Hospo Legend Travis Field Steps Down As Big Buddy Board Chair And Business And Sporting Icon Shaun Quincey Steps Up
Travis' connection to Big Buddy is deeply personal. He first became involved after his best friend, Troy—affectionately known as 'Turtle'—was diagnosed with a terminal illness and ensured his twin sons were matched with a Big Buddy before he passed. That experience left a lasting impression, and Travis has been a passionate advocate ever since. He has been a board member since 2010.
'Big Buddy is a fence at the top of the cliff,' he says. 'Men are over-represented in bad mental health, violence, incarceration, and suicide statistics. A good man showing up at a pivotal time in a boy's life to prevent those statistics and to create a happy, healthy man for our country.
'It's such a simple but beautiful idea. A Big Buddy for a boy without a dad present. By just showing up, having fun, and caring, the impact on the boys is amazing, Travis says.
Travis will continue to be closely involved with Big Buddy as a Major Partner, supporting fundraising events through his gastro pub, Fantail & Turtle, located at Smales Farm. Travis and his team have raised over $400,000 hosting long lunches over the years with an upcoming event already lined up for October 2025.
Big Buddy Co-CEO Steve Sobota says: 'Travis balances a big, caring heart for boys who don't have their dads with his business acumen and governance skills, to inspire and motivate everyone around him. His creativity, humility and commitment to reach more boys has strengthened Big Buddy.
'The growth of the organisation during his tenure as Chair has been exceptional. Since the programme's inception in 1997 more than 1,240 boys have been matched with Big Buddies. Every week Big Buddies spend 747 hours with their Little Buddies.'
New Chapter: Shaun Quincey Appointed Chair
Big Buddy Mentoring Trust is proud to announce the appointment of Shaun Quincey as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Shaun brings a rich professional background with more than 20 years in venture capital and financial technology. He has held leadership and governance roles across New Zealand, Australia, and the USA, and is widely recognised for his success in scaling high-growth companies and driving innovation in the financial sector. Shaun is the founder of both Genoapay and Simfuni.
But Shaun's story isn't just about business. He shares a unique bond with his father—together, they are the only people to have rowed solo across the Tasman Sea, each in opposite directions. This extraordinary father/son feat speaks volumes about Shaun's resilience and spirit, values that strongly align with Big Buddy's kaupapa.
Shaun joined Big Buddy as a Trustee earlier this year and is now stepping into the Chair role, guiding the Trust through its next phase of growth.
Shaun explains his connection. 'I believe most people can cast their mind back to a time where a mentor, coach, parent or teacher believedin them and gave them a small amount of time, energy or focus. Those interactions of support and guidanceno matter how brief have a profound impact and potentiallyset the foundations for extraordinary outcomes and better decisions. I think Big Buddy can scale time, energy and focus so young men get the guidancethey need and future New Zealand will have better dads, sons, uncles, husbands and partners.'
Shaun says he is looking forward to supporting the ongoing financially stability of Big Buddy… 'Making sure that when our Little Buddies around the country put their hand up, we can match them with great men to help guide and love them like the people that have been there for us.'
Big Buddy Co-CEO Christie Stuart: 'We are incredibly fortunate and grateful to welcome someone of Shaun's calibre, willing to volunteer his extensive leadership and governance experience, his connection to the community, as well as his life experience.'
'We can't wait to start working with Shaun and to see how he will help guide Big Buddy as we continue to grow and support more boys across the country.'
ABOUT BIG BUDDY
Big Buddy works on the simple philosophy that a boy will benefit greatly from having a positive male role model in their life.
Big Buddy has been providing mentoring relationships and group programmes for boys without a dad in their lives for over 27 years, matching over 1,240 boys and men. The programme supports boys aged between 7 and 17 in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington.
