The Tamaki College Mentoring Programme was established by Russell McVeagh in 2008. The goal was to give young Tamaki students the opportunity to build relationships with Russell McVeagh graduates who would help them make essential life decisions upon leaving high school. Russell McVeagh mentors help the mentees set and achieve goals for the following year and beyond. The programme includes monthly sessions presented by Russell McVeagh mentors, and social outings. From its inception, the programme has grown considerably and in 2010 we expect the trend to continue. We have learned so much from our relationships with these talented young people and have gained an insight into their lives.

A highlight was the colourful Tamaki College prize-giving, where we saw mentees recognised for their talents with academic and sporting prizes and tertiary institution scholarships. The latter was especially satisfying to see, as one of the core goals of the mentoring relationship was to encourage students to pursue tertiary education opportunities. A similar programme has operated for a number of years with NaeNae College in Wellington.

There is an extensive pro bono programme undertaken by the firm, and many of us had the opportunity to work with pro-bono clients, with direct client contact.

Pro bono clients supported by Russell McVeagh include:

• Cure Kids
• ZEALANDIA & the Karori Sanctuary Trust
• New Zealand Film Festival Trust
• Environmental Defence Society
• Breast Cancer Research Trust
• Friends of Auckland Women's Refuge Charitable Trust
• Save the Children Fund NZ
• Spirit of Adventure Trust Board
• National Maritime Museum
• Auckland Cricket
• The Halberg Trust
• Knowledge Wave Trust
• Knox Home Trust
• Tourism Auckland
• Waterfront Watch
• Myers Rowing Academy
• Auckland College of Education
• Children First Foundation
• World Vision