Editorial: Recognition deserved for act of kindness

Hine Takao

Not many people have a heart as big as Hine Takao.

Ask yourself - if you were heading home from work in the early hours and you noticed a teenager and a young man outside your workplace would you welcome them into your home?

That's what Mrs Takao did.

When she finished work at Countdown supermarket at 6am on Tuesday she saw the 14-year-old curled up on a bench outside the store with the 22-year-old man keeping watch.

They told her the last time they'd eaten was Friday.

She offered them food and shelter - the man declined but she took the teenager home for what he called the best sleep he'd had in a long time.

She gave him food and drink and clean clothes.

The world needs more Hine Takaos - though authorities are right to advise caution. There's a reason few people would invite strangers into their homes.

But in a way that's what makes her actions all the more remarkable. And she'd do it again.
She told our reporter: "I would do it all again for any child. In a heartbeat".

When we first heard from a reader about this story we wanted to find out who this wonderful woman was.

We posted a request on our Facebook page and within a few minutes we had our answer.

Clearly Mrs Takao's good deed had not gone unnoticed - but we're delighted to be able to tell a wider audience.

Thanks to those who responded - you've helped bring a smile to many of our readers, and recognition to a deserving soul.