12 Nov 2025

Dad with stage four cancer still finding time to help kids without a father figure

From Nine To Noon, 10:30 am on 12 November 2025
Eric Haagh at a Big Buddy fundraiser

Photo: Big Buddy

Eric Haagh's lived a life on the water, and this weekend he'll be sharing his love of the sea with a boatload of boys who don't have a father figure in their lives.

He understands what they're going through - he lost his own father when he was just 12. He's also living with stage four bowel cancer, and he knows his own time with his 10-year-old son Flynn is precious.

Eric is co-director of boat rental firm Skipperi, and the boys on the water this weekend are part of the Big Buddy programme, which pairs boys aged 7 to 17 with a male mentor.

He joins Kathryn to talk about why he's taking time to help the Big Buddy programme.

Get the RNZ app

for easy access to all your favourite programmes

Subscribe to Nine To Noon

Podcast (MP3) Oggcast (Vorbis)