A Big and Little Buddy taking part in the Big Buddy One-to-One Mentoring Programme typically catch up for 2 to 3 hours most weeks. They choose what they want to do together. This can be anything from walking the dog, throwing a ball around, or visiting a café or even a museum. These Little Buddies are aged between 7 and 13. Older teenage boys between the ages of 14 to 17 are supported by the Big Buddy Group Programme which brings together peers with adult mentors and an expert facilitator.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Hospo Legend Travis Field Steps Down As Big Buddy Board Chair And Business And Sporting Icon Shaun Quincey Steps Up
After nearly a decade as chair of the Big Buddy Mentoring Trust, Travis Field has officially retired and stepped down from the Board after 14 years of service. Travis' connection to Big Buddy is deeply personal. He first became involved after his best friend, Troy—affectionately known as 'Turtle'—was diagnosed with a terminal illness and ensured his twin sons were matched with a Big Buddy before he passed. That experience left a lasting impression, and Travis has been a passionate advocate ever since. He has been a board member since 2010. 'Big Buddy is a fence at the top of the cliff,' he says. 'Men are over-represented in bad mental health, violence, incarceration, and suicide statistics. A good man showing up at a pivotal time in a boy's life to prevent those statistics and to create a happy, healthy man for our country. 'It's such a simple but beautiful idea. A Big Buddy for a boy without a dad present. By just showing up, having fun, and caring, the impact on the boys is amazing, Travis says. Travis will continue to be closely involved with Big Buddy as a Major Partner, supporting fundraising events through his gastro pub, Fantail & Turtle, located at Smales Farm. Travis and his team have raised over $400,000 hosting long lunches over the years with an upcoming event already lined up for October 2025. Big Buddy Co-CEO Steve Sobota says: 'Travis balances a big, caring heart for boys who don't have their dads with his business acumen and governance skills, to inspire and motivate everyone around him. His creativity, humility and commitment to reach more boys has strengthened Big Buddy. 'The growth of the organisation during his tenure as Chair has been exceptional. Since the programme's inception in 1997 more than 1,240 boys have been matched with Big Buddies. Every week Big Buddies spend 747 hours with their Little Buddies.' New Chapter: Shaun Quincey Appointed Chair Big Buddy Mentoring Trust is proud to announce the appointment of Shaun Quincey as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Shaun brings a rich professional background with more than 20 years in venture capital and financial technology. He has held leadership and governance roles across New Zealand, Australia, and the USA, and is widely recognised for his success in scaling high-growth companies and driving innovation in the financial sector. Shaun is the founder of both Genoapay and Simfuni. But Shaun's story isn't just about business. He shares a unique bond with his father—together, they are the only people to have rowed solo across the Tasman Sea, each in opposite directions. This extraordinary father/son feat speaks volumes about Shaun's resilience and spirit, values that strongly align with Big Buddy's kaupapa. Shaun joined Big Buddy as a Trustee earlier this year and is now stepping into the Chair role, guiding the Trust through its next phase of growth. Shaun explains his connection. 'I believe most people can cast their mind back to a time where a mentor, coach, parent or teacher believedin them and gave them a small amount of time, energy or focus. Those interactions of support and guidanceno matter how brief have a profound impact and potentiallyset the foundations for extraordinary outcomes and better decisions. I think Big Buddy can scale time, energy and focus so young men get the guidancethey need and future New Zealand will have better dads, sons, uncles, husbands and partners.' Shaun says he is looking forward to supporting the ongoing financially stability of Big Buddy… 'Making sure that when our Little Buddies around the country put their hand up, we can match them with great men to help guide and love them like the people that have been there for us.' Big Buddy Co-CEO Christie Stuart: 'We are incredibly fortunate and grateful to welcome someone of Shaun's calibre, willing to volunteer his extensive leadership and governance experience, his connection to the community, as well as his life experience.' 'We can't wait to start working with Shaun and to see how he will help guide Big Buddy as we continue to grow and support more boys across the country.' ABOUT BIG BUDDY Big Buddy works on the simple philosophy that a boy will benefit greatly from having a positive male role model in their life. Big Buddy has been providing mentoring relationships and group programmes for boys without a dad in their lives for over 27 years, matching over 1,240 boys and men. The programme supports boys aged between 7 and 17 in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington. A Big and Little Buddy taking part in the Big Buddy One-to-One Mentoring Programme typically catch up for 2 to 3 hours most weeks. They choose what they want to do together. This can be anything from walking the dog, throwing a ball around, or visiting a café or even a museum. These Little Buddies are aged between 7 and 13. Older teenage boys between the ages of 14 to 17 are supported by the Big Buddy Group Programme which brings together peers with adult mentors and an expert facilitator.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Hospo Legend Travis Field Steps Down As Big Buddy Board Chair And Business And Sporting Icon Shaun Quincey Steps Up
After nearly a decade as chair of the Big Buddy Mentoring Trust, Travis Field has officially retired and stepped down from the Board after 14 years of service. Travis' connection to Big Buddy is deeply personal. He first became involved after his best friend, Troy—affectionately known as 'Turtle'—was diagnosed with a terminal illness and ensured his twin sons were matched with a Big Buddy before he passed. That experience left a lasting impression, and Travis has been a passionate advocate ever since. He has been a board member since 2010. 'Big Buddy is a fence at the top of the cliff,' he says. 'Men are over-represented in bad mental health, violence, incarceration, and suicide statistics. A good man showing up at a pivotal time in a boy's life to prevent those statistics and to create a happy, healthy man for our country. 