Dame Cindy with Tim and Matt Dodge
TIMOTHY DODGE
MATTHEW DODGE
On Tuesday 14 February, during Cyclone Gabrielle, Matt and Tim Dodge, residents of Hastings District, displayed extraordinary courage and decisiveness in a critical flood rescue operation. Engaged in monitoring pump stations for the Council, they became aware that the Ngaruroro River, swollen by the rapid rainfall, was close to breaching its banks near Hohepa, Clive.
Despite encountering a Police roadblock at Chesterhope Bridge, the urgency and necessity of their mission were recognised, and they were given access. Navigating a truck and digger across the increasingly vulnerable bridge, Matt and Tim arrived at Links Road amidst severe flooding.
Here, they identified several people stranded on a roof. With skilful use of the digger, Matt and Tim executed a timely rescue, securing the individuals in their vehicle for safety.
Their courage was further tested on Pākōwhai Road, where Matt and Tim found a group of ten, including police officers, endangered by the floodwaters. In an environment where traditional rescue methods were not possible, they skilfully used the digger to retrieve each person from the treacherous conditions.
Recognising the immediate need for warmth among those rescued, Matt and Tim provided shelter in their heated Land Cruiser. During their attempts to seek safety, Matt was briefly swept away by the flood, further underlining the extremely dangerous nature of their situation.
Rising waters eventually submerged their truck, meaning an evacuation to the vehicle’s roof was necessary. The rescue of 17 individuals was ultimately and successfully completed with assistance from an Inflatable Rescue Boat.
Following this rescue operation, Matt and Tim immediately resumed their civic duties, contributing to emergency efforts in Te Awanga.