Movember is drawing to a close and two Hastings men with powerful personal reasons for supporting men’s health, former Flaxmere councillor and legendary barber Peleti Oli and Hastings District Council chief executive Nigel Bickle, are inviting others to finish the month strong.
All men taking part in Movember, along with supporters, friends and whānau, are encouraged to join them this Sunday, November 30, for the Hastings Brave Shave, running from 12pm to 3pm.
It is a chance to shave off the month’s hard-earned moustaches, catch up with others, share a chat and help raise money for men’s health.
After four weeks of growth, Peleti will be on the clippers offering moustache removals for a koha donation. For another koha, he and his team will also be offering regular haircuts, with every dollar going to the Movember cause. The crew will be based in the Tribune Precinct in central Hastings.
For Peleti, the event is deeply personal.
“Mental health is something that is very important to me and it is great to have an opportunity to give back and contribute to this cause.”
Movember began in Australia in 2003 and has grown into a global movement funding vital support for men facing mental health challenges, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Nigel is taking part for the first time this year as part of a major personal health journey. At age 56, the same age his father and father-in-law passed away, he realised something needed to change. A passing comment from a local resident that he was starting to look like ‘donut eating Homer Simpson’ also hit home.
“That was a turning point. I looked in the mirror and decided to make some positive changes for my physical and mental wellbeing.
“A lot of staff at council have jumped on board to make positive health changes too. We have taken a holistic approach to wellbeing this year, whether that is physical, mental or financial.”
Nigel has walked an average of 10,000 steps a day since January and has doubled that to 20,000 a day for Movember. He has lost 17 kilograms and is currently one of the highest individual fundraisers in New Zealand for Movember.
The Hastings Brave Shave will take place this Sunday, 12pm to 3pm, beside Brave Brewing in the Tribune Precinct. Mates4Life will be running a barbecue and local businesses Kindred Rd, Brave Brewing and O-Studio will be open and supporting the event.
All men taking part in Movember, and anyone keen to support the cause, are encouraged to show up, join Peleti and Nigel for their Brave Shave, share a chat, enjoy the barbecue and help raise vital funds for men’s health.
Bring your mates, bring your moustache and be part of something that makes a real difference.
