Fijian honoured for bravery during supermarket attack

What may have been just another Monday afternoon completely spiralled into a life-threatening tragedy at Dunedin’s Countdown supermarket.

However, that did not stop 25-year-old Fijian Meli Balenivalu from saving the day.

On 10 May 2021, a man with two kitchen knives launched a sudden attack in central Dunedin’s Countdown supermarket, injuring four people, including staff and shoppers.

Balenivalu, who was working at Countdown at the time, rushed to the scene, where he found a wounded coworker and quickly attempted to restrain the attacker.

Despite being pushed aside and witnessing others being stabbed, he directed shoppers to safety.

The attacker was eventually subdued by other shoppers and detained by police.

Balenivalu’s bravery in a chaotic and dangerous situation was instrumental in preventing further harm.

The New Zealand Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet recognised his heroic actions and included the young Fijian in the 2024 NZ Special Honours List last week.

Last week, NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that there would be three Bravery Stars, 10 Bravery Decorations, and 25 Bravery Medals.

Balenivalu was one of the 25 recipients honoured in the NZ Bravery Awards.

Luxon said he was proud of New Zealanders’ selfless bravery during an unimaginable daytime attack, highlighting the Dunedin supermarket attack.

“It is inconceivable that such an attack could happen in broad daylight as people went about their daily business.

“That members of the public, ordinary people, went to the aid of the victim with no thought for their own safety makes me very proud to be a New Zealander.

“I would like to convey my gratitude to each of the 35 other New Zealand Bravery Award recipients.

“The actions that you have been recognised for demonstrate your willingness to step up when members of your communities were at great risk,” Luxon said.

While he currently works in the mental health unit at the Dunedin hospital, Balenivalu reflects on the day he took extraordinary courage that could have risked his life.

A moment of courage

Balenivalu, who was working nearby, heard the screams and immediately ran toward the commotion down the pharmacy aisle, where he found his injured coworker on the floor and his supermarket supervisor, Dallas Wilson, attempting to restrain the offender.

Dunedin's Countdown supermarket. Photo/RNZ.

Without hesitation, Balenivalu stepped in and attempted to stop the offender from hurting anyone else.

“Honestly, there was no time to think. I just acted. That’s what us Polynesian people, people from the Pacific, are known for.

“We want to be involved and look out for others,” he said.

During the struggle, the offender broke free, pushing Balenivalu into the shelves and stabbing Wilson multiple times.

Balenivalu pushed the offender away and told the injured Wilson to run.

By this time, another man had intervened and attempted to disarm the offender but the offender stabbed the man and his wife multiple times.

At this point, Balenivalu retreated and began directing shoppers to safety, showing composure in chaos.

“When I saw people already injured on the ground, I just wanted to stop anyone else from getting hurt. Adrenaline kept me going,” he said.

Despite the danger, Balenivalu’s focus remained on protecting others.

He reflected on the moment: “I thought, what if it was my mum or aunty? That drove me to step in and help.”

Other shoppers eventually restrained the offender, who was later detained by the Police.

Processing the aftermath

After the event, Balenivalu faced the emotional weight of what had occurred.

He described the trauma of witnessing injuries and the support he found in his family.

Balenivalu with his parents. Photo/Meli Balenivalu.

“It was hard afterward, but I’m grateful I had my parents to talk to.

“My mum was angry at first for putting myself at risk, but she helped me process everything.

“Glory to God that no lives were lost, and that’s something I’m so thankful for.”

Lessons learned and gratitude

For Balenivalu, the experience underscored the importance of community and courage.

He encouraged others to act when necessary but stressed caution.

“Assess the situation first, and don’t go in alone if you can avoid it. There’s strength in numbers.”

Balenivalu remains humble about his actions, noting that he did not expect to receive the NZ Bravery Award.

“I never thought I’d be recognised. I just acted in the moment. But I hope this inspires others to help when they can.

“Helping others is just who we are. You never know whose life you might save.”

Click here for the NZ Specials Honours List 2024.

Balenivalu with his family. He found comfort in his parents after the incident. Photo/Meli Balenivalu.