On Sunday, 27 July, a group of Auckland-based teenage boys embarked on an eight-week, life-changing journey. The nine rangatahi were nominated by their schools and caregivers, who recognised the need for a positive male influence in their lives.
Indoor and Outdoor Learning
Over the course of the programme, the boys – aged 14 to 17 – joined seven dedicated men, including volunteer mentors, facilitators, and instructors, in a series of challenges designed to strengthen relationships, boost confidence, and enhance overall wellbeing.
The outdoor adventures included unforgettable experiences
– High Ropes challenges in Henderson Valley
– Mountain biking in Woodhill Forrest
– Tramping in the Hunua Ranges
– Canyoning at Piha
– Overnight tramp and camp to Whatipu
The inside learning was a good balance to the outdoor challenges and included
– Life mapping
– Gratitude and visioning exercises
– Team work activities
– Trust and confidence building
The programme culminated with the boys attending a 3-night / 4-day adventure camp. They were then warmly welcomed home by their families at a homecoming hui held on Sunday 28th September 2025.
The Welcome Home Hui
Big Buddy Co-CEO Steve Sobota along with Programme Lead Shane Brown and Mentoring Manager Mark Sanders hosted the hui with our facilitators and Big Buddy volunteers.
The ceremony was a meaningful occasion. An opportunity to celebrate each boy’s journey, reflect on their growth, and recognise the young men they are becoming.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this programme possible. In particular, we acknowledge the dedicated men who volunteered their time each week to walk alongside our boys.
Celebrating our GP6 Graduates
Congratulations to all Graduates – Astadias, Jahdean, Aries, Solomon, Taite, K*, D* and Jackson-Lee. *names withheld
Special thanks to our lead facilitator, Steve D alongside Tom and Liam from Adventureworks. Our incredible volunteer mentors, Peter Buffett, Steven Williams, Gary Oakes and Scott Newman. Your support has made a lasting impact.
What Boys and Carers Told Us
We are proud to share the positive outcomes from our Auckland Group Programme, the results that some of our teenage graduates shared with us…
- 88% felt happier and more confident
- 90% felt calmer and more connected
- 88% felt more confident in their ability to overcome challenges
- 88% said the activities were engaging and relevant
- 100% felt supported by mentors and facilitators
- 88% said they developed new skills
My son is able to voice what he is feeling. He is developing coping skills to manage his feelings rather than being withdrawn.
Such a great investment in uplifting our rangatahi boys to know what masculinity really is.
We’re incredibly grateful to the following organisations for their generous support in making our 8-week Group Programme possible:
- Wright Family Foundation
- 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.
