Memorial for kiwi hero Agnes 'Aggie' Auelua

"She was incredibly positive, very bright, full of energy, very generous and giving". Photo / Facebook

Hundreds of people turned out to remember the Lower Hutt woman who died saving a young boy who was swept off rocks in New South Wales this month.

Agnes 'Aggie' Auelua died after jumping into the sea to save a 9-year-old boy near Fingal Head lighthouse, New South Wales, on October 10. The boy was pulled to safety but Ms Auelua died in hospital.

A memorial was held by the Fingal community yesterday, with members of the local surf club paddling a rescue board etched with the name 'Aggie' to lay a wreath on the water in the 26-year-old woman's honour.

Flowers were then laid on the board at the beach and a ceremony including prayers and dances was held.

Fingal Surf Life Saving Club president Steven Kudzius told Radio New Zealand more than 400 people - including friends, family and nearly every Fingal resident - turned out to remember Ms Auelua.

"It was a very emotional day. The ceremony did bring a tear to just about everyone's eye, honouring such a brave soul like that.

"I've just finished having a chat to a lady who was on the beach at the time [Ms Auelua died] and she was touched ... it gave her closure after being involved as a public bystander at an event like that."

Mr Kudzius said he was "second on the scene" from the surf club on October 10.
He said the surf club team was very competent at getting people out of water and performing CPR but it didn't make the job any easier.

"We spend a lot of time training for events like this, in saying that it doesn't make it any easier for you.

"A loss of a life [is] something that rocks you to your core and there's nothing you can do to prepare yourself for something like that. It was a difficult, difficult time."

Ms Auelua has since been remembered as a lively woman with a "positive attitude".

Earlier her uncle, who asked not to be named, said he did not believe his niece was a good swimmer and was surprised she jumped in the water, even though she was brave.

"We are grieving. We are suffering," he said.

Teachers at Sacred Heart College in Lower Hutt shared fond memories of their former pupil after hearing the news.

"She was incredibly positive, very bright, full of energy, very generous and giving," religious studies teacher Gabrielle Bartholomew said.

"We have fond memories of Agnes and we extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends."

Deputy principal Alison Spencer, who also taught Ms Auelua, said people weren't surprised she jumped into the water to save the boy. The teachers remembered Ms Auelua as someone who always put others first.

English and religious studies teacher Anne Davies said Agnes was a popular student and "an important part" of the community.
"She was a person you remember."