On Sunday 4th May, ten teenage boys from Wellington began an 8-week journey that would challenge, uplift, and transform them. These rangatahi, aged 14–17, were nominated by their schools and caregivers — each one navigating life without a consistent male role model.
Outdoor Adventures and New Skills
The programme included unforgettable outdoor adventures:
- Rock climbing at Titahi Bay
- Whitewater rafting on the Ōtaki River
- Tramping and bushcraft in Remutaka Forest Park.
Over the 8 weeks, our facilitators and volunteer mentors saw the boys grow in social confidence and a willingness to give things a go — even the most risk-averse stepped outside their comfort zones during the adventure activities.
Honouring Their Journey
The programme wrapped up with a 4-day / 3-night adventure camp, followed by a homecoming hui on Sunday 13 July. Families came together to celebrate the boys and everything they’d achieved. Dave Burcher, our Wellington Mentoring Manager, hosted the hui, and we were joined by Big Buddy Co-CEO Steve Sobota.
The ceremony was a special moment – a chance to honour each boy’s journey, reflect on how far they’ve come, and acknowledge the young men they’re becoming.
Alongside the facilitators and activitiy providers, a huge thank you to the incredible men who stepped in and volunteered every week to support our boys. Thank you to Ajax, Paul & Morgan our Wellington volunteer mentors.
“This programme gave my son something he didn’t even know he needed” – mums feedback
“He came home happier, and more confident. I haven’t seen him smile like that in a long time” – caregiver feedback
Congratulations to all of our GP3 Wellington Graduates
Seamus
Cairo
Tian
Lukas
Kiedis
Jonah
Harrison
Ashton
Samuel
Robbie
What the Boys Told Us
We are proud to share the positive outcomes from our Wellington Programme, the results that our teenage graduates shared with us…
- 100% felt happier and more confident
- 88% felt calmer and more connected
- 100% said the activities were engaging and relevant
- 100% felt supported by mentors and facilitators
- 100% said they developed new skills
We’re incredibly grateful to the following organisations for their generous support in making our 8-week Group Programme possible:
- Wright Family
- St Johns in the City
- Grants for Good | HealthCarePlus
- Wellington Methodist
- Potter Masonic Trust
- Society of Emissaries Charitable Trust
- Big Toe
- Toc H NZ Bowerbank Charitable Trust
- Foodstuffs North Island
Thanks to their generous funding, each young person received over $4,500 worth of mentoring, adventure, and personal growth at no cost to their whānau.
