About The Club

About Us

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.

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

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!

Anonymous Mum

My son hung out with friends last Saturday, ( outside of the club time) first time he had ever done it. ( arranged to hang out with friends) he was on cloud nine for a little while. I am so happy he has made some friends that get him and he gets them So, thank you.

Marilyn Mae Welham

I went to the club. They gave me a violin. I enjoyed playing violin with Ursula and Mike. They are so wonderful...they teach me little guitar. WOW, that's different sounds violin and guitar....I love music. Mike and Ursula are amazing together. 22.7.2026

Pieriette

Well done you guys. It is good to know there is a happy place for young adults with special abilities to enjoy music and friendship. May 2026

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!

Julianne

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

Karen

Gorgeous moments of grace and joy,

Margaret

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

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!

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.