Former professional boxer Dave Letele, aka Brown Buttabean, yesterday said thanks to Russell Roads for its support by sharing his motivational story.
Two years ago the Hastings civil engineering company's managing director Robbie Gale started sponsoring Mr Letele's boxing career after he was impressed with the heavyweight almost halving his body weight.
Born into a family of gang members Mr Letele was separated from his New Zealand siblings and raised in Australia by grandparents.
On returning to New Zealand he showed promise as a league player, playing for New Zealand secondary and Maori teams. He was signed to Manly but never played for the NRL team because of knee injuries.
Mr Letele moved into the business world where he said he over-reached, losing his businesses, his family and ultimately his health.