Inspiring Future Innovators: A STEM-Powered Weekend Thanks to Worley NZ

Over the weekend, a group of our mentees and mentors stepped into the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), thanks to the incredible generosity of Worley NZ.

This hands-on, curiosity-driven event was about more than just learning new skills, it was about sparking imagination, building confidence, and opening doors to future career possibilities for our tamariki.

Throughout the day, our young people explored STEM concepts in a fun, engaging space, guided by Worley staff who brought science and tech to life. It was a powerful reminder that learning flourishes when someone believes in you. We could see the amazing care and effort the Worley team put in, and it was fantastic to see our mentee’s unlock new thinking and skills.

To make the experience even more impactful, each mentee received a gifted Chromebook, along with access to IXL educational software, allowing them to continue their learning journey at home and explore their newfound interests at their own pace.

Chelsey, Programme Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland, shares “Events like these are incredibly valuable for our young people. Not just because of the skills they learn, but because of the confidence and curiosity they walk away with. It’s about creating experiences that show our tamariki what’s possible and giving them the tools to explore that. We’re so grateful to Worley for not only supporting our mentees and mentors, but for genuinely investing in their growth and future. Thank you for being part of their journey.”

The feedback from our BBBS whānau says it all:

“That was awesome, thank you! [Mentee] was super stoked with his Chromebook… Thanks to the Worley Team!”

“That was such an awesome experience! [Mentee] loved it and can’t wait for the next one. Many thanks to everyone who organised it.”

“Thanks so much! The girls really enjoyed it. They were expecting it to be far more intense and school-like, so they were pleasantly surprised. Also stoked about the Chromebooks—it led to a discussion around sponsorship and people they don’t know investing in their future.”

“Thank you so much for this opportunity. [Mentee] and I both commented that we had no expectations going into today, not entirely sure what the day would entail. But it exceeded our expectations. 😀
Thank you, thank you. [Mentee] ran inside to start charging her laptop straight away when she got home!”

We’re incredibly grateful to Worley NZ for making this unforgettable experience possible. Their support is empowering our tamariki to explore new passions and take confident steps toward a future they’re excited to shape for themselves.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who helped make this day such a success!

 

Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland –5th June 2025 – Big Brothers Big Sisters Tāmaki Makaurau is thrilled to announce an exciting and fun-filled evening of competition, camaraderie, and charity at our upcoming Charity Quiz Night. This R18+ event promises an unforgettable experience while raising funds to support the children and mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland.

Event Details:

• Date: 5th June 2025
• Time: 7:00pm – late.
• Location: Beerspot Morningside; 596 New North Road, Kingsland
• Age Requirement: 18+ only

Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and join us for an evening of challenging trivia, great beer, and plenty of laughs. The best part? All proceeds from the evening will go directly towards creating new mentoring matches with Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland, helping the 100+ children on our waitlist find mentors who can make a significant impact in their lives.

Ticket Information:

• Individual Tickets: $30 These tickets cover one person. You can join as an individual and we will assign you to a team, or you can specify your team during payment.
• Team Tickets: $125 Enjoy a small discount when purchasing for a team of up to five members. Make sure to choose a team name and fill out the names of your team members during registration.

Register your quiz team today and support a fantastic cause, with the chance to win great prizes, enjoy beer provided by The Beerspot, and enjoy food from Watta Burger food truck on site.

Fundraising:

Your participation in the evening’s quiz night and donations will directly support more children being matched with mentors, igniting their potential and making a lasting difference in their lives.

On the Night:

Whether you come as a group or solo, we will ensure you are part of a team. Prepare to test your trivia knowledge, compete for free beer, and partake in our exciting raffle. With food truck catering to all your hunger cravings, Urbanaut beer, and Black Pinnaple cocktails, you are in for a treat!

Invite your flatmates, whānau, and friends to showcase your trivia skills and enjoy a night of fun while making a meaningful contribution to our community.

We can’t wait to have you join us!

For More Information and Registration:

Visit the event page: https://bbbsakl-quiz-night.raiselysite.com/

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Tāmaki Makaurau:

Big Brothers Big Sisters Tāmaki Makaurau is dedicated to helping children and young people achieve their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact. Our vision is that all children achieve a strong start in life and reach their full potential.

