The four men who saved two lives from a sinking car last winter have been recognised by Nelson City Council for their efforts.
Nelson mayor Rachel Reese presented the Royal Humane Society Awards for Bravery to local men Kyle Paki Paki and Philip Walker, and honoured Atawhai man Gary Miller and British tourist Adam Black, this morning in a special ceremony held in the Council Chamber.
The awards are in recognition of the men’s actions on 13 July 2013, which lead to the successful rescue of Filemoni Fa’avae and Ali Fa’avae from their vehicle, after it crashed into Saltwater Creek. The men also pulled driver Janice Fa’avae from the submerged vehicle though, sadly, she did not survive the incident despite their best efforts.
Rachel presented Kyle Paki Paki and Philip Walker with the Royal Humane Society’s Bronze Medal. Gary Miller and Adam Black were unable to attend the ceremony, but have been awarded the Royal Humane Society’s Certificate of Merit.
Rachel offered her heartfelt thanks to the men and said it is testament to their selflessness that they didn’t hesitate to help when faced with a life and death situation.
“I am very proud that we have people in our community who epitomise the spirit of bravery and public service. It says a lot about Nelsonians that our people responded so heroically in such a critical situation. It is a privilege to be able to publicly recognise this courage.
“The impact of an event like the accident at Saltwater Creek is long-standing, and surely something that no one involved will ever forget. I hope that we can all be inspired by these men’s extraordinary courage to live our own lives with compassion and bravery, whatever situations we find ourselves in.”
The four men also won the South Island’s Pride of New Zealand Award for bravery and heroism last month, and next week will travel to Auckland for the national finals.
To vote for the men in the people’s choice award visit www.prideofnzawards.co.nz.
