Dudley Andrews NZ hero now

THE WINNER: Dudley Andrews, winner of the 2015 Pride of New Zealand award for heroism.

Dudley Andrews became an instant local hero at Waipapakauri Ramp on Sunday March 1.

The former soldier, now (Kaitaia College) teacher, was planning to dig for tuatua with his family when he saw a small boy in trouble far out beyond the breakers.

Mr Andrews, who later said he had prepared himself for the possibility that he might die, told his daughter that he loved her and swam out to rescue the child.

Safely back on the beach, he realised that a second boy had been swept out even further, so he retrieved him as well.

His courage that day brought him considerable recognition, including a police District Commander's citation.

Last night it brought him the Pride of New Zealand Award for bravery/heroism.

Mr Andrews was one of six outstanding New Zealanders, all of them regional award winners, who received national awards at a function at the Auckland Ware Memorial Museum. Unfortunately the embargo on the news did not enable the Northland Age to talk to him or his family before this edition went to press.

Sir Peter Leitch, who was one of the judges, said it was great to honour ordinary people who had become heroes by contributing to their communities.

"I salute them all," he said. "They are making the difference in our country. We have a room full of good people, and that's a real buzz. They're people who just do little things all the time - even just running a sausage sizzle for a charity. Unsung heroes come in many different forms."

Fellow judge Bernice Mene said her role had reminded her that many ordinary Kiwis were doing extraordinary things.

"Often you hear all the stuff that's going wrong out there, but this is celebrating all the good stuff," she said.

"What's unique about our country is that our environment is accessible to everyone, and we have so many people doing what they can to take care of it."

NZME. chief executive and judge Jane Hastings was delighted that NZME., via The NZ Herald and The Hits, was able to give something back and support the community that had supported the company over the years.

"People who on a daily basis are choosing to work tirelessly and selflessly to help others and the environment are New Zealand's true heroes," she said.

"The Pride of New Zealand awards shines a spotlight on these people, and aims to promote their efforts to garner greater support and to thank them for being truly exceptional individuals."

-The winners' stories can be read at www.nzherald.co.nz/prideofnzawards