'It's such a simple but beautiful idea. A Big Buddy for a boy without a dad present. By just showing up, having fun, and caring, the impact on the boys is amazing, Travis says. Travis will continue to be closely involved with Big Buddy as a Major Partner, supporting fundraising events through his gastro pub, Fantail & Turtle, located at Smales Farm. Travis and his team have raised over $400,000 hosting long lunches over the years with an upcoming event already lined up for October 2025. Big Buddy Co-CEO Steve Sobota says: 'Travis balances a big, caring heart for boys who don't have their dads with his business acumen and governance skills, to inspire and motivate everyone around him. His creativity, humility and commitment to reach more boys has strengthened Big Buddy. 'The growth of the organisation during his tenure as Chair has been exceptional. Since the programme's inception in 1997 more than 1,240 boys have been matched with Big Buddies. Every week Big Buddies spend 747 hours with their Little Buddies.' New Chapter: Shaun Quincey Appointed Chair Big Buddy Mentoring Trust is proud to announce the appointment of Shaun Quincey as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Shaun brings a rich professional background with more than 20 years in venture capital and financial technology. He has held leadership and governance roles across New Zealand, Australia, and the USA, and is widely recognised for his success in scaling high-growth companies and driving innovation in the financial sector. Shaun is the founder of both Genoapay and Simfuni. But Shaun's story isn't just about business. He shares a unique bond with his father—together, they are the only people to have rowed solo across the Tasman Sea, each in opposite directions. This extraordinary father/son feat speaks volumes about Shaun's resilience and spirit, values that strongly align with Big Buddy's kaupapa. Shaun joined Big Buddy as a Trustee earlier this year and is now stepping into the Chair role, guiding the Trust through its next phase of growth. Shaun explains his connection. 'I believe most people can cast their mind back to a time where a mentor, coach, parent or teacher believedin them and gave them a small amount of time, energy or focus. Those interactions of support and guidanceno matter how brief have a profound impact and potentiallyset the foundations for extraordinary outcomes and better decisions. I think Big Buddy can scale time, energy and focus so young men get the guidancethey need and future New Zealand will have better dads, sons, uncles, husbands and partners.' Shaun says he is looking forward to supporting the ongoing financially stability of Big Buddy… 'Making sure that when our Little Buddies around the country put their hand up, we can match them with great men to help guide and love them like the people that have been there for us.' Big Buddy Co-CEO Christie Stuart: 'We are incredibly fortunate and grateful to welcome someone of Shaun's calibre, willing to volunteer his extensive leadership and governance experience, his connection to the community, as well as his life experience.' 'We can't wait to start working with Shaun and to see how he will help guide Big Buddy as we continue to grow and support more boys across the country.' ABOUT BIG BUDDY Big Buddy works on the simple philosophy that a boy will benefit greatly from having a positive male role model in their life. Big Buddy has been providing mentoring relationships and group programmes for boys without a dad in their lives for over 27 years, matching over 1,240 boys and men. The programme supports boys aged between 7 and 17 in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington. A Big and Little Buddy taking part in the Big Buddy One-to-One Mentoring Programme typically catch up for 2 to 3 hours most weeks. They choose what they want to do together. This can be anything from walking the dog, throwing a ball around, or visiting a café or even a museum. These Little Buddies are aged between 7 and 13. Older teenage boys between the ages of 14 to 17 are supported by the Big Buddy Group Programme which brings together peers with adult mentors and an expert facilitator.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Scoop
Passing Of Sir Michael Hill
The Board, Executive and all the Michael Hill team express their deepest and sincerest condolences to Michaels family and friends. It is with great sadness that Michael Hill announces the passing of our Founder and Non-Executive Director, Sir Michael Hill this morning. The Board, Executive and all the Michael Hill team express their deepest and sincerest condolences to Michael's family and friends. Sir Michael was a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur, philanthropist and committed father and husband who, with his wife Lady Christine, founded and grew Michael Hill from its humble beginnings in Whangārei, New Zealand to a global retail jewellery brand that spans Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Sir Michael's first love was music and, as a young man, he dreamed of becoming a concert violinist. However, at just 17, he was told he had started too late to reach the pinnacle of his craft. Forced to reconsider his future, he pivoted into the world of jewellery, joining his uncle's family-owned store in New Zealand. What began as a job soon became a passion. Sir Michael had a natural gift for storytelling, a keen eye for visual merchandising, an instinct for attracting customers and a gift for selling. He won international awards for his window displays and revolutionised the store's advertising with bold, unconventional campaigns. 'To every endeavour he pursued, Michael brought a deep sense of purpose, an enduring curiosity, open-mindedness and creativity that challenged all of us to embrace ever more lofty goals and be unconstrained in our thinking – a legacy that will continue to inspire us,' says Rob Fyfe, Chairman of Michael Hill. 'Michael Hill, Jeweller' was much more than a Jeweller, founding the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, one of the most respected violin contests in the world, creating The Hills, one of New Zealand's most iconic golf courses and inspiring generations of New Zealanders through his books. In the spring of 1964, Sir Michael met his wife Lady Christine, connecting over their shared appreciation for creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling—foundational values that define the Michael Hill brand to this day. Sir Michael and Lady Christine married in 1965 forging a love affair and business partnership that lasted more than 60 years. A private memorial to celebrate the life of Sir Michael will be held in Arrowtown. About Michael Hill Michael Hill was founded by Sir Michael Hill in 1979 when he opened his first jewellery store in Whangarei, New Zealand. The Group currently has 287 stores globally across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The Group's global headquarters, including its wholesale and manufacturing divisions, are located in Brisbane, Australia. The Company is listed on the ASX (ASX: MHJ) and the NZX (NZX:MHJ).
