Your 2026 Westfield Riccarton Local Hero is:

Craig Ogilvie
Big Brothers Big Sisters Christchurch

Compassionate. Committed. Inspiring.

Craig Ogilvie helps build life-changing mentoring relationships that give vulnerable young people connection, confidence and a stronger foundation for the future.

As volunteer co-chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Christchurch (BBBS), he provides guidance and governance for the team as they match 175 children every year to trained adult mentors who provide friendship, support and stability.

Beyond his leadership, Craig has been a long-term mentor for a 12-year-old Little Brother. Through this one-on-one relationship, he offers trusted guidance and consistent encouragement.

He is driven by his own personal journey and knows the importance of mentoring.

“I lost my father at the age of 15. Throughout my life, I felt that I lacked guidance,” he explains.

“I’ve made lots of mistakes, haven't seen the wider picture, and had to deal with things on my own. But there was no one who said, 'have you thought about this?’ or ‘these things are important’. I don't want any other young person to not have this.”

Craig also advocates strongly for the power of mentoring, speaking publicly at community events and is always the first to step forward to fundraise and rally supporters.

Craig brings rare insight into the program from every perspective – as a former staff member, volunteer mentor and governance leader.

His commitment and generosity ensures more young people can thrive through positive relationships.

The $20,000 grant will fund community and school-based mentoring services, helping more young people access trusted mentoring relationships.

We’d like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5K grant for the organisation they represent.

Jemma Hartley from The Little Miracles Trust

At Christchurch Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, Jemma Hartley supports families during some of the most uncertain weeks of their lives. As a support coordinator for The Little Miracles Trust, she connects hundreds of families each year with practical support, resources and reassurance, helping them navigate the challenges of having a baby in neonatal care.

Suzanne McCloy from Bellyful

Suzanne McCloy has led a volunteer team that cooks and delivers thousands of free meals each year to local families facing hardship in Christchurch. She has transformed the team and increased its capacity to serve the community, building a structure that helps more cooks, drivers and supporters contribute to the cause.

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Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Riccarton nominees and their organisations.