BigBuddy

12/10/2026

Mental Health Awareness Week (12th - 18th October) 2026 theme, "Belonging Matters," is a powerful reminder that meaningful connections can change lives . 💙

At Big Buddy, we see every day how a trusted mentor can help a boy build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.

Research shows that mentoring has a positive impact on young people's emotional wellbeing, including improved self-esteem and reduced internalising behaviours such as anxiety and withdrawal.

And the benefits aren't just for boys.

In New Zealand, more than 760,000 people experience loneliness at least some of the time, while volunteering is recognised as a valuable way to build social connections and support mental wellbeing.

Many of our Big Buddies tell us that mentoring gives them a greater sense of purpose, connection and fulfilment too.

This Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, we're celebrating the power of showing up for someone. One conversation, one friendship and one positive role model can make a lasting difference.

https://ow.ly/KOkc50ZS1Ll

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Discover how mentoring helps boys build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. Learn how Big Buddy's volunteer mentors support youth mental wellbeing while benefiting from meaningful connection themselves.

07/10/2026

We’ve got a pretty great champion in our corner!

Ryan Fox has nominated Big Buddy Foundation as his charity of choice for the PGA Tour Tour donation.

We were thrilled to be selected as one of the many charities around the world to receive a generous US$22,000 donation (just over $40,000 NZD) from Brooks Koepka the PGA Tour - $2.5 million dollars all nominated by PGA Tour golfers. This support will have a huge impact to help match boys without dads in their lives with caring male mentors who make a difference.

And while the donation is fantastic, what means even more to us is Ryan’s ongoing support for Big Buddy and the boys we work with.

Last year, Ryan and Dan Hillier chose Big Buddy for the 2025 Chasing the Fox and helped our boys by taking out the win!

Now he’s backed us again.

We’re incredibly grateful, Ryan. Congratulations on an epic year.
Thanks for continuing to put Big Buddy - and the boys we support - in your corner.

To read more about Ryan's support of Big Buddy follow this link https://www.bigbuddy.org.nz/2026/10/07/ryan-fox-champion-on-the-course-champion-for-our-boys/

06/10/2026

"There is no perfect time."

Kalv shares why waiting for the right moment almost stopped him from becoming a Big Buddy, and why he's so glad it didn't.

Watch the video and discover how one match changed two lives.

👉 See Kalv and Rex's story: https://www.bigbuddy.org.nz/2026/10/05/kalv-and-rexs-big-buddy-story-how-mentoring-changes-two-lives/

03/10/2026

"Whatever it is you're going through, what most boys, and most people in fact, need to learn is there's always hope at the other end of the road." 💙
— Wahkan, 17

When Nicki lost her husband in a tragic boating accident, she was left helping her young son navigate a loss no child should have to face.

Concerned that Wahkan was growing up without a positive male role model, she enrolled him in Big Buddy's Group Programme. There, he met other boys facing similar challenges and realised he wasn't alone.

The programme gave Wahkan a sense of belonging and connection at a time when he needed it most.

Now 17, Wahkan's message is one of hope. His story is a powerful reminder that even in life's darkest moments, the right support can help light the way forward.

Read Nicki and Wahkan's story:

🔗 https://www.bigbuddy.org.nz/2026/08/31/after-losing-his-dad-at-eight-wahkan-mackinnon-found-hope-through-a-big-buddy/

30/09/2026

The best way to understand what our boys and mentors experience in our Big Buddy Group Programme is to walk (or hike!) in their shoes.

Earlier this year, our Co-CEO Christie Stuart was invited to take part in Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand Tū Kahikatea course for charity leaders. Stepping well outside her comfort zone, she gained a deeper appreciation for the courage, growth and connection that comes from showing up and giving something new a go.

In our latest blog, Christie reflects on our long-standing relationship with Outward Bound, the experience and why it reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for boys to challenge themselves, build confidence and grow - and the positive role our mentors play by showing up.

Read the blog here: https://www.bigbuddy.org.nz/2026/09/29/what-outward-bound-taught-me-about-showing-up/

29/09/2026

🏃‍♂️ Turn Your Run Into Impact 🏃‍♀️

Lace up for Lugton's Round The Bridges 2026 and join the Big Buddy Running Whānau.

Whether you're running for a personal best, a fitness goal, or simply the joy of being part of the event, you can make every kilometre count by fundraising for Big Buddy. The funds you raise will help provide life-changing mentoring for boys growing up without a consistent male role model.

📝 Sign up for the event
👉 Create a fundraising page
🤝 Share your journey with friends and whānau
🙌 Help more boys access a Big Buddy mentor

Know someone who's already planning to run? If they're looking for a way to give their kilometres extra meaning, send them this link and encourage them to run for Big Buddy.

👉 https://roundthebridges26.grassrootz.com/big-buddy

Run for yourself. Run for a boy. Run for Big Buddy. 💙🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

28/09/2026

💙 From Mentors to Mates: Seamus & Flynn's Big Buddy Journey

What began as a search for positive male role models when twin brothers Seamus and Flynn were seven years old has grown into something much more. Now 17, they share genuine friendships with their Big Buddies that continue to enrich their everyday lives.

As their mum, Clare, shared in a recent Wellington Local Papers follow-up story:

"Today the friendships have morphed into everyday life. Seamus and his Big Buddy Thomas catch up for sessions at the gym, movies, video games and brunch, whilst Flynn and Ryan head out for 5am runs, and cook dinner together."

What began as a mentoring relationship has grown into genuine friendship, built on trust, consistency, and years of shared experiences. It's a powerful example of the lasting impact a Big Buddy can have in a young person's life.

📖 Read the original story from 2023:
https://ow.ly/eXpE50ZRfAl

📰 Read the follow-up story on page 12 of a Wellington Local Papers:
https://ow.ly/V8Mm50ZRfAm

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26/09/2026

September is nearly over, but there's still time.

If you've been meaning to get your Will sorted, Big Buddy's Wills Month partnership with Footprint makes it easy to do so with a FREE Will.

It's a simple way to look after the people who matter most and put your wishes in place for the future.

Everyone who completes a Will before 30 September will also go in the draw to win one of two Canopy Camping getaways.

A small task today can make a big difference tomorrow. 💙

Create your free Will here: https://partners.myfootprint.co.nz/big-buddy-foundation

26/09/2026

Last chance. Will you… Will?

September is nearly over, and so is your chance to take advantage of the Big Buddy Wills Month offer with Footprint.

In around 15 minutes, you can have your wishes documented and your loved ones protected.

Complete your Will before 30 September to go into the draw for the remaining weekly prize draws and one of two $1,000 Canopy Camping Escape vouchers.

Don't put it off for another year.

👉 Start today:

26/09/2026

🎉 Looking for a fun school holiday activity? We've got you covered! 🎉

Get the kids off the screens and bouncing into the holidays with our friends at BOUNCEInc NZ

Not only is it an awesome way to spend the school holidays, but every ticket purchased can earn a donation to Big Buddy, helping us provide positive male mentors for boys who need them most.

🎟️ Book your tickets here:
https://bounceinc.co.nz/select-your-venue/