'Wanted to get him out': Gisborne man saves 89-year-old from house fire
A Gisborne construction worker, Tim Morris, has been identified as the man who rescued an 89-year-old from a burning house. Police publicly thanked Morris for his courageous actions after he came forward to the station.
Why it matters
The story serves as a positive human-interest piece highlighting community heroism and the role of bystanders in emergency situations.
A Gisborne construction worker who dragged an 89-year-old man through the broken window of a burning house has come forward, <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/03/courageous-stranger-rescues-89-year-old-from-gisborne-house-fire/">a day after police appealed</a> for the rescuer to make himself known. Tim Morris, 37, walked into the Gisborne police station on Sunday morning. He and a friend had been driving along Aberdeen Rd around 1am on Saturday when they spotted the blaze and pulled over. Battling thick smoke, the pair hauled the occupant out through a broken window to safety. Morris then checked whether anyone else was inside and ran to neighbours for help. Once emergency services arrived, he and his friend slipped away into the night. Police said the 89-year-old is recovering well in hospital. Morris, who was born and raised in Gisborne, said it only sank in on Sunday morning, when his friend showed him the police appeal.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in