Editorial: True heroes emerge

Kiharoa Rolleston (Kiha) tried to save the men who crashed off the Maungatapu Bridge last week, despite not being able to swim. Photo / Andrew Warner

Every now and then a news story captures the hearts and minds of the community for longer than normal, lingering amongst staffroom and dinner table conversations as other topics come and go.

Last week's tragic Maungatapu Bridge crash was one of these.

More than a week after the crash which killed a young Tauranga father, heroes from that dark winter's night have continued to emerge. One of the most compelling was that of Greerton dad Kiha Rolleston who put his own life at risk in a brave attempt to save the passenger who escaped from the sinking van.

When fear would have left many of us grasping the handrail of the bridge and watching in desperation as the passenger cried for help, Kiha saw no option but to answer those calls.

Despite not being able to swim he tied a rope around himself and jumped into the dark, chilly water.

The rope proved too short and Kiha never reached the struggling passenger but his efforts were incredibly courageous.

Thankfully his attempt was followed by that of police officer Constable Deane O'Connor, who did reach the passenger and swum him to shore, suffering hypothermia in the process. Both he and Kiha put their own safety and comfort aside for a stranger in need.

Another hero of the tragic story emerged on Monday at the funeral service for Mr Woledge.

His partner, Chelsea Findsen, who is pregnant with their second child, stood before the crowd of more than 400 family and friends and told them she would bring up their children exactly the way she and Greg had wanted and that she and their children would together fulfil the dreams they had shared.

What a brave and truly inspiring attitude from someone who lost the love of her life that night.

Among the tragedy and heroics have been conversations about safety and speed limits on the bridge, and theories about what happened that night. I hope in time the family and friends of those involved get the answers they so deserve.