Boy receives bravery award for intervening during attack on his father

Saturday 13 December 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Sat 13 Dec 2025, 12:28pm

A 12-year-old boy has been honoured with a New Zealand Bravery Award for his actions during a neighbour's attack on his father. The boy, who is the third youngest recipient ever, intervened when a man broke into the home and accused the father of spying.

How they headlined it

7h

5am11:51am

1. StuffSat 13 Dec 2025, 5:00am

   Boy honoured for ‘exceptional bravery’ as dad attacked by neighbour accusing him of spying (opens in new tab)

2. RNZSat 13 Dec 2025, 5:02am

   NZ Bravery Award recipients include boy who tried to stop neighbour's 'horrible' prolonged assault on his father (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesSat 13 Dec 2025, 11:51am

   Bravery award for boy who tried to stop assault on dad (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldSat 13 Dec 2025, 12:28pm

   Boy who shielded father during brutal attack among bravery award heroes (opens in new tab)