Award for tsunami hero

Photo: BEN WATSON

BRAVE BOY: Maxwell Wilson, right, received an award for his actions in Samoa. He’s pictured with his dad Christopher and sister Poppy.

Maxwell Wilson's quick thinking and bravery that saved dozens from the killer tsunami in Samoa has earned him an award.

The 12-year-old Albany Junior High School student was awarded a bravery certificate by the Ministry of Civil Defence.

Maxwell received the award from North Shore mayor Andrew Williams at a special school assembly on Wednesday.

He was also presented with a book by northern region civil defence co-ordinator John Titmus and Auckland emergency management adviser Greg Gallop.

Mr Titmus says the award is in recognition of Max’s bravery and presence of mind that undoubtedly saved lives.

The Wilson family was at the Litia Sini Beach Resort on the south coast of Samoa’s Upolu Island when a powerful earthquake shook the Samoan coast.

Maxwell and his dad Christopher were watching the sea when it went dead calm and started draining out over the reef like a backwards waterfall.

When he saw the unmistakable sign of an imminent tsunami, Maxwell ran through the beach shouting "Get out! Run!"

His actions gave his family and about 50 people at the resort enough time to react and get to higher ground.

Mr Wilson said there were a lot of people who congratulated and thanked Maxwell for saving their lives.

Abby Wutzler, a 10-year-old Wellington girl staying at the same resort, also received a similar award for helping alert guests.