BigBuddy

BigBuddy We connect good men with boys who don’t have a dad in their life, offering friendship, mentoring, and a positive male role model.

We match volunteers, good guys from the community, with boys aged
between 7 and 14. The Big Buddy relationship offers friendship, support and a good
male role model. Quite simply Big Buddies turn up, spend time with their Little Buddy
and come back again and again, it's simple and it works.

He doesn’t have to go it alone!Our Group Programme is a mix of adventure and real support — helping young guys aged 14–1...
29/05/2026

He doesn’t have to go it alone!
Our Group Programme is a mix of adventure and real support — helping young guys aged 14–17 without a dad in their life, build confidence, open up, and connect with others in the same boat. All alongside good men who volunteer their time to show up.

Term 3 dates:
📍 Tauranga (GP9) — Starts Sunday 9 August (limited spaces apply now!)
Reckon you know a guy who could do with something like this?

👉 Jump on and check it out https://ow.ly/YPwE50Z5q3T

28/05/2026

⚽️❤️ Showing Up Matters
With the World Cup on the horizon, Auckland FC’s recent win, and our unforgettable Big Buddy trip to the game (huge thanks to Noel and Christine Barkley!), it’s fair to say we’re all feeling a little football mad right now.
And no one more than Raj’s Little Buddy Noah.
Football mad, he’s always keen to get out on the field – and Raj is right there beside him. Whether he’s cheering from the sidelines at games or helping him practise his skills, Raj shows up with genuine enthusiasm and pride.
(And seriously… how’s that bicycle kick?! 👏⚽️)
But their match goes beyond football. They spend time together doing all sorts of activities, building a connection that isn’t just about the game.
Because what really matters is this: consistency.
Showing up. Being present. Letting this young boy know he matters, he’s seen, and he’s supported.
Sometimes the biggest impact comes from simply being there, again and again. 💙

What a day 💛On May 13, we gathered at Fantail & Turtle for another amazing Big Buddy Fundraising Lunch - and thanks to t...
27/05/2026

What a day 💛

On May 13, we gathered at Fantail & Turtle for another amazing Big Buddy Fundraising Lunch - and thanks to this incredible community, over $40,000 was raised to support boys in need of a positive male role model.

A huge shout out to the Fantail & Turtle team for hosting a fantastic event - the food, the atmosphere, everything was just spot on.
As always, we’re blown away by the generosity of our supporters - from the amazing auction items donated, to everyone who showed up and gave so generously on the day. You make this work possible. It was also incredible to see so many businesses stepping up for Big Buddy. Your support means everything.

We were honoured to hear from Noel Barkley our guest speaker, who shared stories from his remarkable life, and thrilled to have Mick and Tyrone, our Legacy Match of over 15 years, speak about their Big Buddy journey - a powerful reminder of the lifelong impact mentoring can have.

We can’t wait to do it all again later this year 👏

👉 Head to our blog to read more, see more photos, and check out the amazing businesses behind the day: https://ow.ly/NW2x50Z4x02

20/05/2026

This Youth Week, we’re celebrating all the boys who’ve stepped up, got involved, and shared their voice at our Group Programmes. 🙌 Legends.
This isn’t just about adventure. It’s about belonging—building confidence, being heard, and realising their voice matters within a community that supports them.

Who was someone who made you feel heard growing up? 👇

🎉 Welcome! 🎉We’re thrilled to welcome Dan Brinkley to the Big Buddy whānau as our new Mentoring Manager in Tauranga 💛Dan...
14/05/2026

🎉 Welcome! 🎉
We’re thrilled to welcome Dan Brinkley to the Big Buddy whānau as our new Mentoring Manager in Tauranga 💛
Dan lives in Papamoa by the beach with his partner Dominique, their young son Azul, Bulldog Rambo and rescue special Gizmo — a pretty great crew!
He owns La Familia Gym in Mount Maunganui and loves surfing, mountain biking, camping and getting outdoors with his family.
Growing up in West Auckland, Dan has been mentoring boys and young people for over 10 years, first with Big Brothers Big Sisters and then with Big Buddy. He’s a huge believer in mentoring, having seen first-hand the life-changing difference it can make — and he’s just recently celebrated a special 2-year milestone with his Little Buddy.
We’re so excited to have Dan leading and supporting our mentors and matches in the Bay of Plenty. Welcome aboard, Dan — we’re lucky to have you! 🙌

🎉 The countdown is on! 🎉Pre‑register now and start bidding ahead of our Big Buddy Fantail & Turtle Charity Lunch Auction...
11/05/2026

🎉 The countdown is on! 🎉

Pre‑register now and start bidding ahead of our Big Buddy Fantail & Turtle Charity Lunch Auction on Wednesday 13th May.

We’ve got some seriously amazing live auction items - with the option to phone bid on the day - plus fantastic silent auction items you can start bidding on right now.

Every bid helps make a life‑changing difference for boys who need a mentor. 💙

We’re incredibly grateful to our amazing businesses and individuals who have generously donated the live and silent auction items and to Fantail & Turtle for hosting yet another amazing event to support our Kaupapa.

👉 Register and start bidding today. https://charityauction.bid/BB-fantail-lunch-may-2026

10/05/2026

To our mums and caregivers — thank you for all you do, and for sharing the journey with Big Buddy. 💙

Every catch‑up looks a little different — and that’s the fun of it ✨No expectations. Just time together 😄From everyday m...
08/05/2026

Every catch‑up looks a little different — and that’s the fun of it ✨
No expectations. Just time together 😄
From everyday moments to memorable outings, our Big and Little Buddies are building connections one catch‑up at a time 💙

06/05/2026

When you’re a child, 2.5 years feels like forever.
This Hamilton match reminds us why we take so much care in matching boys with the right mentor — not just any mentor.
Still, no boy should have to wait years for connection, guidance, and someone in their corner.
With more Big Buddies, the wait could be so much shorter.
Learn more via the link 💙 https://ow.ly/Mxjv50YUPqt

04/05/2026

A simple idea turned into a great day out.
When Little Buddies asked about fishing, we found a way — with support from Skipperi.nz
Moments like these are what community and mentoring is all about.
👉 Full story on the blog. https://ow.ly/3BHP50YUlwo

Address

Parenting Place, 300 Great South Road, Greenlane
Auckland
1051

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5am
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+6498281358

Website

https://www.bigbuddy.org.nz/one-to-one-volunteer-mentor/, https://www.bigbuddy.org.nz/our-s

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