At Big Buddy, we believe in more than just mentoring — we believe in doing good together. When Big Buddies and Little Buddies team up, incredible things happen. And during March 2025, they didn’t just bond over shared adventures — they made a real impact in the community too.
Hammer Time: Building Rat Traps for Rotoroa
With thanks to our generous friends at Mitre 10, a group of Big and Little Buddies came together for a hands-on workshop to build rat traps for Rotoroa Island — part of a special conservation project to help protect our native birdlife.
Let’s just say… it was a little noisy but a lot of fun! Hammers clanged, paint flew, and there was plenty of laughter as each Buddy team crafted and decorated their traps — with some hilariously creative names we’re still chuckling about.
We were lucky to have Jo from Rotoroa Island join us to talk about the conservation efforts on the island. She shared how even though Rotoroa works hard to stay predator-free, rats sometimes swim from neighbouring islands (who knew?!). That’s why these traps play such an important role in keeping our native bird species safe.
One of the mums was so pleased about this new initiative she wrote to express her thanks :
What a fantastic initiative this was! Thankyou to the sponsors who helped make this possible.
Jayden loved the experience came home full of stories. He learnt so much from this. Environmental welfare is so important & this demonstrated the process on a level that he grasped.
Andrew his Big Buddy has been in corner for 3 years now. A constant steady male model in his life.
The Big Buddy programme has enhanced Jaydens life & for that I am truly grateful.
Pauline Russell-Green
Rotoroa Island Adventure: A Day to Remember
Fast forward to the end of March and we turned our Annual Auckland Big Buddy Day Out into something really special — a trip to Rotoroa Island, to deliver the rat traps thanks to the amazing team at Explore Group.
After an exciting boat ride, our Buddies spent the day soaking in all the beauty the island has to offer. We explored the native bush, spotted some of the amazing birdlife we’d learned about, and shared a massive BBQ feast.
There was time for cricket, tossing the rugby ball, and even a couple of refreshing swims in one of the island’s sheltered bays. By the end of the day, we had some seriously tuckered-out Big and Little Buddies snoozing on the ride home — but with big smiles and full hearts.
Do you have a community project that you would like some help with? Big Buddy Does Good would love to help. Please email us at [email protected] with the details.
