Big Buddy works on the simple philosophy that boys develop more confidence and resilience when they have a positive male role model to look up to.
Big Buddy works on the simple philosophy that boys develop more confidence and resilience when they have a positive male role model to look up to.
Welcome to Big Buddy
Big Buddy matches kind-hearted men with boys who do not have a father in their lives, so they can enjoy male friendship, guidance, someone to look up to and maybe even kick a ball round with. Our Big Buddies are thoroughly screened and then matched with a Little Buddy of 7-14 years of age. This commitment makes a huge positive difference...to both lives!
Find a Big Buddy
Are you mothering or caring for a boy between 7 and 14 years of age, whose father is not in his life? There are many reasons that his father may not be around, but Big Buddy may be able to help.
Become a Big Buddy
If you are a man with a good heart and a spare couple of hours a week, you could make a huge difference to a boy whose dad is not around. More than 800 men already making a positive difference by being Big Buddy, a rewarding experience for all.
Support Big Buddy
The positive difference Big Buddy makes is the result of many. Big Buddy is incredibly grateful to the support of our corporate partners, sponsors and regular givers who better boys' lives each day.
Family adversity healed through having a Big Buddy
The journey to being a Big Buddy
Growing confidence through the spirit of adventure
A little about our radio ads inspired by 'Jimmy'
In summer 2019, with the help of a very kind donor, Big Buddy was able to commission a Mediaworks radio ad set to help more boys without dads. The Mediaworks team were a great help in working with us on a script inspired by an anonymous poem from our archives. The voices are all fresh from the Big Buddy community: Little Buddy Aidan Morrison is Jimmy; his Big Buddy and regular radio-pro Roman Travers does the man's voice over; and BB Media & Communications Coordinator Sally Webster dusted off her voice for the female part. Listen to the studio recordings below.
Why mentoring matters
THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY
48,669 Boys AGED 7-14
living in solo parent families in New Zealand
WE ESTIMATE THAT
8,030 Boys HAVE NO
contact at all with their father
(16.5% of all solo parent families)
THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY
780 Fatherless Boys IN THE
WELLINGTON REGION
and 4,725 boys living in solo parent families
THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY
893 Fatherless Boys IN THE
WAIKATO REGION
and 5,412 boys living in solo parent families
THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY
2,618 Fatherless Boys IN THE
AUCKLAND REGION
and 15,867 boys living in solo parent families
“My son has a Big Buddy and I couldn't speak more highly of this organisation. They are making real differences in the lives of so many young boys. I adore the happiness and confidence that our Big Buddy brings to my son. Definitely worth the reward if you are someone who can give a few hours a week to make a massive difference in some boy’s life.”
LIANNE MORRISON