Young Aucklander Of The Year: Dylan Todd

Doing what's right just comes naturally to Dylan Todd.

The 15-year-old almost seems a little puzzled by the fanfare that comes with being named The Young Aucklander of the Year 2005 — after all it's his simple, eight-year friendship with Matthew Bellette that's attracted all the attention.

But Matthew's dad, Des, says the friendship has changed the life of his 16-year-old son, who has Down syndrome.

He says the pairing is really something special, and our panel of judges agree.

Avondale College student Dylan topped our search for ordinary young Aucklanders doing extraordinary things for being a good buddy to Matthew.

Also in the finals were fulltime university student Irfaan Mussa, 19, of Sandringham, a Radio Lollipop host and regular visitor to the elderly, and Penrose High School peer support leader Shaun Warin, 17, a New Zealand junior air pistol shooting representative who helps teach music to blind and visually impaired students.

Des' winning, heartfelt nomination for Dylan told that the benefits of the teenager's friendship with his son are too numerous to list.

"Most important, our boy has experienced a real friendship — what every parent of a special needs child dreams of, that they are accepted and treated as an equal," wrote Des.

"Matthew calls you 'Bud'. You have been a true buddy."

Dylan is quietly taking all the fanfare in his stride.

He says Matthew is just like another member of his family and he invites him everywhere — on trips, hiking adventures, even on one of his first dates with a girl.

Matthew watches Dylan's rugby matches and developed a taste for the films that aspiring movie-maker Dylan collects.

"He's fun. He always has something to say," Dylan says of his pal.

The West Harbour teenager's understanding runs so deep that Matthew's mum Robyn sometimes calls Dylan to interpret if she can't understand what her son is saying.

Matthew's horizons have broadened — literally — since meeting the Todd family eight years ago.

He's accompanied them on trips to the South Island, Wellington and even twice to the family's former homeland, South Africa.

"It was his first time overseas," recalls Des. "They went hiking and to zoo parks — Matthew was just beaming from ear to ear when he came back."

Matthew's next overseas adventure with the Todds is scheduled for December, when the group again heads to South Africa.

Des says Matthew's confidence has grown enormously in the last few years during what could have been a tougher transition in to his teenage years.

"It's brought him out of his shell," says Des.

He and Robyn adopted Matthew and sister Grace, 14, who also has Down syndrome.

"It's hard for a lot of special needs kids. Matthew has a speech difficulty as well, which makes it a lot harder."

Dylan's mum, Natalie, is a part-time caregiver for Matthew, and does a wonderful job, says Des.

"They are just extra-special people, they are a family out of the bag."

Des has high hopes that Dylan and Matthew's friendship will last well in to the future.

"I don't think it would ever part. It's one of those unique things — you can see it there."

- THE AUCKLANDER