I posted a comment elsewhere today based on an event that to people outside of New Zealand would possibly seem mundane & an every day occurrence - a woman was assaulted in the inner city, a complete stranger intervened & was murdered in cold blood by the woman’s attacker.

But it’s not that simple, it’s indicative of our core values as a nation and as people that I hope will not be diluted in the same way the proud Polynesian culture has been hijacked by the American Gangsta rapper culture that deserves nothing less than banishment from the media as the bests means of eradicating the appalling values it promotes.

Read the article & try to understand how core it is to the values people like me have instilled from our earliest years. Stabbing victim’s family visit murder scene

People such as this special yet typical Kiwi will never hesitate to do what needs to be done including intervening in situation such as this with high probability of personal risk.

The tears I shed while watching his friends & colleagues interviewed were a combination of pride, deep sorrow for his family & friends, rage that someone felt it an appropriate response to his intervention in an assault upon another to stab & kill him to a set of values I hold that might not be so popular that despite this situation the perpetrator will be treated gently and with every consideration for his “rights”

Do I endorse violent response - no but at times it is the only appropriate outcome. I grew up in an environment where violence was commonplace and an acceptable response yet for 52 years have managed to avoid ever needing to cause anyone physical harm as part of resolving a confrontational situation. Would I resort to violence if I had to - yes & very effectively, brutally & with a swift finality to ensure the safety of myself & those I choose to protect yet I have always succeeded in using my brain and instincts as the best defence (and at times offence).

Long may this be a nation dominated by those who will not hesitate to intervene in defence of complete strangers & those in need of support, rescue or compassion without regard for personal risk or consequence.

Rest in peace Austin Hemmings - may your bravery & selfless courage create something special & important in this special nation.