Tribute to Hastings teens for saving girl

Three Hastings Boys' High School students who "acted beyond their years" to save a 12-year-old school girl from abduction have been officially recognised by police.
At a ceremony held in their honour yesterday, Liam Mataira, Benjamin Hayllar, and Tama McKenzie were thanked by local Police Area Commander Inspector Dean Clifford.
During a speech Mr Clifford commended the boys' bravery.
"They saw something and they did something - that's exactly what we want from all members of our community," he said.
The students were on their way to school when they came across two large men who tried to coerce and then grab a young girl as she walked toward Hastings Intermediate along Lyndon Rd. The Hastings Boys' students told the girl to run while they stayed behind to ward off the men.
"They prevented a serious act from occurring, their actions ensured the young girl's safety."
The District Commander Commendations are usually reserved for members of the police force, but an exception was made by Eastern District Police Commander Sam Hoyle when he read about what the boys had done.
"It is an award that's given out rarely within the police," Mr Clifford said.
But it's the second time it's been received in Benjamin's family. His 16-year-old sister, Melissa Hayllar, also received the rare certificate when she was 12 for speaking out against a man who she saw hitting his daughter.
"We are stoked. Ben keeps saying it's nothing but I keep saying how many people saw it but didn't stop," mother Gina Kupa said.
Tama's mother Nadine McKenzie said her son's brave act was not out of character as he had always dreamed of being a police officer. Tama was sick and unable to attend the ceremony.
"He has said that's what he wants to do since he was about 3 years old," Ms McKenzie said.
Liam's father, Renata Mataira took time off work to make the ceremony. With a proud smile, he said it wasn't the first time Liam had helped someone out of a bad situation. "He doesn't hesitate to help people - he has rescued a young girl who was accosted by a group of girls in town one day."
The three boys were also given iPods by Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule.