The History and Ethos of Big Brothers Big Sisters NZ

New York: A Vision Takes Root (1904)

Our story begins in the heart of New York City in 1904. Ernest Coulter, a young court clerk, witnessed a growing number of troubled boys passing through his courtroom.

He had a vision- a vision that caring adults could change the course of these young lives. Coulter embarked on a mission to find volunteer mentors who could provide guidance and support.

Simultaneously, the "Ladies of Charity" were befriending girls in similar situations.

These two initiatives marked the birth of an international organisation that operates in 13 countries and serves over 280,000 children in need. We remain committed to our founder's vision of bringing caring mentors into the lives of children and young people.

Aotearoa New Zealand: Over 25 Years of Impact (1993-present)

Our journey in Aotearoa New Zealand began in 1996 when we established the first Big Brothers Big Sisters programme in Dannevirke. The very first mentoring match was made that November, setting the stage for transformation.

In 1997, the Nelson programme further solidified the power of mentorship.

Success stories from these programmes inspired requests from communities and organisations nationwide to start their own mentoring initiatives.

In 2004, we were incorporated as a charitable trust, becoming the overseeing body of the New Zealand mentoring network, reaffirming our commitment to expanding mentorship opportunities throughout the country.

What our Mentees have to say:

"She is the one that I can get all my emotional things out with and I don’t feel lonely."

Core Values: Our Guiding Principles

At the core of our organisation are our values—values that drive our mission to empower children and young people.

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our commitment to mentorship, community, and transformation is unwavering.

Join us in our mission to bring caring mentors into the lives of those who need it most. Together, we can build brighter futures and make a lasting impact on the children and young people of Aotearoa New Zealand.