Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manawatu

Many young people face adversity and need a positive role model, we enable life changing mentoring relationships that ignite potential.

Manawatu / Whanganui

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manawatū is a registered charity and part of the world’s largest volunteer mentoring network. We make professionally supported mentoring matches between adults and young people (aged approx. six to twelve) throughout the Manawatū.

Many young people in Aotearoa face adversity and need a positive role model. Our mission is to enable life changing mentoring relationships to ignite the potential of young people.

Our volunteer Bigs spend time each week with their Littles, building resilience, teaching them about the world, creating hope, and having fun.

"My mentor is a light in the darkness, she's like a bloody lamp in my room." - Young Person

Changing the course of young lives changes the future of communities. By every measure Big Brothers Big Sisters returns positive results. Every $1 invested in mentoring by Big Brothers Big Sisters shows a $18 dollar return to society or $23 in economically disadvantaged groups.

Each mentoring match we make costs $2,500 per year to support. We currently have 40 active matches in the community. Please consider becoming a Match Sponsor or Donor today - every dollar help us continue the important mahi we do.

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Bring Back Stubbies 19 September 2024

Kia ora, Aotearoa!

We’re excited to announce the launch of our Stubbie September campaign on the 27th of September. Yep, you heard that right—stubbies are making a comeback! We're on a mission to revive those iconic short shorts your relatives rocked in the 70s and 80s… or maybe still do!

Right now, over 400 Kiwi kids across the motu are waiting for a positive role model and friend. With your help, we can recruit and train new Mentors for our tamariki. We need Kiwis to get behind us and encourage their workplaces, sports teams, and other groups to get involved.

There’s heaps of time to get your shorts dusted off and showcase your winter legs—no fake tan necessary! It’s all just a bit of fun for a good cause. Share your pics on social media with the hashtag #bringbackstubbies.

Join us, bring back stubbies—short shorts for a shorter waitlist! And please, don’t forget to donate.

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