From mending fences on a farm to spotting dolphins at sea, 12-year-old Kobi has stepped into a world of new experiences—thanks to his Big Buddy, Mark. Their story is one of resilience, friendship, and the power of youth mentoring. It’s proof that volunteering just a couple of hours a week can have a life-changing impact—on both sides of the relationship.
“Who is this guy?”: A Nerve-Wracking Start
“I was really nervous at first,” says Kobi. “I was, like, who is this guy?”
That guy is Mark—a former chartered accountant and Hibiscus Coast local. With his own sons off to university, Mark found himself with time, energy, and a desire to give back.
“I was thinking, what can I do to contribute to somebody else’s upbringing? Big Buddy was the obvious choice.”
He committed to spending an hour or more each week with a boy who could benefit from a father figure. After going through the application and vetting process, Mark and Kobi were finally matched.
“It was a big deal,” Mark recalls. “We were both excited—and a little nervous, too.”
First Impressions and Instant Connection
Kobi’s mum Jody, who has raised him and his older sister Zali on her own, was equally hopeful and anxious about the first meeting.
“All I could hear was chatting and laughter, it was an emotional rollercoaster,” she says. “We were excited—but also worried it might be awkward!”
It wasn’t
“Kobi took me to show me his sock collection,” Mark laughs. “That’s when I knew we’d get along.”
Jody adds. “I knew this was a good sign.” That first day set the tone for a relationship filled with joy, curiosity, and genuine connection.
A Setback, and a Sweet Response
Early on in their match, things took an unexpected turn. Mark needed urgent hip surgery and was stuck in hospital for weeks.
“I’d said I was an active guy, and then suddenly I was stuck in a hospital bed with an infection. It was not quite what I’d advertised.”
But Kobi didn’t mind. He visited Mark with grapes, chats, and a pile of outdoor and fishing magazines—his not-so-subtle way of planting adventure ideas for when Mark recovered. It worked. Once Mark was back on his feet, the two hit the water. From fishing trips and dolphin sightings to ATV rides and lamb wrangling on Mark’s family farm in Kaipara, the adventures haven’t stopped.
“I reckon I lifted about 400 times my body weight today!” Kobi laughs after a teacher-only day spent on the farm.
Mentoring Through the Tough Times
Their friendship deepened when Kobi was hit by a car while riding home from school. That gift helped Kobi get mobile again. Before long, he was back riding with Mark, stopping for snacks at Grandma’s and exploring trails in Woodhill Forest.
“I was knocked off my bike. It was really bad. The bike was just a crumpled heap of metal.”
Kobi was left in a wheelchair and faced a long physical and emotional recovery. Mark was right there for him.
“He was traumatised,” says Jody. “But Mark’s visits lifted his spirits and gave him things to look forward to.”
One of those surprises was huge—literally. Mark reached out to his friend Karl Woolcott of Ride Holidays, who generously gifted Kobi a brand-new Giant bike through the Te Awakairangi Trust.
“I bum-scooted to the door!” Kobi says. “When I saw the bike, I was like, ‘Holy, it’s beautiful!’”
One-to-One Mentoring in Action
From ski trips and soccer games to surfing, golf, and Cirque du Soleil outings, their one-to-one mentoring journey is packed with learning and laughter.
“It’s not all about big stuff,” says Mark. “Sometimes it’s just sharing a laugh. Kobi’s energy is contagious—and being around that is a gift.”
For Kobi, the feeling is mutual.
“If there’s something new to learn, it might be hard at first—but I know I can do it. Mark helps me, then I’m off—there’s no stopping me!”
Now fully recovered, Kobi is dreaming big—Army Cadets, farming, and more are on his horizon. And with Mark by his side, he knows he’s got someone in his corner.
“Trust me,” Kobi says, “if you’re thinking about becoming a Little Buddy, it’s worth the wait.”
Their next adventure? A trip to Cirque du Soleil—to clown around and make more memories together.
Want to Make a Difference?
Mark is just one of many men who’ve stepped up to volunteer as a Big Buddy. By simply turning up each week, they’re helping shape stronger, more confident young men for the future. Interested in mentoring one-to-one, or supporting youth mentoring in Aotearoa? Find out how you can get involved at bigbuddy.org.nz
