Brave teen asked to consider police as career

Caine Spick gets career advice from Superintendent Alistair Beckett, head of the Royal Police Training College at Porirua. Picture / Paul Estcourt

A teenager who didn't hesitate before diving off a wharf to rescue a drowning child received a medal yesterday - and a shoulder-tap from the police.

Caine Spick, now 18, received the New Zealand Bravery Medal from Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright at Government House in Auckland.

The national police training commander, Superintendent Alistair Beckett, who was at the ceremony, handed Mr Spick his card and suggested that he try policing as a career.

After all, someone who would dive into a turbulent river to save a drowning boy showed the calibre that the police sought, he said.

Mr Spick was 15 in April 2003 when he, twin brother Parry and a friend were fishing on Tinopai Wharf in Kaipara Harbour.

They were interrupted by a frantic child who said his friend had fallen from the wharf.

Mr Spick jumped in, grabbed the boy, who was being swept away with the tide, and held on to him, despite going under repeatedly and swallowing large amounts of water.

As the pair were washed 300m downstream towards the Tasman Sea, Parry Spick and the friend ran for help and a fisherman in a boat rescued them around five minutes after Mr Spick had dived in and just as he thought he could hang on no longer. During the drama, Mr Spick knew there was a chance he might himself drown, but he was determined not to let go of the boy.

"He was only a kid. If someone needs help, it's what you do."

Mr Spick, who lives in Paparoa, Northland, said he enjoyed yesterday's medal ceremony, which he attended wearing a knee-high cast, courtesy of a rugby match.

"It is pretty great to be here ... You don't see this sort of thing in the middle of Paparoa."

Others honoured were winemaker George Fistonich, athlete Beatrice Faumuina and actor Michael Hurst, who were recipients of Queen's Birthday Honours.