Wife proud to accept hero's award

Widow Jenny Hemmings accepted husband Austin's NZ Bravery Star accompanied by children Meghann, Gareth and Jessica. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The son of good Samaritan Austin Hemmings quotes a verse from the Bible when asked about his father's final act in life.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends," Gareth Hemmings says.

The Hemmings family - including Austin's widow, Jenny, children Meghann, Jessica and Gareth and parents Greta and Dick - were at yesterday's ceremony.

Austin Hemmings was killed in September 2008 when he went to the aid of a woman being threatened by another man in downtown Auckland.

As Mr Hemmings came between the pair, the man pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.

Bleeding heavily, Mr Hemmings staggered 100m along Mills Lane, but collapsed and died. His cellphone was found by a passerby with the numbers 1-1-1 punched into it.

Jenny Hemmings, who accepted her husband's award, said the recognition was a beautiful example of what he had been like in life. "He was a very compassionate man. His faith was a huge part of his life and I don't think he hesitated to help ... We're very proud."