Big Buddy News
From First Match to Lifelong Mate: John and Cruz’s Big Buddy Journey
What began as a Big Buddy match more than a decade ago has grown into a lifelong friendship. John and Cruz’s story show the lasting impact of mentoring, from childhood guidance and support to shared milestones, family connections, and a bond that continues to shape both their lives today.
Thank You Mark Talbot
After more than 15 years on the Big Buddy Mentoring Trust Board, Mark Talbot is stepping down as Trustee, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, service and advocacy. A former Big Buddy mentor himself, Mark has helped guide the organisation through years of growth.
Showing Up Matters: How Big Buddy Gives Boys a Positive Alternative
As conversations about masculinity and online influence continue to dominate headlines, Big Buddy Programme Lead Shane Brown joined RNZ’s Jesse Mulligan to discuss the growing need for positive male role models. In this insightful interview, Shane shares how consistent mentoring relationships help boys build confidence, connection and resilience, while offering a healthy alternative to the harmful messages many young men encounter online.
Why Being a Big Buddy Gets You Moving — and Why That Matters
What if improving your wellbeing was as simple as showing up for someone else?
For Big Buddies, mentoring boys isn’t just about making a difference — it’s about getting outside, staying active, and reconnecting with what matters most.
What Their Father Gave Them, Tapan and Donny Mukerji Are Passing On
Growing up with a strong father figure shaped brothers Tapan and Donny Mukerji in ways they only fully appreciated later in life. Today, both volunteer as Big Buddy mentors, giving boys without active fathers the friendship, guidance and consistency that helped shape their own childhoods. Their story is a powerful reminder that changing a young person’s life doesn’t require extraordinary acts—sometimes it simply starts with showing up.
They’ve Shown Them What Being a Good Man Looks Like
When Mary* took in two toddler boys after losing her own mother, she stepped into a journey she could never have imagined. Now in her 70s, she’s spent over a decade raising them through challenges, heartbreak, and growth — but for years, something was missing. “There were no men in their world,” she says. That changed when Big Buddy entered their lives — and everything shifted.
Fantail & Turtle Hosts Another Memorable Fundraising Lunch
Fantail & Turtle hosted another memorable fundraising lunch in May 2026, bringing people together to support Big Buddy’s mission of mentoring boys across New Zealand.
A Fishing Day Out for Big and Little Buddies
A simple conversation between mentors led to a memorable Big Buddy fishing day out, giving boys and volunteers the chance to connect, learn, and enjoy time on the water together.
First Whistles, Big Smiles: A Special Match Day for Big Buddy
From the first whistle to the final cheer, this special match day was filled with big smiles, shared moments and meaningful connections. Bringing Big Buddy mentors and boys together, the day was a powerful reminder of how simple experiences can build confidence, trust and lasting relationships.
Today, you can help to change a boy’s life forever.
By donating, you will help a boy whose dad is not around to find a man he can trust and look up to, a Big Buddy.
