Community is at the heart of everything we do at Big Buddy – and recently we were reminded once again just how powerful community support can be.
At the vibrant Orewa Boulevard of Arts Fiesta, the team from RRE Agency proudly waved the Big Buddy flag, bringing energy, colour and heart to the day. This much-loved free local event celebrates creativity, connection and community spirit – values that align perfectly with Big Buddy’s mission. Fantastic to see RRE take on the main event sponsor this year!
For several years now, Rosalind and her incredible team at RRE Agency have shown up for Big Buddy in a very real and practical way. Not only do they help raise awareness about the work we do, but they also roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.
Raising Awareness and Funds – while having fun!
At this year’s Fiesta, the RRE team once again sold bottled water as a fundraiser for Big Buddy Mentoring Trust, turning simple conversations into meaningful impact. Every bottle sold contributes to helping us recruit, screen and train more volunteer Big Buddy mentors for boys waiting for a positive role model in their lives.
Community events like Orewa Boulevard of Arts Fiesta are powerful platforms for connection, and it was fantastic to see a number of our Little Buddy & Big Buddy matches visit across the course of the day!
Awareness and fundraising are both vital for charities like ours – but what makes this support even more special is the story behind it.
From Little Buddy Parent to Community Advocate
Rosalind first connected with Big Buddy when she reached out to have her son, James, matched with a mentor. James was paired with Eugene, and what began as a simple match has grown into a lasting and meaningful relationship. Years on, James and Eugene still keep in touch weekly – a testament to the power of consistent, caring mentorship.
That lived experience has turned Rosalind into one of our most passionate advocates. She understands firsthand the difference a Big Buddy can make in a young person’s life – the confidence built, the new experiences shared, the steady presence of someone simply showing up. Her support is not just professional; it is deeply personal.
When she speaks about Big Buddy at community events, it comes from the heart. And that authenticity resonates.
The Power of Community Champions
We often talk about the ripple effect of mentoring – how one positive relationship can influence not just a boy, but his whānau, his school community and beyond. In many ways, Rosalind embodies that ripple effect. A single match for her son has grown into years of advocacy, fundraising and awareness-raising that now supports many other boys across our regions.
To Rosalind and the entire RRE Agency team – thank you. Thank you for showing up year after year. Thank you for championing our cause in your community. Thank you for starting conversations and flying the Big Buddy banner high.
It’s because of community champions like you that we can continue matching boys with mentors who will walk alongside them, week after week, year after year.
We are incredibly grateful to have you as part of the Big Buddy whānau.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, thousands of boys grow up without a father figure in their lives. For many, this absence can lead to emotional challenges, a lack of confidence, and difficulty forming strong relationships. That’s where Big Buddy steps in — a trusted youth mentoring programme that connects boys aged 7 to 17 with positive male role models who show up, spend time, and make a lasting difference.
The Power of Connection
At its heart, one-to-one youth mentoring is about connection. Through consistent, caring relationships, boys gain:
- Confidence and self-worth
- Emotional resilience
- A sense of belonging and hope
“He came home happier and more confident. I haven’t seen him smile like that in a long time.” – Little Buddy Caregiver
Big Buddy’s Group Programme for teenage boys aged 14–17 has shown remarkable results:
- 100% of participants felt happier and more confident
- 88% felt calmer and more connected
- 100% said they developed new skills
Mentoring Helps Mentors Too
“You come into this expecting to give to others, but little do you realise just how much you get back.” – Eugene (Big Buddy Auckland)
Mentoring isn’t just good for the boys — it’s highly rewarding for the men who volunteer. Research and testimonials show that mentors experience:
- Greater emotional fulfilment
- Improved mental wellbeing
- A stronger sense of purpose and belonging
Supporting Mothers and Caregivers: The Hidden Impact of Mentoring
Behind every Little Buddy is a mother, grandmother, aunty, or caregiver who has carried the emotional weight of raising a boy without a father figure. These women do an incredible job — but many describe feeling stretched, isolated, and deeply concerned about their son’s emotional wellbeing.
Big Buddy offers more than support for boys — it offers relief, reassurance, and emotional healing for caregivers too.
How Mentoring Supports Caregivers’ Mental Health
Research and testimonials show that mentoring programmes like Big Buddy help caregivers by:
- Reducing emotional stress: Knowing their son has a trusted male role model eases anxiety and guilt.
- Improving family dynamics: Boys who feel supported are more confident, communicative, and emotionally regulated — which improves relationships at home.
- Creating space for self-care: Caregivers often feel they must “do it all.” Mentoring gives them breathing room and emotional support.
- Providing hope and reassurance: Seeing the young boy/man under their care thrive with a mentor restores caregivers’ sense of hope and confidence in the future.
