Tamatea High School students shave their heads for a worthy cause

L-R Charles Rangihuna cuts the hair of Curtis McOnie while Nicky Van Pelt cuts Pyper Horton's hair at the cancer fundraiser. Photo / Warren Buckland

The sudden death of a student battling cancer spurred Tamatea High School to shave their heads in an attempt to raise money for a worthy cause.

About 25 students, including five girls shaved their heads this afternoon.

Tamatea High School music teacher, Josie Burdon said most of the students involved were doing it because of a family member who had or has cancer, while others did it in support of their class mate.

Year 11 Jesse Robinson Houlahan gets a trim. Photo / Warren Buckland.

A family of two barbers and a qualified hairdresser came in during their lunch break to assist with the fundraising event.

The event was organised by the school's Head Girl, Mikaylah Selby and Head Boy, Curtis Mconie and they are currently just short of their goal of $1000.

Mconie was among those who shaved their heads and said it was a cause close to his heart.

"I would do it any day, anytime, anywhere to support the cause," he said.

"A while ago one of our fellow students passed away from cancer and that was a big influence within our school. Also a lot of our families have dealt with family member's with cancer."

Tamatea High School principal Robin Fabish said he is fully supportive of their students getting behind causes like shave for a cure.

"Fundraising to support people living with leukaemia and blood cancer is a great cause," he said.

" We had a student last year who passed away after unsuccessfully battling the disease. It was something we all felt very keenly and I am proud of our students have been tremendous in fundraising their efforts."