Bay heroes humbled by honour

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The Tauranga constable hailed for saving the life of a man in a van that plunged off Maungatapu Bridge earlier this year is one of this year's Western Bay Local Heroes.

Constable Deane O'Connor is joined by kiwifruit stalwart Ian Greaves, holistic veterinarian Liza Schneider and Katikati community volunteer David Owen as regional winners of this year's Kiwibank Local Heroes Awards.
Constable Dean O'Connor, Ian Greaves, David Owens, Liz Schneider and Shona Hammond Boys with their Kiwibank Local Heroes medals.

The recipient's selfless and inspirational actions were commended at a small medal ceremony with friends and family at Historic Village on Monday night.

New Zealander of the Year Awards national manager, Glyn Taylor, says the ceremony, in its fifth year, celebrates the achievements of 'everyday Kiwis” with 113 local heroes' nationwide receiving the award this year.

'This award recognises their commitment, passion and selflessness to the community. It is people in many works and areas of our community who keep our world turning.”

Constable Deane O'Connor is overwhelmed, yet humbled, by the praise heaped upon him following the fatal crash on the Maungatapu Bridge on August 12.

Deane was one of the first police officers on the scene of the crash that claimed the life of 24-year-old Tauranga father Greg Woledge.

Without hesitation, Dean stripped down to his underwear before jumping into the freezing waters to save the 23-year-old passenger in the van with Greg when it crashed through the barrier into the harbour.

Aided by Deane the pair were able to make their way back safely to shore where they were taken to to Tauranga Hospital suffering from hypothermia and later discharged.

'It's quite humbling, you actually feel too old to be standing up there with people who have done such wonderful things,” Deane told SunLive.

He says it was a moving moment to receive the award in front of his 'very proud” parents and family.

Kiwifruit grower Ian Greaves describes the award as a privilege both for himself, and the industry, as they continue to deal with the ravaging Psa-V disease.

When the vine killing disease hit the industry, Ian was instrumental in helping deal with the outbreak, quick to realise the huge impact it will have on the industry, individuals and the wider community.

Spearheading the grower and community welfare initiatives, Ian helped people through the loss associated with Psa-V, which devastated orchards across the North Island.

'It makes you stop and realise about yourself and all the people involved. This kiwifruit disease has got the whole community together and there are heaps of people involved in supporting growers.

'This was a great opportunity to keep giving back to the industry.”

Holistic Vets director Liza Schneider, initially surprised when informed of the award win, says it's a wonderful achievement to be recognised.

'It was a surprise to be nominated and selected for the award. It's a wonderful honour and it's very humbling; it brought a tear to my eye.”

Since opening Holistic Vets in 2003, the first of its kind in New Zealand, Liza has dedicated countless hours to educating the public and vets, helping drive positive change in healthcare, conservation and animal welfare.

She also established the Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre 10 years ago and in 2012 sought a solution to Tauranga's stray cat problem by implementing a Spray the Stray Cat Campaign. Since then about 330 stray cats have been taken off Tauranga's streets.

Katikati community volunteer David Owens was very surprised to be contacted as a recipient and even believed it was a scam at first.

'I am humbled indeed but still puzzled as to why I am getting this award.”

For many years David has been juggling a number of voluntary roles in the Katikati community including driving the local school bus for three years.

He is a Katikati Lions member, currently leading the projects committee, and an active volunteer with Forest and Bird. His interest and commitment to preserving the environment for future generations is evident in his work with the Aongatete Restoration Project and his involvement as a Trustee of the Aongatete Outdoor Education Centre.

'What I do is for enjoyment and it is just for the people, because if I didn't like it I wouldn't be doing it.”

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2 comments

Congrats

Posted on 19-11-2013 12:30 | By Calm Gully

Congratulations to all concerned! Has there been any follow up on the reason the car croosed the centre line causing the accident on Maungatapu Bridge?


Well Done Again Tauranga Police

Posted on 20-11-2013 17:00 | By carpedeum

So much of what our police do for us goes unnoticed- well done and thanks to this brave man


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