After over a decade leading the Big Buddy Mentoring Trust as Chair—and 14 years on the Board—Travis Field has officially retired from his role, leaving behind a legacy of deep personal commitment and unwavering advocacy.
A Personal Connection That Sparked a Legacy
Travis first became involved with Big Buddy after the death of his best friend, Troy—affectionately known as “Turtle.” As Troy faced a terminal illness, his final wish was to ensure his twin sons were matched with a Big Buddy before he passed away. That experience left a profound impression on Travis, who joined the Board in 2010 and went on to serve as Chair since September 2014.
“Big Buddy is a fence at the top of the cliff,” Travis says. “Men are over-represented in mental health, violence, incarceration and suicide statistics. A good man showing up at a pivotal time in a boy’s life can prevent those outcomes and help create a happy, healthy man for our country.”
Travis has long championed the power of simple, consistent connection:
“It’s such a simple but beautiful idea. A Big Buddy for a boy without a dad present. By just showing up, having fun, and caring, the impact on the boys is amazing.”
While stepping down from the board, Travis remains deeply involved. he and his team at Fantail & Turtle, a popular gastro pub at Smales farm, continue to raise significant funds for big buddy—over $400,000 to date—through their long lunch events, with another already scheduled for October 2025.
Co-CEO Steve Sobota reflects on Travis’ contributions:
“Travis balances a big, caring heart for boys who don’t have their dads with his business acumen and governance skills. His creativity, humility and commitment to reaching more boys have strengthened Big Buddy in every way.”
During Travis’ tenure, Big Buddy has seen significant growth. Since the programme began in 1997, more than 1,240 boys have been matched with mentors. Every week, Big Buddies across the country spend a combined 747 hours with their Little Buddies.
A New Chapter: Welcoming Incoming Chair Shaun Quincey
As we farewell Travis, we proudly welcome Shaun Quincey as the new Chair of the Big Buddy Board of Trustees. Shaun brings over 20 years of experience in venture capital and financial technology, having led and governed high-growth companies across New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. He’s the founder of both Genoapay and Simfuni, and is widely recognised for driving innovation in the financial sector.
But Shaun’s story isn’t just one of business success—it’s also one of resilience and powerful family connection. He and his father are the only people in history to have each rowed solo across the Tasman Sea, in opposite directions. This father-son achievement reflects the same values at the heart of Big Buddy: courage, perseverance, and strong male role models. Shaun joined Big Buddy earlier this year as a Trustee and now steps into the role of Chair, ready to lead the Trust through its next stage of impact and growth.
“Most of us can remember a time when someone—a coach, teacher, or mentor—believed in us and offered their time and support,” says Shaun. “Even brief moments of guidance can shape better decisions and change the course of a life. Big Buddy scales that time, energy, and focus so young men get the support they need. Future New Zealand will have better dads, sons, uncles, husbands, and partners.”
Shaun is committed to ensuring the organisation is financially robust and ready to meet demand:
“When a Little Buddy puts their hand up anywhere in the country, we want to be ready to match them with a great man who can guide and love them like others have done for us.”
Co-CEO Christie Stuart says:
“We’re incredibly fortunate and grateful to welcome someone of Shaun’s calibre. His leadership experience, community connection, and life story bring so much to Big Buddy. We can’t wait to see how he will help shape the next chapter.”