Contact:

Chelsey Harnell (Programme Manager)

[email protected]

0212 379 7169

PRESS RELEASE

Brushstrokes of Impact: A Paint and Sip Evening at Eden Park in Support of Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland
Thursday 14 August 2025
7:00pm to 9:30pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)
All Blacks Changing Rooms, Eden Park, Kingsland

Step into the legendary All Blacks changing rooms for a night of creativity, connection, and community at Brushstrokes of Impact, a one-of-a-kind fundraising event hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland. Taking place on Thursday 14 August 2025, from 7:00pm–9:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm), this exclusive paint-and-sip experience offers guests the chance to find their inner artist inside one of Aotearoa’s most iconic sporting spaces. Whether you’re a rugby fan, art enthusiast, or simply someone who believes in the power of mentoring, this event is not to be missed.

Hosted by the wonderful Matilda Green (winner of The Bachelor NZ and proud BBBS Ambassador), the evening features a guided painting session with renowned Kiwi artist Andrew J Steel, known for his his bold, thought-provoking murals and street art. Guests will enjoy delicious nibbles provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland, with drinks available to purchase throughout the night.

Adding to the magic, attendees can take part in an exclusive fundraising auction, featuring incredible prizes such as a private Eden Park tour, original artwork, and more. All proceeds go directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland, helping to match more local tamariki with dedicated, caring mentors.

“Right now, hundreds of young people across the motu want a big brother or big sister,” says a BBBS Auckland spokesperson. “The tamariki this event will support are bright, resilient, and full of potential – they’ve just had a harder start than most or need additional support. With the right mentor, someone who shows up and believes in them, they can thrive.”

Based on the tuakana-teina model of mentorship, Big Brothers Big Sisters matches young people (teina) with trusted adult mentors (tuakana) who provide consistency, guidance, and friendship. Research shows that these relationships build resilience, boost confidence, and help taiohi feel more connected. The power of mentoring is improving outcomes for our next generation.

Whether you’re flying solo, bringing a date, rallying your workmates, or catching up with friends, Brushstrokes of Impact promises a memorable night that blends art, sport, and generosity.

DETAILS:

🖌️ Brushstrokes of Impact: A Paint and Sip Evening
📍 All Blacks Changing Rooms, Eden Park, Kingsland
📅 Thursday 14 August 2025
🕢 7:00pm–9:30pm (Doors open 6:30pm)
🍽️ Nibbles provided | Drinks available to purchase
🎟️ Tickets available now at: https://bbbsakl-paintnsipevent.raiselysite.com
🚫 Please note: Eden Park pitch access is restricted during this event.

Spots are limited – don’t miss this rare chance to make a difference inside one of Aotearoa’s most iconic sporting spaces. Let’s paint with purpose and create a brighter future for Auckland’s tamariki.

Media Contact:
Courtney Reynolds-Smith
Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland
[email protected]

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland:
Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland supports children aged 6–12 by matching them with trained, caring adult mentors. Each match is built on trust and consistency, offering children the opportunity to thrive through positive relationships. Learn more at bigbrothersbigsisterssauckland.org.nz.

 

End

Auckland – 1st of March – This month Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland is excited to promote our ‘Be the Big Brother they Brag about’ recruitment campaign, that calls on men to sign up and become ‘Big Brother’ mentors. Approximately 70% of our waitlist are young boys waiting for a male mentor, who can be a male-figure and role-model in their life.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland also shares a heartfelt thank you to the North and South Trust for their generous support in funding West and South Auckland billboards to support this campaign. Their contribution is helping raise awareness for the vital work at Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland, connecting mentors with the young people who need them most.

Running from March 1st to April 1st, the campaign aims to find males who want to make a difference and mentor a young boy for a minimum of one-year. Boys thrive when they have a strong male role model, someone who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a sense of stability. Through regular catch-ups, mentors can positively influence a young boy’s outlook, decisions, and sense of self, setting them on a path toward success.

“Being a mentor isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up,” says Chelsey Harnell, Program Manager of BBBS Auckland. “The best mentors aren’t superheroes; they’re everyday guys who take the time to hang-out, support, and show up. And when a young boy proudly talks about their Big Brother, you know you’ve made a meaningful impact.”.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland welcomes mentors from all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life—because every child deserves someone to look up to. We strongly encourage men of Māori and Pasifika backgrounds to sign up, as many of our young boys are looking for mentors who share their culture and experiences. Whether you’re a teacher, a builder, a student, or a dad, what matters most is your willingness to show up and be there. A few hours a month can change a life—including yours.

