How NZ's Big Buddy System is offering positive male role models

How NZ's Big Buddy System is offering positive male role models

From Afternoons by RNZ

June 12, 2026 · 10 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the Big Buddy Mentoring Trust's efforts to provide positive male role models for young boys in New Zealand amidst negative influences on masculinity.

There's been a lot of talk recently about young men and their wellbeing, largely thanks to controversial influencers like Andrew Tate, who pushes messages of masculinity, saying that women belong in the home, can't drive, and are a man's property. You might have heard of online trends like 'looksmaxxing' and "red pill blue pill' all very much aimed at males. In New Zealand a local charity is doing its best to provide an alternative place for boys to find guidance. Big Buddy Mentoring Trust takes young boys in search of a role model and gives them mentors who help them create connections - or 'touch grass' as they say online.

Topics covered

  • male role models
  • youth mentoring
  • masculinity
  • wellbeing
  • New Zealand

Keywords

  • Big Buddy Mentoring Trust
  • Andrew Tate
  • masculinity
  • youth mentoring
  • role models
  • New Zealand
  • wellbeing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Big Buddy Mentoring Trust

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