Thing is, what I enjoy most is that you couldn't care less about any of it. You shunned the cloak of Knighthood and act like the rest of us when you've earned every reason not to.
Yep, I'm a fan.
Thing is, I'm not at an age where I need a role model.
But Flaxmere's 11-year-old Blaze Petuha is.
As you've hopefully seen, Blaze and his Kimi Ora School in Flaxmere have produced a stellar video with a view to enticing you to their kura as part of your Milk Run Fonterra promotion.
While it's a masterclass in amateur video, what the endearing narrative doesn't tell you is that Flaxmere has an unenviable underbelly.
As I was writing this at 10.30am yesterday an email from police popped up on my screen stating four locals aged 14-16 had been arrested following a bloodied, fatal attack in the village two weeks ago.
Ten days after the incident Flaxmere Library closed when a 12-year-old girl attacked someone.
The young ones are ramping up the violence and they're in peril.
Flaxmere has its superheroes. Everyone knows that. But a flying visit from the most capped test player - and the world's most famous milkman - would go down a treat.
Blaze, like you, plays on the side of the scrum. So c'mon no.7, make his day. Flaxmere needs a shot in the arm. They've even fashioned a landing pad for your chopper.
Kia ora Richie, thanks for considering us, see you schoolside.
Sincerely,
Mark Story,
Hawke's Bay Today.
