The Ōpōtiki community is rallying around a local legend, hoping to buy him a new vehicle so he can continue his community work.
Teacher aide Micky Huriwaka volunteers hundreds of hours each year, teaching young people to play golf.
Huriwaka grew up in a gang family and credits his nan, who raised him, for putting him on the right path.
He also coaches a rugby team and indoor bowls. His humble efforts were recently highlighted in a story on Sunday.
He often drives around the region and country to get young people to golf tournaments – but these efforts are being hindered by an ageing, rundown car. Now, locals are asking the country to pitch in and help get him a new vehicle.
A Givealittle page has been set up.
When asked why people should donate, the fundraiser's organiser Glenn Phipps said: "Simply because he's a good man.
"If it wasn't for him, our students wouldn't be able to get to where they get to."
He said Huriwaka is constantly needing to fix his rundown Subaru Legacy.
"Just the other night he dropped my son off from golf practice – and he comes in, fills up his water bottle, goes out to fill up his radiator in his car," Phipps said.
He also said the Subaru has started to become unpractical – which is why he needs to upgrade to a ute.
"The golf clubs are piling up in the back seat, in the boot, on kids' laps sometimes."
Phipps said it was necessary that Huriwaka be able to continue his work in the community.
"Our Tamariki looks up to him," he said. "In their eyes, he's their idol."
Speaking to breakfast this morning, Huriwaka said he was “quite overwhelmed” by the level of support.
“I don’t really know what to say” he laughed.
“Thank you for all the support. I appreciate it so much.”
As for the kind of car he wants, Horikawa joked: “As a kid, you kind of want a fast car when you grow up.”
But he said, “anything” will do.
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