by Tony Orman
This is one gripping book, indeed one of the most irresistible books I’ve read for a long time.
“Lucky You’re Tough” is a biography, crafted by noted Marlborough author and lawyer with a Bachelor of Law (Honours) degree Ron Crosby, about a remarkably brave New Zealander in Mark Law.
Mark Law grew up in the back blocks of inland Taranaki and farm life and hunting featured strongly in his upbringing. Physically fit he developed into an adventure-addicted young man.
Working in the SAS — in New Zealand and Britain
Not surprisingly he embarked on a career as a badged soldier in the NZSAS which for entrants was physically and mentally testing to an unbelievable degree. Mark came through gruelling tests with flying colours.
He then slotted into working for the British SAS in active war zones. The potential for being in dangerous situations was high and there were repeated brushes with death, including an ambush involving diamond smugglers. