Speech
Royal Humane Society of New Zealand bravery award
To view images from the ceremony, click here
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: Austin Forbes, President of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand; Ricky Te Huki and your family; Ladies and Gentlemen.
As Patron of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand, I would like to speak briefly of the significance of the honour conferred this afternoon.
The Royal Humane Society of New Zealand has been part of New Zealand life since 1898. While there were significant awards for those in the military who had performed acts of bravery in wartime, there were no awards in peacetime to honour brave civilians, who risked their lives undertaking brave acts.
In its time, the Society has recognised a great many who have, in dangerous circumstances, bravely saved, or attempted to save the lives of others, sometimes at the cost of their own life.
While the Government later established awards for civilian bravery, the Society’s awards continue to be officially recognised. Along with honours made by the Order of St John, Royal Humane Society of New Zealand awards are the only non-government honours that can be worn with Royal honours.
It is not then surprising then that this Society has been supported by every Governor-General and held vice-regal patronage since its inception and it is a great honour, as Patron, to able to recognise the brave among us.
Bravery is, in essence, the product of courage which the British Prime Minister of 60 years ago, Sir Winston Churchill, described as follows: “Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others.”
Courage, however, is not common in all people. The few that display it are often humble in their acceptance of the good that they may have done, and many try to pass it off as something that anyone would have done in similar circumstances.
It is not often that a person is placed in circumstances where bravery and courage is required, to attempt to preserve the life of another.
The silver medal which I have had the privilege of awarding this afternoon represents significant bravery displayed in attempting to rescue others whose lives were in danger, and is a demonstration of the greatest of human qualities – putting one’s life in danger to save another.
Ricky Te Huki, your actions on 18 November last year, where, along with Paul Graham, you put your life at great risk attempting to save people trapped in a burning house are worthy of both praise and acknowledgement.
It is in the nature of ceremonies such as this that they are often bitter-sweet gatherings. Sadly, while you were able to get one woman out through a window, despite then entering the burning house, a woman and baby inside lost their lives.
You have displayed the greatest of human qualities, courage and it is an honour that I confer this medal on you this afternoon.
And on that note, 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.
To read the award citation, click here