He said two of the many people who assisted them were Craig and Greta Harman of Hikurangi who Mr Galbraith has called to thank. He also wrote to the Advocate to thank emergency services and members of the public who helped.
Mr Galbraith is an ex-detective who played a key role in cracking the Rainbow Warrior bombing case in 1985. While in Northland the couple visited Matauri Bay, near the ships's final resting place.
"It wasn't [emotional] at the time but as you can gather it is now. We are just really grateful for the efforts of the emergency services. I admire people who do their job well and really make an effort."
Once the top of their car was cut off by firefighters Mr Galbraith and his wife were transported to hospital. They both suffered fractured sternums and his wife had a few fractured ribs. They remained in hospital for about 10 days and were visited by their four children who came from Wellington, Rotorua and Melbourne.
"We did laugh when we saw the story and it said a driver aged 78 because when we see those things we think 'silly old bugger must have done something stupid' but I didn't do anything stupid," he said.
