“I was just telling him there’s a lot of good in life ... and I don’t know him, and I probably cannot relate to why he’s suffering, but I’m convinced that there is good things coming for him as well.”
She said she tried to relate to him by telling him about problems in her life.
“I was telling him about how sometimes I also felt really helpless.””
By the time the police arrived at the bridge, Idoia had talked the man down.
Idoia was acknowledged by the college’s principal Nita Pond at a school assembly on Wednesday and police area commander for Whanganui-Ruapehu, Neil Forlong, said the police would also give her an award of recognition.
Host mum Stephanie Reardon with Idoia Antunez Gwinner from Germany. Photo / Bevan Conley
Idoia said she was confused by everyone telling her she did something really good and heroic because “I just thought it was something everyone should do”.
She said she still thinks about the man.
Forlong said for Idoia to have been mature and responsible enough to do what she did was outstanding work.
“From my perspective, I thought it was an incredibly brave and kind thing for someone to do.
“To take the time and talk to the person and be empathetic towards that person’s needs to the point they trusted her enough to de-escalate the situation.”
Idoia will be heading back to Germany at the end of the current school term.
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
