Former Rainbow Warrior bombing detective in crash

Allan Galbraith and his wife were trapped in the red Mazda for 40 minutes after a crash at Kauri on November 27. Photo / John Stone

A Wellington couple involved in a three-car crash in Northland are deeply moved by the help they received from the public and emergency services.

Allan Galbraith, 78, and his wife Joan, 77, had been holidaying in Russell where they have family and were on their way to a birthday and wedding in Auckland when they were involved in the collision on State Highway 1, Kauri, north of Whangarei, on November 27.

The couple were trapped in their red Mazda for 40 minutes before emergency services freed them. Mr Galbraith doesn't remember "a great deal" about what happened but remembers the help they received.

Allan Galbraith.

"It happened so suddenly, we were shocked," he said. "An off-duty fireman came to help and asked if my neck was sore and gave me a collar. There were other people behind us and on the side of us and they just kept talking to us and kept us calm and steady."

He said Craig and Greta Harman of Hikurangi were among those who tried to help, and Mr Galbraith has called to thank them. He also wrote to the Advocate to thank emergency services and members of the public.

Mr Galbraith is an ex-detective who played a key role in cracking the Rainbow Warrior bombing case in 1985. While in Northland the couple visited Matauri Bay, near the ship's final resting place.

"We are just really grateful for the efforts of the emergency services. I admire people who do their job well and really make an effort."

After firefighters cut the roof off their car, Mr and Mrs Galbraith were taken to hospital. They both suffered fractured sternums and Mrs Galbraith had a few fractured ribs. They remained in hospital for about 10 days and were visited by their four children who came from Wellington, Rotorua and Melbourne.

"We did laugh when we saw the story and it said a driver aged 78 because when we see those things we think 'silly old bugger must have done something stupid' but I didn't do anything stupid," he said.