But there is something that sets him apart. Cyrus has cerebral palsy, a physical disability that affects his movement, posture, and speech.
Earlier this year the Newlands College student set out to raise enough money for an inclusive swing for his local park, Tawhai Raunui Play Area in Woodridge. He wanted a specially designed supportive bucket swing, which he and other disabled children could enjoy.
Cyrus (of Waikato Tainui) and his mum, Kris, shared their plans with Wellington City Council, which supported the duo’s venture and agreed to project manage the ordering and installation of the swing, should their fundraising efforts succeed.
Well, it didn’t take long for Cyrus to knock his goal of $23,000 – the full cost of equipment, shipping, safety surfacing, and installation – out of the park.
“Cyrus helped to set up a Givealittle page, he made posters and pamphlets, then he stared emailing people including media asking for support,” Kris says.
“TVNZ came back and said we’d love to have Cyrus on the Breakfast show – I was at work while he was doing all these emails – he was supposed to be doing his homework.”