The New Zealand Carers’ Strategy also highlights that caregivers often face isolation, emotional exhaustion, and mental health challenges — and that support systems like mentoring can help restore balance and wellbeing.
Real-Life Impact: Alice’s Story
Wellington mum Alice Cai was raising four children alone after her marriage broke down. Her eldest son, Boshu, had become withdrawn and anxious. Alice was overwhelmed and near rock bottom when a social worker suggested Big Buddy.
“I can always be a mum, but I can never be a father figure,” Alice said. “Boys interact with men differently. Having a man believe in them, and tell them, ‘You can do it’, builds their confidence.”
After being matched with his Big Buddy, Boshu began smiling, trying new things, and thriving. For Alice, the change was life-changing — not just for her son, but for her own mental wellbeing.
Evidence from across Aotearoa
- Studies from the NZ Youth Mentoring Network and universities across New Zealand confirm the benefits of youth mentoring:
- Mentoring improves mental health outcomes for both mentees and mentors
- It fosters resilience, self-regulation, and relational competence
- Programmes like Big Buddy are especially impactful for boys facing emotional or behavioural challenges
Double the Impact for Mental Health
Youth mentoring in New Zealand is more than just a programme — it’s a lifeline with a double impact. For boys growing up without a father figure, having a Big Buddy can be life-changing. It’s often the first time they experience someone showing up just because they care. And for mentors, it’s a powerful opportunity to give back, grow personally, and rediscover the joy of seeing the world through the eyes of a boy who’s learning to trust that he matters.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s celebrate the healing power of connection. Let’s celebrate Big Buddy.
One-To-One Mentoring (Boys 7 - 13)
Since 1997, Big Buddy has supported over 1,200 boys across Aotearoa who are growing up without their dad or a consistent male role model in their lives. Our mentors - 'Big Buddies' are everyday men who volunteer their time to build a long-term, positive relationship with a Little Buddy aged 7 to 13.
Why Boys Need Mentors
Right now, thousands of boys in New Zealand live with little or no contact with their father. This can have a deep impact on a boy’s sense of self, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
We know mums, grandmothers and other caregivers do a great job — but sometimes a boy needs a good man in his life. Someone steady, encouraging, and reliable. That’s what Big Buddy provides: a positive male role model who shows up, listens, and cares.
Our mentoring programme requires a minimum 12-month commitment, with mentors typically spending 2-4 hours per week with their Little Buddy. This consistent mentoring approach ensures that volunteering creates meaningful, lasting relationships that benefit both the Big and Little Buddy.
Mentoring: Good For Them. Great For You Too!
How to Become A Mentoring Volunteer with Big Buddy
Apply to mentor
Start your mentoring journey by filling out our secure application form. We will then get in contact with you
Interview & Selection
We'll connect for an interview and conduct thorough checks for a safe mentoring environment.
Matching Process
Once approved, we carefully match you with a boy to begin your impactful mentoring relationship.
Ongoing Support
Receive continuous support, training, and guidance from our team throughout your mentoring role.
What Our Big Buddy Mentors Say
"Volunteering as a mentor with Big Buddy has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Watching my Little Buddy grow from a shy 8-year-old to a confident young man has shown me the true power of mentoring. Our mentorship has taught me as much as I've taught him – that's the beauty of this volunteering programme."
Mark, Big Buddy Mentor for 3 years
"Maybe he's supposed to gain knowledge from me, but I've learned so much more from this 13-year-old than I could possibly have given him. I'm a lucky man"
Big Buddy Ed on his Little Buddy Marshal
"You come into this programme expecting to give to others, but little do you realise just how much you get back".
Eugene, Big Buddy, Auckland
What It Means To Be A Big Buddy
Being a Big Buddy isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. You’ll spend regular time with your Little Buddy — maybe going for a walk, kicking a ball, doing a project together, or just having a yarn. It’s the consistency and connection that matters most. Our mentors come from all walks of life. What they share is a willingness to share a little time to make a big difference.
We match each volunteer mentor with care, we guide you through the process, and then offer ongoing support throughout your journey.
The impact is beyond a boy
Mentoring boys without dads creates ripples that reach well beyond the Big Buddy relationship. Research shows that boys with mentors are more likely to succeed in school, develop healthy relationships, and make positive life choices. By volunteering as a mentor with Big Buddy, you're not just giving your time – you're investing in a boy's future and making a difference that will ripple through generations. Many Big Buddies say the experience has been just as meaningful for them
85 % of Little Buddies show Improved confidence and self-esteem through mentoring
78 % of Little Buddies demonstrate better academic performance after 12 months of mentorship
92% of Mentors report that volunteering with Big Buddy has positively impacted their own lives
95% of mentoring relationships continue beyond the minimum 12 month commitment period
What's Next?
