The famous University of Otago Clocktower building recently played host to a raft of media, University leadership, Southern District Police leadership, and the Commissioner of Police, who had all gathered to honour the bravery of one person - Samson Aruwa.
A New Zealand Police Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Samson by Commissioner of Police Richard Chambers for his brave actions on the night of 5 October 2019.
On that evening, fellow University of Otago student Sophia Crestani tragically lost her life during a crowd crush at a party at an infamous Dunedin student flat known as ‘The Manor’.
Samson was a Physiology student at the time, and was also at that party. Recognising the catastrophe that was unfolding inside the flat, Samson showed tremendous leadership and courage in removing several people from the crush to safety outside.
Samson also carried Sophia out to first responders. In the face of considerable risk and danger to himself, he repeatedly ran back inside the flat to extricate others from the crush.
The 2024 Coronial Inquest into Sophia’s death laid bare the incredible feats of strength and courage that Samson showed on that fateful evening – acts that have cemented a close bond between Samson and Sophia’s parents, Bede Crestani and Elspeth McMillan, to this day.
They were in attendance for the presentation and spoke of their overwhelming gratitude to Samson, and the Police staff who assisted on that fateful night.
Sophia Crestani's mother Elspeth McMillan extended her gratitude to Samson and New Zealand Police for their actions on the night of 5 October 2019.
In presenting the award to Samson, Commissioner Chambers spoke of his own gratitude and the qualities shown by Samson, who now works as a nurse in Dunedin.
“You showed courage, leadership and empathy to care for those who were most vulnerable – the New Zealand health system is lucky to have someone like you working for them,” said the Commissioner, who then couldn’t help but take the opportunity for a recruitment effort, saying: “They are qualities we look for within New Zealand Police too, so we may have a chat after this!”
National Alcohol Harm Prevention Manager Inspector Ian Paulin acted as MC for proceedings. He is one of Police’s key representative on the Sophia Charter – the partnership of Dunedin stakeholders and Sophia’s whānau who work together to ensure the safety and support of students in the North Dunedin area.
Ian was instrumental in ensuring Samson was nominated and recognised for his incredible acts of bravery.
“I was at every single day of Sophia’s coronial inquest where the actions of Samson were repeated from many who gave testimony, including some of our own staff,” says Ian.
“Samson also spoke at the inquest, and it became clear he was a man who was courageous on many levels – not just through his acts of strength and bravery on that night, but in his moral character and empathy in sharing the truths of what he experienced at the inquest’s hearings.”
“This was a very special occasion for staff who were working that evening, our leadership and the Commissioner to formally recognise Samson on behalf of all of us within New Zealand Police.”
Full text of the award presented to Samson Aruwa:
In recognition of your courageous and selfless actions during a critical and life-threatening crowd crush at a student gathering in Dunedin on the night of 5 October 2019.
Having escaped the immediate danger, Samson repeatedly returned to assist others who were trapped and unable to escape. Acting selflessly and at considerable personal risk, Samson demonstrated exceptional courage, composure, and leadership while aiding many people to reach safety.
Through your determination and presence of mind during this emergency, further serious harm was prevented, and others were inspired to assist, exemplifying bravery of the highest order.
On behalf of New Zealand Police, we thank you for your actions.
Richard Chambers
Commissioner of Police