All names have been changed for anonymity.
When R (tamariki supported by Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou) found out she was getting a mentor, she couldn't contain her excitement.
She'd been waiting for someone to share new experiences with her—someone to have fun with, learn from, and be there for her.
It had been a tough couple of years for R and her whānau. With unexpected challenges and the arrest of a parent, life had changed in ways they never could've imagined. Her mum did everything she could to keep things together, but going from a two-income to a single-income household meant sacrifices.
A Match Made for Adventure
Through the support of their social worker and the gradual introduction to the mentoring programme—from getting to know the mentoring team to participating in fun "Kidult" outings—support wrapped around R and her family.
And when the day finally came for R to meet her mentor, the excitement and nerves were all mixed together.
Tina, a mother with grown-up children, had been looking forward to becoming a mentor for a long time. She had time to give, patience and a love for the outdoors—qualities that made her an excellent match for R.
At first, R was a little shy. Meeting someone new can be daunting, especially when you've been through significant life changes. But with her warmth and aroha, Tina helped R feel at ease.
They found common ground in the things they loved: books, baking, and outdoor adventures. And by the end of their first meeting, they were already making plans—picnics in the park, trying out new recipes, and diving into books together.
Why Mentoring Matters
Mentoring gives a sense of stability and connection.
For tamariki like R, having a mentor is about knowing someone is there just for them—someone who listens, encourages, and believes in their potential. For mentors like Tina, it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact in a young person's life while seeing profound changes in their own lives.
Right now, there are tamariki and rangatahi (young people) waiting to be matched, eager to meet someone who will support them, laugh with them and explore new experiences together.
If you've ever thought about becoming a mentor, now is the time. You don't need to have all the answers—you just need to be present, kind, and willing to share a little of your time.
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