Take the first step towards becoming
a One-to-One Volunteer Mentor... a Big Buddy
Please fill out your details below and we'll be in touch with you to discuss your enquiry.
Areas we cover in our 4 regions:
Auckland - Orewa in the north to Papakura in the south, Kumeu in the west to Howick in the east.
Hamilton - Hamilton City to Cambridge and the area in between these towns.
Tauranga - Omokoroa in the north to Te Puke in the south, Tauriko and Pyes Pa in the west.
Wellington - Waikanae in the north to Wellington City in the south & Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt in the east.
Staying connected is a topic on everyone’s minds right now. In the Big Buddy village, we’re giving a lot of thought to how Big and Little Buddies continue to make meaningful connections with each other over the next few weeks.
Luckily, our Big Buddies already have a wealth of ideas on how to maintain the ‘we show up, we spend time, we come back’ mantra that they are known and loved for! Here are a few examples.
Kevin on connecting with Jonathan (main picture.)
“During the lock down, I think it’s more important than ever for people to feel connected, even though they may be isolated” says the Wellington Big Buddy.
“We’re lucky that there are so many technologies that can help us stay in contact, so my Little Buddy Jonathan and I used Facetime and had a video ‘get together’ last Sunday.
“It was actually really easy and we had a great time, playing Liars Dice and Battleships (him with a real board and me with a paper copy I printed off the internet). I miss seeing him in person as we’ve been doing every weekend for the past 5 years, but for now we’ve adapted to this new way of meeting up, so we still get to talk and have some fun together.”
Jason on connecting with Raffael
“Raf and I have been connecting regularly remotely since he moved to Whakatane. But I know he’s worried, like we all are. So I just try reassure him…he asked me last weekend to come down and stay.”
Clearly, Jason can’t pop down country right now, so they’ve found another way to connect that is close to the young artist’s heart.
“Raf is giving us a topic to draw with. We -as in all my bubble – are going to have a crack at drawing too! We will reveal each other’s pictures on Wednesday afternoons…the first one is a horror theme.”
Eugene on connecting with James
“James and I have been checking in with each other every couple of days on WhatsApp via message, chat or video call to share how our day was, what we’ve been up to, any news with the family.
“This seems to be working very well so far. James and his mother elected to go into self-isolation early for family reasons, and they predicted we would go into lock down anyway. So we’ve had plenty of practice using WhatsApp.
“I’d also strongly recommend something like Zoom for video calls, which can be a bit more personal than just messaging.”
Little Buddy Jeremiah and Big Buddy Peter are using ‘pure’ audio to connect: “Jeremiah and I are going old school i.e. the telephone. Unfortunately our digital platforms and entertainment channels are different so it’s good old fashion conversation on the phone.”
And Big Buddy Gavin and Little Buddy Jeffrey, typically take a break during holidays so this period is not unusual for them.
“We are a bit slack when it comes to electronic communications! We’ll have minimum contact over this period and then pick back up later on. We’ve always been like this through holiday periods etc. where we just do our own thing and pick up later, where we left off. “
Big Buddy Roman and Little Buddy Aidan are communicating via WhatsApp, which is their usual method, but moving to Zoom soon.
Last but not least, one Big Buddy who shall remain anonymous, pulled up outside his Little Buddy’s house on his birthday, and sung, with banjo and amp, from the back of his ute! Mum said it really made her boy’s day.
Do you have a self isolation buddy story to share? We would love to hear it. Contact sally@bigbuddy.org.nz , ph 021 599 191 or Facebook message @bigbuddynz
One of our well known mentors shares the gradual journey from new dad to Big Buddy.
Auckland’s Eugene Lowrie has been a committed role model for two different boys in the last three years. First, he was Big Buddy to young Sam, then when Sam and his mother moved down to the Waikato, Eugene took James under his wing – pictured above after winning a Big Buddy car rally.
As Eugene tells it, these boys might have very different personalities, but what they each have in common is a loving mother who wanted a decent male role model for their boys to spend time with. Like other boys in the Big Buddy community, neither of them have a father in their lives.
“James and I hit it off immediately and there really wasn’t a period where we had to think too hard about finding things to do. We’ve been mountain biking, skating, snowboarding, walking the dog, catching a movie, playing basketball, golf, paddle boarding and all sorts of other fun activities. James is a pretty unique, very confident boy with a great sense of humour.”
What’s extraordinary about these inspiring and fun-filled relationships is they’re not formed randomly, they’re ‘matched’ carefully. Big Buddy’s expert team find men who can spare a few hours most weekends and puts them through a thorough screening process. This makes sure they are decent guys who will be able to commit to showing up regularly in a boy’s life.
In New Zealand, Big Buddy estimates there are 8000 boys who have no contact with Dad, or even a substitute father figure; this equates to roughly 800 in Wellington, similar in the Waikato and coming up to 3000 in Auckland.
