The family of a Far North man who died saving his grandchildren at Ninety Mile Beach hope to attend the funeral of a man who died in eerily similar circumstances.
Jackie Wiki, 55, originally of Te Kao, leapt into the surf near The Bluff, 65km north of Ahipara, on December 29
when he saw two of his grandchildren in trouble.
Mr Wiki held his grandson Jezius above his head and out of the water until another rescuer was able to grab the 6-year-old and carry him to safety.
The best efforts of bystanders and St John paramedics could not revive Mr Wiki.
Just four days later, a Papatoetoe father of five also lost his life rescuing two children.
Felisiano Puleanga, 37, saved his son and niece last Saturday when they got into trouble swimming off a boat ramp at Glenbrook Beach, south of Auckland.
Mr Puleanga reached his 10-year-old niece first, handing her over to another man. When the other rescuer returned he found Mr Puleanga under water and holding his 9-year-old son above his head. Mr Puleanga was pulled from the water but could not be revived.
Mr Wiki's son, also named Jackie Wiki and living in Auckland, described his father's actions as heroic.
Mr Wiki junior said he felt for the family of the South Auckland man.
"They lost their father in Glenbrook pretty much the same way we lost our father. My family and I send our thoughts and prayers to them as well. Kia kaha whanau," he said.
