Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull had his face painted blue yesterday to raise awareness about prostate cancer.
Mr Cull was given a key ring with blue balls for his effort.
Prostate Cancer Foundation chief executive Keith Beck, of Waverley, relished the opportunity to paint Mr Cull's face for the nationwide Blue September campaign.
Mr Beck used to work for Delta, a council-owned company.
"It feels good to plaster the boss," he said.
Mr Cull was one of many personalities who lent their faces to the campaign this week.
It aims to educate men about prostate cancer and encourage them to have annual health checks.
"Prostate cancer takes the lives of over 550 Kiwi men every year.
"That's too many in my opinion and it's about time we all stood up and took some responsibility for our health," Mr Cull said.
One in every 10 New Zealand men experienced prostate disease and 3000 new cases were diagnosed each year.
Prostate cancer was the most common cancer among male New Zealanders and could be treated if detected early.
Mr Cull's father had undergone two operations for prostate problems, and the mayor said he had friends with serious prostate cancer.
He made sure to schedule annual health checks with his doctor, he said.
The Robert Burns statue in the Octagon was sporting a blue scarf yesterday for the campaign, now in its fifth year.
Blue key rings were being sold in support of the campaign.
