Timothy and Matthew Dodge from Hastings have been awarded the Stanhope Gold Medal by the Royal Humane Society in London for their exceptional bravery during Cyclone Gabrielle on 14 February 2023.

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“This is the premier bravery award selected from nominations made by Royal Humane Societies across the Commonwealth,” says Austin Forbes KC, President of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand. “The actions of Tim and Matt Dodge during the devastating floods in Hawke’s Bay demonstrated extraordinary courage, initiative, and an unwavering commitment to the lives of others under life-threatening circumstances.”

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On the day of the cyclone, while working for the Hastings District Council monitoring pump stations, Tim and Matt became aware that the Ngaruroro River near Hohepa, Clive was close to breaching its banks. Despite road closures, they were granted access across the Chesterhope Bridge due to the urgency of their mission. Driving a truck and digger through increasingly dangerous flood conditions, they arrived at Links Road where they discovered several people stranded on a rooftop.

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Using the digger, they carefully rescued the group and transported them to safety. Their bravery continued on Pākōwhai Road, where they came across another group of ten people, including Police officers, trapped by rising floodwaters. With conventional rescue methods unavailable, the brothers again used the digger to bring each person to safety.

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Those rescued were given shelter in theLand Cruiser while attempts were made to evacuate to higher ground. During the ordeal, Matt was swept away by floodwaters but managed to return. Eventually, their vehicle was submerged, and all 17 people were forced onto the roof before being rescued by an Inflatable Rescue Boat.

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“Despite the extraordinary events they had just been through, Tim and Matt returned immediately to emergency duties in Te Awanga to continue supporting the community,” says Mr Forbes.

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Tim Dodge said of the recognition: “We didn’t expect anything like this – we just knew we had to do what we could. The real reward was knowing people made it home safely.”

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The Stanhope Medal is named after Commander Chandos Scudamore Stanhope, a British Royal Naval Officer who was awarded the Royal Humane Society Silver Medal in 1851 for saving the life of a fellow seaman.

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Mr Forbes adds, “This award is a rare honour – and well deserved. Tim and Matt’s actions represent the highest ideals of bravery and public service. 

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Tim and Matt Dodge had previously each been awarded Silver medals by the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand. Their rescue operation saved the lives of 17 individuals in extreme and dangerous conditions.