Te Mihi Potae’s Journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Setting the Scene

At nearly ten years old, Te Mihi Potae became one of the first matches in Rotorua’s Big Brothers Big Sisters programme. It was an exciting time—his match with David Remmerswaal even made it into the newspaper, a snapshot of two kids with wild hair, ready to embark on a new journey together.

Te Mihi vividly remembers his induction interview with Darryl, where he was asked what he wanted to do. His answer? "Zoom in on a computer so far that you can see all of the pixels." That moment set the tone for a match built on curiosity, creativity, and shared adventures.

At the time, Te Mihi faced the challenge of growing up without a father figure. Adopted at birth and raised by two wonderful mothers, he had a loving home but lacked a consistent male role model. Having David as a Big Brother provided that missing piece—someone to talk to about life, guy things, and the journey ahead.

First Impressions & Building the Relationship

When Te Mihi first met David, nervous excitement filled the air. The meeting took place at his house, with Darryl making the introduction. It was a new chapter, filled with possibilities, but also the uncertainty that comes with meeting someone new.

Trust between them didn’t hinge on one defining moment; rather, it was built steadily over time. From the very beginning, Te Mihi felt comfortable being himself around David. That foundation of trust allowed them to form a strong bond, one that would last nearly a decade.

Memorable Moments

Some of Te Mihi’s favourite memories with David include mountain biking in the rain, geocaching, and Saturday mornings at the market—where David introduced him to island-style fried bread donuts with jam. They were simple, fun moments that meant the world to a young boy looking for connection.

One particularly special experience was in Year 9, when Te Mihi wrote a script for a short film. His English teacher encouraged him to enter a national competition, and he created "Teeth," a horror story about kids discovering a sinister secret about the Tooth Fairy. David and his friend, Simone, even acted in the film. Though the project was never completed, Te Mihi still thinks about rewriting and finishing it one day.

David’s support went beyond just fun outings. When Te Mihi participated in a pitch night, similar to Toastmasters, he was overwhelmed by nerves. As the youngest participant, surrounded by older, more experienced people, he felt out of place. But David was right there, reassuring him and calming him down, making sure he felt supported.

Their connection continued even after their official match ended. Last year, as Te Mihi debated his future, he caught up with David to discuss potential career paths. David’s advice was simple but profound: “Follow your passion. Don’t just pick a career for the money.” That conversation reinforced Te Mihi’s decision to pursue acting at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in Wellington—one of only 22 students accepted into the prestigious first-year programme.

Personal Growth & Impact

Having a mentor like David made a lasting impact on Te Mihi’s life. While his parents always supported him, hearing encouragement from a male role model had a different weight. David’s influence helped shape his confidence, creativity, and willingness to chase his dreams.

Through their years together, David provided the freedom for Te Mihi to be himself, to lead their adventures, and to make decisions that felt right for him. That sense of autonomy helped him grow into the person he is today.

Emotional & Lasting Impact

If Te Mihi had to describe David in just a few words, he’d say:

Creative

Inspirational

Selfless

Empathetic

Would he be where he is today without David’s support? “I don’t think so,” he admits. David’s mentorship provided a guiding presence that shaped his outlook on life, pushing him to embrace his creativity and ambition.

Though their official match ended in 2022, they still keep in touch. Their relationship has evolved, but the impact remains strong.

Looking Forward & Paying It Forward

If he could say one thing to David today, it would be: “Thank you so much. I owe him a lot. He has done so much for me, and I’m really grateful.”

And now, Te Mihi wants to pass that gift on. After finishing his studies, he plans to become a Big Brother himself, ensuring another young person gets the same life-changing experience he did.

To anyone considering getting a mentor, his advice is simple: Just do it. It’s so much fun, and you won’t regret it. Those nerves you feel at first? They disappear in no time.

David’s impact on Te Mihi’s life is a testament to the power of mentorship—proof that showing up, listening, and sharing experiences can change someone’s life forever.

Emma and Jacqui

The pinnacle of Jacqui's journey was her remarkable achievement of earning a scholarship to Pearson College in Canada, a direct reflection of her resilience, ambition, and the profound influence of Emma's mentorship. This story of transformation from navigating the complexities of adolescence to achieving significant academic and personal growth illustrates the invaluable role mentors play in shaping the futures of young individuals. Emma and Jacqui's story serves as a powerful testament to the difference one person can make in the life of another, inspiring potential mentors to embark on this rewarding journey.