David Shearer gets sheared (by Russel Norman) in support of blood cancer

It was a close shave, but Labour Party leader David Shearer ‘won’ an online poll against Green Party co-leader Russel Norman in which Kiwis voted for who they most wanted to see have his head shaved.

Russel Norman took great delight in shaving the head of David Shearer live on Breakfast television this morning, who ‘won’ with 52 per cent of the 1,100 votes to mark the first day of the Shave for a Cure campaign (26 – 31 March) at Queens Wharf in Wellington.

To show his support Russel Norman then agreed to get his head shaved by Shearer.

Georgie Hackett, spokesperson for LBC, said, “It was a close race for a while, and we were delighted that so many Kiwis cast their vote. We are also very touched that the heads of political parties were prepared to lose their hair for our campaign.”

David Shearer said: “Given the cause, it was a sacrifice I was prepared to make, though I’m not sure my wife would agree. If it raises the awareness of the work the foundation does and helps more people to get the support and assistance they need, then it’s been well worth it.”

Russel Norman said: “It’s a great cause which I don’t mind losing my hair for. The bald look works for my colleague Kevin Hague and I think it will be a winner for me too. And at the end of the day it’s about raising awareness on a really important issue.

“Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand does great work for an important cause and I’m happy I’ve had chance to be a part of it,” he added.

The political duo will be joined by the thousands of individuals in schools, universities, businesses and community groups who will shave their heads this week.

LBC receives no government funding so the money raised goes towards their core services including patient support and research.

It’s not too late to register to shave – register online now www.shaveforacure.co.nz.

Follow Shave for a Cure on Facebook www.facebook.com/LBFNZ during Shave 12.