Local Hero Rescues Horses from Devastating New Zealand Floods

In the face of rising floodwaters in the Waioeka River near Ōpōtiki, New Zealand, Chase Gage, a father from Waioeka Pa, executed a daring rescue of two horses. Gage, riding a horse borrowed from his stepdaughter, calmly navigated the dangerous currents, guiding a second horse to safety. "Nah," Gage said when asked if he was afraid, "The horse was confident, as long as it felt I was confident." This act of bravery showcases the spirit of the community in Ōpōtiki, where helping neighbors in need is a common practice. The rescue was captured on video by Radio 1XX Newsroom and Georgina Hudson, providing compelling evidence of Gage's quick thinking and bravery in the face of a challenging situation. The horses, now safe, serve as a symbol of hope and resilience in the aftermath of the flood.