Chch mosque hero, murdered police officer among those awarded for bravery

A hero who saved worshippers during the Christchurch mosque shootings and a police officer who was fatality shot while trying to assist his partner are among those to be recognised for acts of bravery today.

They are among a group of 38 Kiwis awarded for their actions during acts of bravery in some of New Zealand’s most high-profile events of recent years.

Those being recognised in the 2024 New Zealand Bravery Awards have been honoured for their work to try and save lives during tragedies including the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, the 2021 Dunedin supermarket stabbing, the 2021 New Lynn terrorist attack and Cyclone Gabrielle.

Man who distracted Christchurch terrorist recognised

The first name to appear on the list was Hussein Al-Umari, who was killed when an armed white supremacist entered Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch, gunning down dozens of worshippers.

During the shooting, Al-Umari charged towards the shooter to draw his shots away from other worshippers. Instead of leaving the mosque through an exit in the library, Al-Umari returned to the prayer room where people were being shot and faced the terrorist. He was the only person standing on his side of the room as others attempted to take cover or flee.

While the gunman was focused on worshippers around Al-Umari, another was able to tackle him to the ground from behind.

“In challenging the gunman, Mr Hussein drew attention away from others who were able to flee. Mr Hussein’s selfless actions demonstrated outstanding bravery, at the cost of his life,” his citation read.

He was awarded the New Zealand Bravery Star for his actions that day. His award was the result of a coronial inquest pushed by his family to ensure his actions that day were recognised.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: “Mr Al-Umari was a hero. Because of his selfless actions, many of the congregation had a chance to escape the murderous rampage in this sacred place of worship. This Bravery Star recognises the extraordinary sacrifice Mr Al-Umari made.”

2021 Dunedin supermarket stabbing

Several people who worked to save shoppers and restrain the offender during the 2021 Dunedin supermarket stabbing were recognised. Two of them received bravery stars for their actions during the attack that saw four people injured.

Corrections Officer Jorge Roberto Fuenzalida and supermarket supervisor Dallas Wilson, who both suffered life-threatening stab wounds while trying to stop the attacker when his frenzy first started, were awarded New Zealand Bravery Stars.

“Four people were stabbed in this attack, and without the help of Jorge and Dallas, many more may have been injured or died,” Luxon said.

Police Sergeant Sophie Allison, who used a plastic chair to restrain the offender, was also awarded.

Allison, who was a constable at the time, was off duty at the supermarket when the attack happened. When the stabber was distracted, Allison used a plastic chair to pin him to the floor before restraining his arms. She worked with supermarket staff, shoppers, and another off-duty officer to restrain the offender until uniformed police arrived to take him into custody.

Allison was awarded the New Zealand Bravery Medal for her actions that day.

Fuenzalida’s wife, Vanessa Miller-Andrews, store manager Ron Andrew, employees Hope Clayton, Ryan Ross, and Pam Thompson, as well as off-duty officer Jeremy Toschi, also received awards for bravery.

“It is inconceivable that such an attack could happen in broad daylight as people went about their daily business. That members of the public – ordinary people – went to the aid of the victim with no thought for their own safety makes me very proud to be a New Zealander,” Luxon said.

Police officers recognised

A number of police officers received awards for acts of bravery across several events and incidents.

They include officers who jumped into floodwaters during Cyclone Gabrielle to save people in danger, members of the Armed Offenders Squad who stopped a fleeing gunman, an officer who suffered second-degree burns while trying to save a woman from a burning car, and an officer who tried to save a missing firefighter during the Auckland Anniversary Floods.

Constable Matthew Hunt, fatally shot while trying to assist his partner Constable David Goldfinch, who had been wounded by the gunman, was recognised. Hunt was posthumously awarded The New Zealand Bravery Decoration, while Goldfinch received The New Zealand Bravery Medal.

“Constable Matthew Hunt showed extraordinary bravery in harrowing circumstances. I am pleased to see his actions recognised today,” Associate Police Minister Casey Costello said.

“Men and women who put their lives in danger every single day in order to protect New Zealand’s people. We owe you our deep thanks for your service,” Luxon said.

Full list of bravery award recipients:

The New Zealand Bravery Star – NZBS – For an act of outstanding bravery in a situation of danger.

The New Zealand Bravery Decoration – NZBD – For an act of exceptional bravery in a situation of danger.

The New Zealand Bravery Medal – NZBM – For an act of bravery.