"I knew I had to do something..."

12 August 2008

By Judith Martin

Lance Corporal Dave Hiroti was nearing the end of a 14km run when he heard yelling and saw an upturned dinghy in the Whanganui River.

Territorial (LCPL) David Hiroti sits by the Whanganui River bank. (OH-08-0472-04).

He was part way across the Aramaho rail bridge, and soon realised that a couple of adults and a child were in serious trouble in the deep and muddy water below.

The Territorial Force soldier and father of five sprinted the 800 metres to where he could enter the river. He reached the overturned boat and dragged an adult and a five year old child to safety. He re-entered the river and managed to swim a distressed woman to safety despite being pushed under the water several times during the rescue.

LCPL Hiroti's actions just on 18 months ago have earned him a Royal Humane Society of New Zealand Bronze Medal for Bravery. The Society's president, former High Court judge Neil Hathaway presented the medal to LCPL Hiroti in July, saying he had put his own life at risk to save the lives of others, and commended his bravery and awareness.

Recalling the rescue, LCPL Hiroti says he heard someone yelling "Save the kids, save the kids," and knew he had to do something quickly. "There were no buoyancy aids in the dingy, and I could see straight away they needed a hand."

He says receiving a bravery award was "a bit overwhelming. I'm more of a back-seat sort of person."

A former Regular Force soldier who served with the RNZA , LCPL Hiroti joined the police six years ago, but has maintained his links with the Army, joining 5 WWCT Battalion, where he looks after the unit's transport assets. He also helps with pre-deployment training.

Whanganui born and bred, he is of Ngati Apa, Ati Hauapaparangi, and Nga Rauru descent. His father, Dave Hiroti senior, is a Vietnam veteran who also served with the artillery.

The rescue had its consequences for LCPL Hiroti; he swallowed a water- borne parasite which caused his liver to partly shut down. He was seriously ill and off work for some time, but is now almost fully recovered.

"I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I didn't do something for those people. They're safe, and that's what matters," he says.

Chief of Army, MAJGEN Lou Gardiner says he is very proud of LCPL Hiroti's actions.

"They clearly demonstrate three of the Army's core values - commitment - he committed himself to the task, comradeship - he cared about other people to the extent he risked his own life, and particularly courage, which of course is self evident. This type of behaviour comes from having a strong set of core values that are embedded in a person's character. Like all Army personnel I am very proud of LCPL Hiroti's actions and wish him a full recovery from the sickness caused by his actions."