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Whiria te Tāngata mā te Waiata.

About The Club

About Us

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Mike Gordon

Specialist music teacher and professional musician.

Mike is a specialist music teacher at Te Waka Manaaki, Spotswood College, New Plymouth, and a professional musician with over 20 years experience with all ages. He enjoys giving music tuition and nurturing musical talent.

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Ursula Watson

Registered specialist learning support teacher.

Ursula has over 30 years teaching experience and 10 years specialising with ORS funded and neurodiverse students. She helps shape a space where people feel safe, comfortable, respected, and supported.

Testimonials

Likeskills Taranaki

What you two are setting up is amazing and of so much value to the community. We are privileged to have jumped on at the ground floor! Excited to see how high it goes!

Kate - Toucan Taranaki

I think you two are just amazing! I'm so glad that I got to come and see you today. Nikki and I both loved the session so much. Thank you!

Kathleen & Blair

My two boys have been thriving since being connected to the Friendship and Music Club. It is the first success we have had getting our kids to want to attend something without us. They feel like they can be themselves there. Communicating through music and fun is such a no pressure way to connect where everyone has something in common straight away. Mike and Ursula are absolute gems and their fun, welcoming and calm natures bring out the best in our kids. They genuinely are there having so much fun too and the young people feel that sense of welcome and that puts them at ease straight away. Thank you!

Margaret

Such passion. These kids are getting a real buzz from the music and your commitment.

Fiona

Thank you! Aidan is so happy to be with friends again.

Kathleen

Thanks Ursula and Mike. I think that's the biggest smile I've seen on Malcolm in a long time. Gorgeous!

Caz

Great photos and videos. Dylan had a great time. Thank you.

Julianne

A really great, worthwhile initiative that is definitely having positives outcomes. Well done!

Fiona

Although the group at WITT have been inclusive with him, Aidan has missed the closer friendship he has with those he has known for longer. It is good that he has that with your group.

Karen

Gorgeous moments of grace and joy,

Todd

What wonderful work you and Mike are doing Ursula with your Friendship and Music Club on Saturdays and on Thursdays. They are all always smiling, laughing, singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. What a great thing to see!

Fiona

Thanks for including Aidan today, he had such a lovely time.

Elizabeth

You and your colleagues are providing a wonderful place of friendship and fun! Fantastic! Congratulations on the success of this venture. Big hearts you have!

Catherine

Awesome photo of Pirripi. I am on of the support workers in his home. He shared how he jams. Loves the music group.

Gallery

People To Thank

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Lifeskills Taranaki

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Nicholson's Lawyers

Emma Hancock

Rochelle Stevens

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Toucan Taranaki

Nikki Laagland

Kate Elmes

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Ator

Jamie Roberts

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