The Power of Showing Up

20 October, 2026

There are plenty of ways to spell love. For rugby legend, Big Buddy Foundation Trustee and Ambassador Grant Fox, there is one that matters most: T.I.M.E.

That was one of the messages Grant shared with guests at our most recent Big Buddy fundraising lunch at Fantail & Turtle, hosted by Travis Field and the team, with new Functions Manager Stacey Hart taking on the role of MC.

Grant spoke about the importance of showing up. Something that has shaped his own life, from the way his parents showed up for him, to the way he showed up for his own children, and now seeing his son Ryan do the same for his children.

It was a particularly special perspective from a very proud dad and grandfather. Grant also shared his insights into Ryan Fox’s extraordinary year, including his life-changing win as The Open Champion.

While the golfing world celebrated Ryan’s incredible achievement, Grant reflected on the bigger picture – the years of time, support and simply being there that sit behind moments like these.

For Big Buddy, that message of time resonates deeply. Our mentors don’t need to have all the answers or be able to fix everything. They need to show up, consistently, and give a boy their time.

Explore the photo gallery below to see more from the afternoon as taken by Ethan of Propeller Studios.

The friendships that last

Our Big Buddy Co-CEO Christie Stuart spoke about some of the highs and lows of the past year, giving guests an honest look at the current reality of the charity sector.

There are certainly highlights to celebrate, but it is also an incredibly tough environment for charities right now. Funding is harder to secure and the need for our work remains. 87 boys are currently waiting, 14 of those specifically in the North Harbour region where the event was hosted.

Against that backdrop, hearing directly from a Big Buddy family brought the afternoon back to what really matters. Little Buddy mum Jessica Andrews shared the story of her son Ethan, who was matched with his Big Buddy Sharvan back in 2018.

What started as a Big Buddy match has grown into a genuine friendship that has stood the test of time – and even different continents. Sharvan is now based in the USA, but that distance hasn’t stopped the relationship. In fact, Sharvan had one more surprise in store.

A heartfelt video message from Sharvan was played for the room, completely unbeknownst to Ethan, who is now 21 and was there on the day. It was a special reminder that the relationships created through Big Buddy can last well beyond the formal mentoring years.

And in another lovely full-circle moment, Ethan is now running his own business and was at the event professionally photographing the afternoon. Sometimes, giving your time creates something that lasts far longer than you ever expected.

Showing up for Big Buddy

Our guests showed up for Big Buddy and for the boys who need us. They listened to the challenges we are facing, shared in the stories of the difference a Big Buddy can make, bid generously in the auctions and pledged their support.

We also took the opportunity to acknowledge Mark Talbot for his years of service and showing up for Big Buddy and present him with a Hei Toki pounamu. Mark began his time as a volunteer mentor before stepping up to be a volunteer Trustee for the Big Buddy Mentoring Trust Board. After 15 years of service he has now retired from his position – but of course in true Big Buddy style still remains on our Big Buddy Foundation Board as Chair!

Big Buddy has a way of encouraging the best way to give time.

And perhaps most fittingly, at the end of the afternoon two guests went one step further, completing applications to potentially become volunteer Big Buddies themselves.

Because while financial support is incredibly important, there is another gift that is just as valuable: time.

Time spent listening. Time spent getting out and about. Time spent having a laugh. Time spent simply being there.

That’s what being a Big Buddy is all about.

Explore the photo gallery below as taken by ‘Out and About’ and featured in Channel Magazine

$42,700 raised for boys who need a Big Buddy

The afternoon culminated in a live auction hosted by Tony Loughran from Barfoot & Thompson, alongside a silent auction and pledges from the crowd.

Together, the room raised an incredible $42,700 for Big Buddy.

That generosity will help us continue creating positive, lasting relationships for boys who are growing up without a dad or positive male role model in their lives.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated, bid, pledged and supported the afternoon – and especially to the businesses and individuals who so generously gifted auction items and experiences.

This incredible result simply wouldn’t have been possible without you.

Live Auction Donors

Silent Auction Donors

Event Supplier Sponsors

McLeod’s Brewery, Sawmill Brewery, Urbanaut Brewing Co and Hallertau

Thank you for showing up

From all of us at Big Buddy, thank you for showing up – for our boys, for their families, and for the belief that giving a little of your time, generosity and support can make a lasting difference.

Grant’s message was a timely reminder that showing up can take many forms. It can mean being there for your family, maintaining a friendship across continents, giving generously to a cause, or taking the first step towards becoming a mentor.

Every one of those actions matters.

Because ultimately, that’s what Big Buddy is about: showing up

Explore the photo gallery below to see more from the afternoon as taken by Ethan of Propeller Studios.