Training for challenges and tackling life together, Mick and Amokura have forged a friendship that is providing a powerful boost not just to their physical health, but to emotional and mental wellbeing, for both of them.
Mick is buzzing from helping nurture the natural talent of young, athletic Amokura, his Little Buddy of two years. The plumbing business owner met his 11-year-old match after signing up to become a mentor through a partnership programme that is illuminating lives.
“We couldn’t have kids, so when I heard an advert on the radio when I was at work one day, for Big Buddy, I was drawn to it.”
Completing the programme’s vetting process and being matched with his own Little Buddy, was just the start of Mick making a difference to both his, and his new mate’s, life. “We’re super-connected; the team at Big Buddy are obviously very good at matching up suitable pairs. I joined thinking I’m just trying to help him out, but I soon learned it goes both ways.”
Mick says “you also don’t have to do anything extravagant. It can be something as simple as kicking a ball around a park together, skimming stones in the water or washing the work van. Often, all a boy wants is someone to be with.”
High-energy, active Amokura is proving the perfect training partner for Mick. The pair meet up each week to expend some of that surplus energy by going for runs, playing football or tackling playground apparatus.
Amokura has been diagnosed with ADHD and Mick is helping him manage this. “We’ve been getting into obstacle sports racing together. We set up laps around playgrounds to do training and timing,” he says. This not only expends excess energy but requires concentration, co-ordination and a wide range of skills.
Amokura is showing great potential in many physical activities. “He’s got a mean left foot on him,” says Mick, “and he can pull some great tricks with a ball!” He likes to offer his support at Amokura’s Saturday football games when he’s able and helps him hone his skills in practice on the park.
Mick has introduced Amokura to another new activity. “I harked back to my childhood to get us both BMXs,” he smiles, “so we’re now two BMX bandits riding around Auckland! And, of course, I’ve taught him how to pull a wheely.”
The pair have travelled to Nelson, Bay of Plenty and across the Auckland region to take part in running and obstacle sports events. ‘The Ultimate Athlete’ in Mount Manganui was among them, and completing Round the Bays together was another shared highlight.
For Amokura’s primary caregiver, his great aunt Gina, the relationship that has been forged is priceless.
“When they meetup, Amokura’s eyes light up – he always gives Mick a bear hug and his Big Buddy reciprocates! The laughter and the bantering that goes on is heart-warming to see.”
Gina explains how she discovered the scheme that has changed their lives. “The Big Buddy programme came to my attention at a GRG Waitakere monthly meeting – an organisation for grandparents and carers raising grandchildren, about four years ago.
“The matching process was friendly and thorough. It was a long process with interviews involving everyone concerned in finding the right match perfect. I was really pleased with how everything was conducted.”
The experiences Amokura has shared with Mick have had a profound impact, she says.
“Amokura has experienced many diverse adventures with his Big Buddy, Mick: four Ultimate Athlete events, three ‘Round the Bays’, camping, making pizza, bike riding, a conservation project, working experiences such as washing vehicles, building projects, learning how to use tools, education chats, and much more. Big buddy even makes it to the sideline to cheer Amo on in his football games.”
She adds, “Making a difference by helping Amokura build his confidence, resilience & life skills, Mick’s mentoring is consistent and solid. I would also like to acknowledge Kerry, Mick’s wife, who supports Mick in mentoring Amokura, and to acknowledge the Big Buddy organisation who give a beacon of hope.”
As well as English, Amokura speaks Te Reo Māori, having grown up in a fluent household. He’s been helping non-native, Mick, who moved here from the UK 13 years ago. “I’ve downloaded an app and I’m trying to learn Te Reo Māori,” Mick says.
“Coming from England, I still have quite a strong accent. I’m working on it, but my pronunciation isn’t always great. It makes Amokura laugh, though – he finds it so funny.”
Mick knows that, over time, their relationship will change, too.
“As he gets older, I have to accept he won’t always want to meet up with me; he’ll likely want to spend more time with his mates. But I tell him, ‘I’m always going to be your Big Buddy’. It’s something I’ve committed to.”
Amokura is a boy of few words to those unfamiliar to him but shares his thoughts on being a Little Buddy. “I would recommend it. I’d recommend it to have fun. It’s fun to kick a ball around or ride a BMX. You can find a good Big Buddy and have a lot of fun.”
Mick says, “You can! And you know now that your ADHD is not something that is going to hold you back, Amokura. It’s your superpower.” Amokura smiles.
Gina is keen to add, “I appreciate the support we have received. I’d like to honour Mick in being a true champion that he is. Leading, guiding and walking beside Amokura to help him navigate through life.”
