Mr Ross Tomlinson, of Auckland, New Zealand Bravery Decoration for an act of exceptional bravery in a situation of danger
Ross Tomlinson was present in the supermarket at the time of the attack. He heard screams and saw shoppers rush out of the store. He witnessed the offender standing over a wounded woman on the floor. Mr Tomlinson, who had paramedic experience, moved towards the woman intending to assist, telling the offender to drop the knife. Other shoppers joined Mr Tomlinson in attempting to distract the offender. The offender swung his knife at other shoppers who had gotten closer to him before moving towards Mr Tomlinson. Mr Tomlinson grabbed a stanchion for protection from the supermarket counter area. Mr Tomlinson and other shoppers followed the offender to keep him distracted, using stanchions and trolleys to maintain distance and barriers. The shoppers retreated to either end of an aisle, with the offender in the middle, his attention split between the groups. At this time, two Police officers arrived to confront the offender, who was subsequently fatally shot. Mr Tomlinson then used his paramedic experience to assist the wounded with first aid.