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.
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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
29-07-2025
- 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.
