME represents participation, resilience and empowerment. We’re a group of committed individuals working together to help people achieve their full potential and inspire positive change in the community.
Whether you’ve been with us for many years or you’re new to us, the true kaupapa of ME Family Services lies in each person’s ability to say ‘it’s up to me’.
To inspire children, youth and families to thrive.
To encourage a resilient and a regenerative community.
To make a difference for Te Taiao and the places we work and live in.
Activating potential to create positive change
We show respect, generosity and care for the wellbeing of people and place
We are responsible for making decisions for future generations
We celebrate people’s culture, identity and the richness of depth it brings
We recognise the importance of thriving and resilient whānau
We recognise communities shape our lives and promote wellbeing, inter-connectedness and a shared purpose
Our success depends on your success
We value everyone and everything in our ecosystem and look to strengthen our connections
Chief Executive
Carole was born and raised in Māngere and is of Ngāpuhi descent. Through her social work and management roles, Carole has been part of the ME Family Service since 2006. She has a passion for the well-being of tamariki and mokopuna with a strong desire to advocate for improved educational, health, and housing outcomes for whānau living in Māngere.
Carole is actively involved in the development of social work at the national and international levels and seeks opportunities to strengthen the indigenous voice in these spaces and in communities.
Office Manager
Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa, Ngati Hine
Elaine Pereira is passionate about whānau, community and creating brighter futures for all. Born and raised in South Auckland, her heart is for the people of South Auckland. She joined ME Family Services in 2023. Elaine enjoys the challenges and rewards that come with the daily operations of MEFS. From planning annual meetings to wrangling kids’ Rugby League, she is adept at wearing many hats and managing multiple stressors.
‘South Auckland is home to exceptional individuals with limitless potential and being a member of ME Family Services allows me to develop and serve this wonderful community’.
The Board provides overall stewardship of ME Family Services on behalf of the people and place.
We are committed to the purposes, practices and passion of ME Family Service to encourage a thriving community.
Chair
Board Member
Board Member -
Mangere East Primary School BOT Rep
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member