Rescuers helping the man to safety. Photo / NZ Police
"Tell my wife I love her."
Those were the words a brave police officer heard when he plunged into the Manukau Harbour to reassure a kayaker who had given up hope of returning home after spending three hours in the chilly water.
"The male was [saying], 'tell my wife I love her' and all of those sorts of things," said Air support unit Sergeant Colin Ware, the rescuers' superior.
"His mindset was he was close to giving up by the sound of it, he didn't give very positive feedback initially," he told the Herald.
The Eagle helicopter spotted the man who was motionless in the water apart from signalling to them with a thumbs down to suggest he was in a bad way.
It's not overly common but it's something they train for in case the decision is made to assist someone, regardless, the crew don't see themselves as heroes.
"It was a good call to get in the water with him, the crew concerned are pleased they were able to help, they don't want to be publicised," Ware said.
The man was transported to Waitakere Hospital in a serious condition on Tuesday afternoon.