I was casually walking to get my lunch on Tuesday when a fight broke out between four young blokes close to Tauranga City Library. It was three against one, and the single male keep taking fists to the face, swearing and walking away, only to turn around and charge right back into the fray.

What astounded me about this street brawl, though, was the people that broke it up.

A woman in her mid-50s got between the four lads, arms outstretched, trying to hold them apart, as fists and curses flew over her head.

Then a snowy-haired lady, probably in her 70s, pulled the solo fighter aside and tried to talk him down. A brave, bolshie woman in her late 20s also told them to grow up, break it up and 'be the bigger bloke”.

Women of all ages and all walks of life – professionals, retired, and young people – began walking across the street ready to intervene if needed, myself included.

I want to say thank you to the brave women that stepped up to help stop this street brawl.

F McGrath, Whakatane.