Which regions in New Zealand does Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand serve?

Updated

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand lists regional coverage across both the North and South Islands, with a national head office plus local branches. According to the organisation's website, the regions named include Auckland, Coromandel, Christchurch, Wellington, North Canterbury, West Coast, Gisborne, Tairāwhiti, Whakatane, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, Taranaki, Nelson-Tasman, and Rotorua.

If you are checking whether a young person near you can access mentoring, use the list below as a starting point, then confirm with the local branch — the site notes that availability can differ by area.

Regions listed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand

Region Island
Auckland North Island
Coromandel North Island
Gisborne / Tairāwhiti North Island
Whakatane North Island
Hawke's Bay North Island
Manawatu North Island
Taranaki North Island
Rotorua North Island
Wellington North Island
Christchurch South Island
North Canterbury South Island
West Coast South Island
Nelson-Tasman South Island

The site also references a National Head Office alongside these regional locations, which suggests a national coordinating function supporting the local branches.

What the regional structure means for you

The organisation describes its work as providing taiohi (young people) with positive role models, guidance, and friendship. Its main calls to action are:

  • Nominate a child — put a young person forward for mentoring.
  • Mentor a child — volunteer as a mentor.
  • Support a child — donate or otherwise support the programme.

Because these are delivered through regional branches, the practical question is usually not just "does this region appear on the list?" but "is there an active programme near us right now?"

Before you rely on a region being covered

  • Check the specific area, not just the region name. A listing for a region does not guarantee a branch or mentor capacity in every town within it.
  • Contact the nearest branch directly. The site presents regional pages as the entry point for local enquiries, so that is the most reliable way to confirm current availability.
  • Expect variation between regions. Coverage is presented as a set of regional locations rather than a single nationwide service, so what is offered in one area may differ from another.

If your area is not on the list, it is still worth contacting the National Head Office or the closest listed branch to ask whether any service reaches you.