As Children’s Commissioner Andrew Becroft said in his days as a Judge, boys of a certain age seek out older male role models like “heat-seeking missiles”. It’s Big Buddy’s aim to help vulnerable boys develop the character and confidence they need for a fulfilled life through watching how a man of sound character lives his life.
Eugene was in the ITM office when he first heard about Big Buddy – ITM and GJ Gardner had begun sponsoring the Big Buddy organisation and through their Big Buddy Big Auction, was going to make opening a Waikato office possible.
“I read about the Big Buddy program in our trade-mailer, Building Business, and thought, ‘now this sounds like a fantastic idea’.”
To be fair, Eugene’s desire to help others began years before, and having his own children created a greater sense that he needed to do “something for others at some point in my life.” Obviously when his girls were younger the timing just wasn’t quite right.
“As my kids grew up and began spending more and more time out and about at the weekends it felt like the right time for me to do something for other kids that might be hanging out to get out and do stuff but just don’t have the opportunity. That’s when I saw the article about Big Buddy.
“I had my wife and teenage girls full support – in fact they were incredibly proud of me for doing something so meaningful for others – and of course that of my employer. I had to get references off my manager, relatives, friends and a few other people. Like me, everyone thought being a Big Buddy was a great idea.”
Eugene hasn’t stopped at helping James directly. He recently gave Big Buddy even more of his time to appear in social media and larger-than-life bill-stickers for the #3lifelessons publicity campaign.
If you’d like to share a few wise life lessons with a boy whose dad is not around, have a look at bigbuddy.org.nz, checkout @bigbuddynz social media or call 09 828 1358.
Through kind sponsorship, Big Buddies occasionally get to develop their own confidence on an Outward Bound course, at a fraction of the cost most people would pay. Recently, Big Buddies Eugene Lowrie and Terry Dawson were lucky enough to take up this offer in The Marlborough Sounds. Terry’s letter of thanks, below, shows us the caliber of men who step up to be Big Buddies, and the importance that having an enduring spirit of adventure brings to all. Terry is pictured here in Middle Earth with Little Buddy Jayden!
Dear Steve
I’m writing to sincerely thank Big Buddy and associated sponsors for the wonderful opportunity that I was recently given to attend a one week course of Outward Bound in the Marlborough Sounds.
I have enjoyed many highlights as a Big Buddy over the last two years and this week provided another set of enjoyable and memorable challenges. Together with a team of 11 others, I spent the week hiking, camping, sailing, rowing, running, kayaking and conquering a high ropes course.
Considering the time of year, we were also ‘encouraged’ to spend a surprising amount of time in the ocean!
In addition to wanting to help a fatherless boy in need, I joined Big Buddy to support my own personal growth. Thanks to your generous support, attending Outward Bound has complimented this goal by encouraging my appreciation of nature, providing focus on the relationship between physical activity and health, learning how to fit into a team, and associating with dedicated and passionate people.
These experiences have assisted me to develop into a more effective Big Buddy to Little Buddy Jayden as I have had time to reassess my life in order to become more balanced and present, I have learned to reinforce the importance of nature and physical activity with him, I can safely bring him out of his comfort zone at times in an encouraging and non-confrontational way, and I would like to introduce him to the new experiences I had to gain skills and confidence.
During several activities on my Outward Bound course, I found myself thinking, ‘Jayden would enjoy this…’or, ‘Jayden would benefit from this…’. Hopefully at some time in the future I can encourage him to attend Outward Bound as I’m sure he would enjoy his time there, make many new friends, and gain new skills and confidence.
The age range of people attending Outward Bound was striking and it is clear that the experience provides benefit to young and old alike.
A pleasant surprise during my week on Outward Bound was meeting Eugene, a fellow Big Buddy. It was helpful to swap notes with someone able to relate to what it means to be a Big Buddy. Many of our fellow team members were astounded to hear of what we do and we both felt pride at sharing our experiences.
Also, it was interesting to hear the experiences of others in the group involved in volunteer organisations such as New Zealand Land Search and Rescue and Fire & Emergency New Zealand.
Observing the dedication, passion, patience and sincerity of the guides at Outward Bound reminded me of the team members who work at Big Buddy.These two organisations have many commonalities and I have found my experiences with each organisation to be synergic. Both organisations provide a positive benefit to individuals and groups in New Zealand society. It is inspiring to spend time with the types of people that are attracted to being involved with both organisations.
Thank you again for the ongoing support of everybody involved with Big Buddy including the team members and sponsors. Without this generous support I may not have been able to find the financial means and the impetus to attend Outward Bound.
Warm regards,Terry Dawson
Big Buddy to Jayden Parris
