On Wednesday afternoon, July 24th, Malachi (Year 9) decided it was time for a haircut, where he had a positive encounter with current All Black, Damian McKenzie. This is Malachi's story in his own words:

It was a chilly afternoon when I decided it was time for a fresh haircut. My best friend Ryan and I had been planning to try out a new barbershop called 'Fadi Fades', which had been gaining a lot of buzz around town for its sharp cuts and cool atmosphere. We thought it would be a great way to catch up and treat ourselves after a long week of school.

As we walked into 'Fadi Fades', the sound of upbeat music and the buzz of clippers filled the air. The shop had a modern industrial vibe, with exposed brick walls adorned with graffiti art and vintage barber chairs that added a touch of classic charm. The aroma of sandalwood and fresh aftershave wafted through the space, making it feel welcoming and trendy all at once.

There was a bit of a line, but we didn’t mind waiting. Ryan and I took seats on the comfy leather couch, chatting and scrolling through our phones while the barbers skillfully worked their magic on the clients ahead of us.

After about twenty minutes, one of the barbers signaled that I was next. I stood up, ready for my turn, when suddenly the bell above the door chimed, and in walked none other than Damian McKenzie, the All Blacks superstar himself.

The entire shop seemed to pause for a moment as people recognised him. Damian had his signature playful grin and was dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans, but his presence was unmistakable. Being a massive rugby fan, especially of the All Blacks, I was instantly starstruck. Ryan's eyes widened, and he nudged me excitedly, whispering, “Dude, that’s Damian McKenzie! This is insane!”

Damian approached the receptionist and politely asked, “Hey mate, any chance I could get a quick trim? Got a photoshoot later today, and my hair’s a bit all over the place.” The receptionist, clearly thrilled to have a celebrity in the shop, replied eagerly, “Of course! We can get you in right now.”

I watched as the barber who had just called me over gestured Damian toward the chair. Part of me was a little disappointed, but mostly I was just excited to be in the same room as one of my sports heroes. I shrugged it off and sat back down next to Ryan, who was already pulling out his phone to sneak a quick photo. “This is wild,” he chuckled. “Only us, huh?”

As Damian settled into the chair, he glanced around the shop and his eyes landed on me. Noticing that I had been about to take the seat, he leaned over to the barber and said something I couldn’t quite hear. The barber nodded, but the haircut proceeded as usual. I tried not to stare, but it was hard not to be fascinated watching him up close, chatting casually with the barber as if he were just any other guy.

About ten minutes into his cut, Damian looked back in my direction and called out, “Hey mate, sorry for jumping in ahead of you. Didn’t mean to cut the line.” I was a bit taken aback but managed to respond, “No worries at all! Big fan, by the way.” He smiled warmly and replied, “Appreciate it! Next cut’s on me then, yeah?” I laughed, thinking he was just being polite. “That’s alright, no need,” I said, but he just winked and went back to his conversation with the barber.

Ryan was practically buzzing next to me. “Did Damian McKenzie just offer to pay for your haircut?” he whispered excitedly. I shrugged, still not quite believing it. “I think he was just being friendly,” I replied, but secretly I was thrilled by the interaction.

After Damian’s cut was finished, which looked as sharp as expected, he stood up and chatted briefly with some of the other patrons, taking a couple of quick selfies and signing an autograph or two. As he made his way to the counter to pay, he looked back at me and said, “Don’t forget, your cut’s covered, mate. Enjoy!” Before I could protest, he was out the door, leaving the shop buzzing with excitement.

When it was finally my turn, I sat in the chair still processing what had just happened. The barber, a friendly guy, grinned at me through the mirror. “Pretty cool, huh? Damian’s a regular here whenever he’s in town. Really down-to-earth guy.” I smiled back. “Yeah, that was unexpected. Didn’t think I’d be getting a haircut sponsored by an All Black today.”

The barber proceeded to give me one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had, paying attention to every detail and even throwing in some styling tips. Throughout the cut, we chatted about rugby, local happenings, and he told me stories about other famous clients he’d had over the years. The atmosphere was lively, and I felt completely at ease.

Once my haircut was done, I admired the fresh look in the mirror, feeling more confident than ever. As I walked over to the counter to pay, the receptionist waved me off with a smile. “You’re all set. Damian took care of it,” she confirmed. I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear. “Well, please tell him thanks again if you see him,” I said.

That day wasn’t just about getting a haircut; it turned into an unforgettable story about kindness and chance encounters. Meeting Damian McKenzie and experiencing his generosity firsthand reminded me that sometimes the most unexpected moments can make the biggest impressions. Plus, I had a great new haircut and a story I knew I’d be telling for years to come.