Royal Humane Society of New Zealand

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; Your Worship Rick Cooper, Mayor of Taupo; Rob Williams, Chief Executive of the Taupo District Council; Louise Upston, member of Parliament for Taupo; Tony Holt and your friends and family; Emma Kerr and your daughter Riley; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

It was with pleasure to be here today for the presentation of a Royal Humane Society of New Zealand bravery silver medal.  As Patron of the Society, I would like to speak of the significance of the honour being conferred 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 Society recognised those that have, in dangerous circumstances, bravely saved, or attempted to save the lives of others, sometimes at the cost of their own life.

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, who 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 are usually humble in their acceptance of the good that they have done and many try to 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.

I am reminded of the way Scottish poet Joanna Baillie described bravery as being contradictory to the human instinct of preserving one’s own life before another. She wrote:

“The brave man is not he who feels no fear,
For that were stupid and irrational;
But he, whose noble soul its fears subdues,
And bravely dares the danger nature shrinks from.”

The silver medal being awarded this afternoon represents bravery displayed in rescuing others whose lives are in danger, and is a demonstration of the greatest of human qualities – putting one’s life in danger to save another. 

Tony Holt’s actions on 1 March 2009, where he put his life at great risk when saving a mother and daughter from a burning car that later exploded, are to be hugely praised.

The fact  that Emma Kerr and her daughter Riley are here today is wonderful and I am sure they will be forever grateful for what was done by Tony Holt.

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.