Schoolgirl hailed a hero after uncle drowns in capsize

Cedar Wairau (inset) was on the family fishing boat with her dad and great-uncle at Mahia Peninsula when a wave caused them to capsize. Photo / Ann Revington

'She was so brave', says aunt of teen who made mercy dash to save dying uncle

Family celebrating a wedding last night praised the heroic actions of a teenage girl who swam to shore and raised the alarm after a fishing tragedy claimed the life of her uncle.

Napier schoolgirl Cedar Wairau, 13, was on the family fishing boat, Cedar Girl, on Thursday with her dad George and great uncle at Mahia Peninsula when a wave capsized the small craft. Her great uncle Rare Toheriri Pohe, known as "Tonto", died in the tragedy, despite his nephew pulling him from the water and performing CPR for 20 minutes.

In a desperate bid to save the 72-year-old, Cedar swam 10m, walked along the reef and then ran along the rocks for 2km to the nearest house to raise the alarm. The trio had been collecting shellfish for a reception at a Mahia marae for newlyweds George and Nancy Ormond.

The groom's father George Ormond snr told the Herald on Sunday that the family were taken with the courageous actions of the young girl. "We're calling her our little heroine," he said.

A decision was made to go ahead with the reception in the face of the tragedy but not before they had sought the blessing of his late uncle's wife, Sonia.

Ormond said the day's celebrations were a mix of emotions with wedding guests holding a minute's silence to remember.

"The family's grateful that it wasn't the three of them."

Local kaumatua and Cedar's aunt Sophie Dodd answered the door to the teen who was still wearing her life jacket and was wet and cold after the hard half-hour run.

"I am just so proud of her, she was so brave the way she dealt with the shock of what had happened. She handled it better than any adult I know could have."

Dodd gave Cedar warm clothes and said the pair "had a cuddle and a talk" until emergency services brought George Wairau back up from the beach.

"My only regret is that I didn't have any Milo in the cupboard to give her. I offered her a tea or coffee but of course she said 'aunty, can I have a Milo please'."

Pohe will be farewelled by friends and whanau today at Ruawharo Marae followed by burial at Ruawharawhara Urupa, Opoutama. He is survived by wife Sonia and children Martin, Yvette and Nathan.

Nuhaka-based constable Craig Henneker said the latest tragedy could have been averted.

The trio were "under a bit of pressure" to find kaimoana for the wedding and headed out despite bad weather in the area.