A Northlander who had to re-learn how to walk and talk after a rugby injury is helping others less fortunate than himself.
Matangi Te Wake, 23, had his long locks shaved off as part of the nationwide Shave for a Cure initiative. His sacrifice raised $1200 for the Blood Leukaemia Foundation.
Matangi, who hails from Panguru in Hokianga, was injured during a Northland v New South Wales under-15 rugby game in 2006. After six weeks at Starship Hospital with a brain bleed, he spent eight months at a disabled children's home learning to walk again.
Matangi, who now lives in Kaikohe, had been growing his hair for just under two years.