Early morning mist rising off Lake Karapiro set a tranquil scene for a day of connection and adventure that brought together the Tauranga and Hamilton chapters of Big Buddy. On Sunday, 29 March, mentors and their 'Little Buddies' gathered at Epworth Camp for a special event designed to strengthen bonds and build community outside of everyday routines.
The day was a powerful demonstration of the charity's core mission: providing positive male role models for boys growing up without a father in their lives. Mums, caregivers, and extended whānau also joined the gathering, creating a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that allowed new and old faces from the two regions to connect.
The positive impact of mentoring
Big Buddy is a New Zealand organisation founded on the principle that every boy needs a good man in his life. For boys whose fathers are absent, the presence of a consistent, reliable, and caring mentor can be transformative. Research consistently shows that boys without positive male influences are at a higher risk of disengaging from school, experiencing mental health challenges, and facing difficulties in forming healthy relationships later in life.
Organisations like Big Buddy provide a critical piece of social infrastructure, offering guidance and companionship that fosters resilience, self-belief, and a sense of belonging in young men. The New Zealand Youth Mentoring Network highlights that quality mentoring relationships can lead to improved academic, social, and emotional outcomes for young people, creating a positive ripple effect that benefits the entire community.
While major projects often dominate headlines, community leaders argue that social infrastructure, like mentoring programmes, is just as critical for a region's long-term health. These community events, much like the upcoming National Jazz Festival, are vital for the social fabric of the region.
Adventure and connection on the water
The day's formal activities began on the water. After a warm welcome, the group made its way to the lake's edge for a session of kayaking. Dividing into two groups to ensure everyone had ample time to participate, the buddies spent 30 to 45 minutes paddling across the serene lake. The shared activity was filled with laughter and encouragement, as mentors and boys worked together, building trust and communication skills side-by-side.
These kinds of shared outdoor experiences are a cornerstone of the Big Buddy approach. They remove the pressures of formal conversation and allow relationships to develop naturally through teamwork and mutual support. For many boys, it’s a chance to try something new in a safe and encouraging environment, building confidence that extends far beyond the water.
A classic Kiwi barbie
By midday, the fog had burned off, giving way to sunshine just in time for a relaxed BBQ lunch. As the food cooked, the unstructured part of the day began. Casual games of cricket and volleyball broke out, with mentors and boys socialising easily. These informal moments are often where the most significant connections are forged, giving the boys space to simply be themselves and interact freely within a supportive group.
The relaxed setting allowed for conversations not just between mentors and their little buddies, but also between the adults. Mentors from Tauranga and Hamilton shared stories and advice, while mothers and caregivers found a network of others sharing a similar life journey. It’s this broader sense of community that helps sustain the mentoring relationships long term.
Thanks for a great day and for all the work you do to bring cool big buddies to little buddies like my Romy.
Later in the afternoon, the group moved to the swimming pool to cool off and enjoy the last of their time together before the day wrapped up around 2pm. The simplicity of the day's programme belied its profound impact, leaving boys with a stronger sense of self-worth and belonging.
A call for local heroes
The success of the joint Hamilton and Tauranga event highlights the ongoing need for dedicated volunteers. Big Buddy mentors are ordinary men from all walks of life who volunteer their time to make an extraordinary difference. They are builders, lawyers, IT professionals, and retirees who commit to spending a few hours a week with a boy, sharing their time and interests.
The organisation carefully screens and matches mentors to ensure a good fit, providing ongoing support to the volunteer, the boy, and his family. The goal is a long-term, stable relationship that can help guide a boy through the challenges of growing up.
As the communities of Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty continue to grow, the need for more good men to step up has never been more urgent. The organisers are hopeful that the positive experiences from the Lake Karapiro day will encourage more local men to consider becoming a mentor, reminding the community that one consistent relationship can make a lifelong difference for a boy.
