Wish comes true for 'star' Kingston

Kingston Karangaroa Mohi, 6, who suffers from leukemia, was famous for a day in Napier. Photo / Paul Taylor

Life has not been easy for six-year-old Kingston Karangaroa Mohi, but at the weekend he was all smiles as he flew to fame.

Kingston, who was diagnosed with leukemia two-and-a-half years ago, had his wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Saturday, enjoying red carpet treatment and a shopping spree.

"He wanted to be a star for the day," said his grandfather, Hawi Karangaroa.

When Kingston and Mr Karangaroa received orders to head to the Bluewater Hotel, they did not know what awaited them. The day was shrouded in mystery.

A hummer limousine picked them up and took them to Napier Toyworld.

"Kingston didn't know where he was going. All he had was an envelope with a spending card in it.

"When he got to Toyworld there were paparazzi, a red carpet entrance, plus posters on the walls welcoming him in. It just blew him away. He was able to go and pick toys randomly off the shelves."

Napier Toyworld owner David Copestake said a red carpet and bollards had been set up at the entrance to his store, with an amateur photography club playing the part of bustling paparazzi.

"I know Kingston's been going through a pretty rough time for the last few years. We were happy to play a part in it."

Leaving the store with armfuls of superhero and dinosaur toys, Kingston got back in the limo - and was transported to the playground at Marine Parade for a lavish family picnic.

Mr Karangaroa said it was a day the family would never forget. "The kids played games all afternoon - they loved it."

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions in New Zealand since 1986.