The bravery of a man who entered a burning house to save the occupants is to be recognised by Governor-General, Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, at a ceremony in Wellington tomorrow (25 November 2010).
On Friday 26 November, the Governor-General will host an award ceremony for the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand at Islington House, on the grounds of Government House Wellington.
As Patron of the Society, the Governor-General will present a Silver Medal to Ricky Lee Te Huki.
On 18 November 2009, in Foxton, Mr Te Huki, along with another man who is to be honoured at a later date, were alerted to a fire in a neighbouring house.
They managed to get one woman out through a window but realised there was another woman and a baby inside. Despite entering the house on a number of occasions, they were forced out by the smoke and heat and the woman and baby died.
Since its inception in 1898, the Society has bestowed 2057 awards for acts of bravery where the rescuers have put their own lives at risk to assist others whose lives were in peril.
The ceremony will begin at 3pm on Friday 26 November 2010 at Islington House on the Government House grounds. Media wanting to attend this ceremony must contact Antony Paltridge, Public Affairs Manager on 021 470 583 by 10am on 26 November to register their attendance.
Media are reminded that a reasonable standard of dress is expected at Government House functions.