Allysa Curry has always wanted to shave her head in a bid to help people diagnosed with cancer.
She became even more determined two weeks ago when she found out her grandfather's cancer was terminal.
On Friday, supported by family and friends, and in front of an assembly of Pembroke School pupils, the 10-year-old had her hair shaved off.
Her goal was to raise $500 for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
By Friday morning, she had raised $1,081 online and $331.80 in donations at Pembroke School.
As various people, including her father Glen Curry and Pembroke School principal Brent Godfrey, took turns to shave her head, Allysa remained cool and calm.
When the clippers removed the final strands, the school pupils erupted in applause and after some photos, several children rushed forward to congratulate Allysa and rub her head.
''It feels funny,'' Allysa said.
She said she was thrilled to surpass her fundraising goal.
Another Pembroke School pupil Annaka Aitcheson (6), who has battled with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, also spoke to the assembly yesterday and told
Allysa that she was very brave to shave her hair.
''Not many kids would do this in our school,'' Annaka said.
''It is something the school should be proud of - she's really cool.''
Annaka showed Pembroke School pupils her Beads of Courage, recognising the strength and courage of each child during cancer treatment and procedures
For every treatment and procedure a child endures they receive a Bead of Courage.
Last time she showed the school, she had 500 Beads of Courage.
''I have now got 647 and I have finished cancer,'' she said.
Pembroke School also held a Teddy Bears Picnic to support Allysa. Each pupil brought a teddy bear and a gold coin donation to school.
