NAME: MARTIN DE RUYTER

Age: 51.

How long have you been mentoring: 5 years.

How I got into it: I knew about the programme when it started in Nelson and waited till my son left home for university before I started as a big brother.

Who I mentor / My Little Sister /Brother:

I mentor Noah.

I was inspired by: My uncles who taught me how to make things, build things, fly things and catch things.

It helps if you can: Be yourself and in the words of Anne Frank ‘‘Nobody ever became poor from giving’’.

Things we do together: We build and make a lot of things, as I have the tools handed down to me from my grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather.

Best experience / best thing about it: There are a lot of people in Nelson who have helped Noah and I out with their time and access to loads of learning and fun experiences.

Best tip: Any one can be a mentor in this programme - you are just doing regular activities but have a friend along for the ride.

Heart-warming moment: I was able to get Noah a flight in the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter and he said his friends didn’t believe him, until he said with a smile on his face ‘‘Until I showed them the photographs’’.

This is /isn’t for you if: If you want to sit at home and use the words of Socrates who lived from 469-399 BC.

Socrates is reported to have said: ‘‘The children now love luxury, they have bad manners, contempt for authority they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise.