Royal Humane Society Bravery Awards

I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni, and as it is afternoon [sign].

I then specifically greet you: Your Honour Judge Neil Hattaway, President of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand and your Court of Directors; Norman West, Secretary of the Society; Your Worship Garry Jackson, Mayor of Hurunui District; Inspector Steve Caldwell, Blenheim Police Area Commander; the award recipients and your friends and family; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

My wife Susan and I welcome you to the Canterbury Club for this presentation of two Royal Humane Society of New Zealand bravery medals.

Before I present these medals, as Patron of the Society, I would like to speak of the significance of the awards being given today.

In 1898, some 112 years ago, the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand was established. Although significant awards existed for those in the military who had performed acts of bravery in wartime, it was clear that there was a need to honour brave civilians.

The Society was then established in response to this need in recognising civilians who risked their lives in peacetime.

In the present day, the role of the Society is to recognise those that have, in dangerous circumstances, saved, or attempted to save the lives of others, sometimes at the cost of their own life in their act of bravery.

It is not surprising then that this Society has held Vice-Regal Patronage since its inception with successive Governors in the early years and following that, Governors-General accepting the Office of Patron.

It is a great honour to be Patron of this Society and to confer medals to the bravest among us.

Bravery is, in essence, the product of courage which is described by the well known author C.S. Lewis. He wrote:

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”

Courage, which underlies all other virtues, is something that is not common in all people. The few that display it however are usually humble in their acceptance of the good that they have done and pass it off as something that anyone would have done in the same circumstance.

However it is not often that a person is placed in those circumstances where bravery and courage is required, to attempt to preserve the life of another.

A well known biblical passage, in the book of John, describes the act placing one’s own life in danger to save another:

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

Those that are receiving medals here today have displayed this kind of love for others. They have displayed the greatest of human qualities as I am sure you would all agree.

The two silver medals being awarded this afternoon represent bravery displayed in rescuing others whose lives are in danger. 

The first incident occurred on 1 July 2008. Allan Maxted heard a car passing by his house followed by the impact of the car which had struck a power pole, following which the car caught on fire. Allan acted quickly, immediately calling emergency services and then running to the scene to attempt to rescue the driver from the burning car. A volunteer Chief Fire officer, Graeme Dalley who is present today, arrived and assisted Allan in freeing the driver and dragging him to safety.

The second incident occurred on 22 November 2008. Mackey Pouwhare rescued three children from a crash site where a power pole carrying 6,500 volt wires had collapsed around the car and had electrocuted the two mothers. Mackey risked his life by going under the wires and pulling two babies out of the crash site and encouraging the eldest to crawl to safety towards him. Tragically one of the mothers died at the scene.

To Allan and Mackey: Your valiant actions preserved lives of those who were in peril. It is therefore with great respect and appreciation that I move to present each of you with your medal.

But before I do, I will close in our country's first language offering everyone greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours.

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.