Thanks to Skipperi’s incredible support, a beautiful, sunny, and calm day became an unforgettable adventure on the water for our Little Buddies currently on the waitlist. A total of thirty attendees, made up of Little Buddies, caregivers, and volunteers, came along for the adventure. A day full of excitement, learning, and connection, giving the boys a chance to feel seen, valued, and supported, even while waiting for a Big Buddy match.
Waiting for a mentor can be long and frustrating, and some boys can feel overlooked when no mentor has stepped forward yet. This special day provided reassurance that there are people in the community who care and are ready to help them grow and thrive.
Four boats set off with eager boys ready for fun. The journey included a trip under the Harbour Bridge to the Chelsea Sugar Factory, fast paced runs along the harbour with boys taking turns driving the boats and even doing a few doughnuts, before heading out past the Devonport Naval Base to see the ships in dock, and returning past the stunning Tāmaki Makaurau skyscape.
Back on shore, the boys and their caregivers refuelled with sausages and enjoyed ice cream and ice blocks generously sponsored by Tip Top. The day was made even more special with a surprise visit from Andrew Adamson, acclaimed director of Shrek and The Chronicles of Narnia. He hosted a quick Q & A with the boys about filmmaking, inspiring them with insights into creativity and storytelling.
Questions went a bit like this:
Boy 1 – what type of onion was Shrek munching on?
Adam – I think it was just a standard brown onion, maybe it was a sweet onion. Do you guys like pickled onions?
Boy 1 – Eeeewh I hate pickles!
Boy 2 – Shrek ate onions because they have layers, and we have layers.
Adam – well we are compared to onions with layers, because we all have different layers, that’s what make us different and who we are.
The boys also watched a fish filleting display by Kaiika – Waste not, want not, with some bravely trying raw fish supplied by Legasea for the first time. Beyond all the activities, the day was about building confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging, vital for boys who are waiting for a Big Buddy match and sometimes feel overlooked.
A huge thank you to Skipperi for organising and supporting this day. Experiences like this show how community support and positive male role models can help boys feel confident, supported, and encouraged while they wait for their Big Buddy. Even without a mentor yet, moments like these give the boys joy, hope, and memories that last a lifetime, showing them that they are valued and important just as they are.
A big thank you to our Big Buddies who are already matched for giving up their time to volunteer and support the boys on the waitlist. We also appreciate the skippers who kindly offered their time to help guide the boats and make sure the day ran smoothly. Your support helped make the day really special for everyone involved.
For more on why Eric Haagh and Skipperi support and believe in the Big Buddy mentoring programme, read his story here.
Skipperi is transforming how New Zealanders enjoy boating. As a boat-sharing company, they make boating simpler and more affordable, providing an easy way to explore the breathtaking waters of the Hauraki Gulf and beyond. With hassle-free boat rentals, Skipperi ensures that boating becomes accessible and enjoyable, changing the way people experience affordable and enjoyable boat trips. Find out more about Skipperi by visiting their website: www.skipperi.nz
Find out more about becoming a Big Buddy Youth Mentor click here
Right now there are around 8,000 boys in New Zealand without fathers in their lives. These boys are navigating the challenges of life without the steady hand of a father to guide them.
With your help, Big Buddy can continue to match young boys with good men to offer friendship, support and a good male role model to look up to.
With 130 young boys currently on our waitlist, your support today is needed more than ever.
Your donation will help build confidence and resilience in the lives of boys whose fathers are not around.