Sign up today and be the Big Brother a young boy will brag about!

 

“Simply put, a small investment of your time generates so much value for your little brother or sister. It’s one of the greatest things you can do as a human without sacrificing your other commitments or relationships. You only need to commit just over a half of a percent (yes, 0.6%) of the hours in a week, of your time.” – mentor

 

Give back to your community this Christmas with BBBS Auckland.

 

 

Make a donation or buy a raffle ticket and you can win a Fresh Choice Hamper!

How to Enter

1. Make a donation on our website.
2. You can email us to secure your tickets.
3. Purchase a ticket from our staff such as our Mentor Coordinators.
4. Keep an eye on our social media to see where we will be selling tickets in person.

 

Terms and Conditions for Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland Raffle

Eligibility and Entry

1. The raffle is open to all individuals who purchase a ticket in compliance with these terms and conditions.
2. A maximum of 300 tickets will be sold, on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Tickets can be purchased:
   • In person from a Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland representative.
   • Online by donating at our website.
4. Ticket prices are:
   • 1 ticket for $5
   • 3 tickets for $10
5. Entrants must provide accurate contact information at the time of purchase.

Draw Details

1. The raffle will be drawn on 17th January 2025.
2. The draw will take place under the supervision of Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland staff.
3. The winners will be contacted directly via the details provided upon ticket purchase.

Prizes

1. Details of the prize are as follows:
   • Hamper donated by Fresh Choice
2. The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and cannot be redeemed for cash.

Collection of Prizes

1. Winners are responsible for collecting their prizes. Prize must be claimed within 30 days of the draw date unless otherwise arranged.
2. Unclaimed prize may be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner at the discretion of Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland.

Publicity

1. By entering the raffle, winners agree to their names being published on Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland’s social media channels and website.
2. Winner consents to being photographed and/or filmed for promotional purposes related to Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland.

General Rules

1. Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland reserves the right to cancel or amend the raffle and these terms and conditions at any time.
2. Raffle participants agree to comply with all terms and conditions, as well as any additional rules communicated by Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland.

Liability

1. Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland is not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury arising from participation in the raffle or use of any prizes.
2. By purchasing a ticket, participants agree to release Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland from any liability related to the raffle.

Here at BBBS Auckland one of our matches is proving strong, just past their 4th year together. This mentoring success story is the match between Roman, ‘little’, and Guy, ‘big’.

Ten year old Roman is a social, funny young boy with an immense amount of energy. He had been diagnosed with ADHD early on and although this comes with its behavioral challenges, it has also contributed to a sprightly young boy full of hopes and dreams. Like most young boys, Roman loves to watch movies, watch Youtube, play with Lego, play soccer, and he likes helping his mum pick up the feijoas in the garden.

When Roman was six, his mother reached out to BBBS to see if he could be matched with someone reliable and consistent to mentor him. Roman needed a positive male role-model in his life to guide him, and teach him about empathy, communication, and respect, which would help shape his understanding of healthy masculinity.

Fortunately, because male mentors are harder to recruit and align with rangatahi, then recently added to the mentor waitlist was mentor Guy. Media professional Guy spent his early years in Puhoi and moved to Auckland when he was 6 years old. Guy told us he wanted to become involved in BBBS because he felt he could make a positive impact on a young boy’s life. He knew he could be the calm in the storm. Guy and Roman were then matched, and have since formed a friendship that has stood the test of time

During their mentor meets, Roman and Guy have loved exploring neighbourhood cafes and hanging out. Guy has been great at channeling Roman’s energy into match activities, being a listening ear, and being a calm stable caring adult for him. Guy has enabled many of Roman’s dreams such as going to the Sky Tower and continues to inspire Roman with new activities.

We’ve seen a big change in Roman since they’ve been matched – he has really settled down, and his teacher has noticed an improved change in his focus too. This is one of many successful matches we are inspired by, that has created meaningful change and a new outlook in a child’s life. Thank you for inspiring us Roman and Guy with your friendship and your commitment to BBBS Auckland mentoring.

 

If you think you can be the calm in a storm for a young person, become a mentor today, and make a difference in a child’s life.