Returned serviceman revealed as saviour in Totara Park cow attack

The man who was injured saving a woman from being trampled by a herd of cows is a Vietnam war veteran and former Special Air Service soldier, the Herald can reveal.

Cliff McMahon assisted a woman who was attacked by a herd in Totara Park yesterday afternoon in south Auckland.

He was trampled by the cattle and suffered moderate injuries. The Herald understands the Manurewa RSA president had surgery today a Middlemore Hospital.

A cow and its eight-month-old calf have been sent to the slaughterhouse as a result of the attack - the second attack in only 18 years at the park.

Farm manager Peter Linton said the animals were allowed to roam near the park's recreational trails and in the other case, the animal was antagonised.

Auckland Council head of parks services Mark Bowater said staff visited Totara Park first thing this morning and provided assistance to Linton.

"We worked with them to identify an individual cow being overly protective of her calf.

"During calving season, cows are typically very protective of their calves and do not like people to get near them," Bowater said.

"We recommend anyone who chooses to go in parts of our parks with cows is extra careful during calving season, as it is a cow's natural instinct to protect their calves.

"Over this time people should keep their distance from cows, and ensure they never come between them and their calves."

National RSA chief executive Jack Steer said it is always a shock to hear one "of your team being injured".

He had been in touch with a friend of Cliff's and was told he was feeling okay and not keen on a fuss being made of him and requested privacy.

"Cliff is a great guy, it's no surprise he has helped someone out when they needed it, he's just that kind of person. We wish him well for his recovery."