Kiwi-Indian Brothers Transform Lives Through Mentorship in New Zealand

In West Auckland, two Indian-Kiwi brothers are creating significant change in their community by mentoring young boys through the charity Big Buddy. Tapan and Donny Mukherji dedicate a few hours each week to connect with boys who lack father figures, demonstrating how small commitments can lead to profound transformations in lives and communities.

Both brothers, who emigrated from India as teenagers, now work in the IT sector, but their passion lies in fostering positive relationships with youth. Their involvement with Big Buddy began when Tapan discovered an advertisement while browsing LinkedIn. “I saw an advert looking for men willing to spend 2–3 hours a week with a boy without a dad in his life,” Tapan explained. He realized that his natural affinity for engaging with children made this opportunity a perfect fit.

Soon after, Donny joined his brother in this endeavor. Reflecting on his own family situation, he realized, “I should be the one doing this.” Together, they mentor 13-year-old boys: Tapan works with Jayden, who is of Māori descent, while Donny is paired with Kaelen, who is of Chinese descent.

The impact of their mentorship extends beyond the boys; it resonates throughout their families and the broader community. Donny noted that committing to Big Buddy filled a void he had not fully articulated. “What more could I do that would give me a sense of fulfilment? Big Buddy proved to be the answer I was looking for,” he stated.

Building Confidence Through Consistency

Both brothers quickly learned that effective mentorship is less about extravagant activities and more about consistency and connection. “At first, I thought I should be going kayaking or rock climbing every time we met,” Donny admitted. “Then I realized it’s just about spending time with them.”

Tapan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of being present: “I’ve found it’s less about mentoring or coaching intentionally, and more about being yourself and having fun together.” This approach has yielded remarkable results.

Tapan, a passionate musician, established a strong bond with Jayden over music. “When Jayden first sat at my drum kit, I assumed he must have played before. He was able to play a song he’d heard in the past. I was blown away!” Jayden’s newfound confidence has also translated into sports, earning him a full scholarship to a local college for his athletic abilities.

For Kaelen, changes have been more subtle but equally significant. Donny’s wife, Jenny, has observed positive developments over the past 18 months. “His mum said he’s not scared to go to sleep on his own, and he’s been learning new skills,” she said. This growth led Jenny to nominate Big Buddy for Coca-Cola’s Support My Cause initiative, which resulted in a generous donation of $10,500 to the charity.

Big Buddy CEO Christie Stuart remarked, “These funds will have a significant impact to fuel the recruiting and screening of more Big Buddies for our boys.” Currently, over 100 boys are waiting to be matched with mentors, and the Mukherji brothers hope their story will inspire others to join this impactful initiative.

Encouraging Community Involvement

The Mukherji brothers believe that everyone involved in Big Buddy gains something valuable from the experience. “It’s an amazing opportunity that deserves to be enjoyed by more people,” Donny said. Tapan added, “Whether it’s kicking a ball around, having a barbecue, or just chatting during a drive, you can be literally changing lives—not just your Little Buddy’s life, but the lives of their family, your family, and your own life too.”

Their initiative exemplifies how community involvement can lead to long-lasting positive change. By mentoring young boys, Tapan and Donny Mukherji are not just giving back; they are cultivating a brighter future for the next generation in New Zealand. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that every small act of kindness can make a significant difference.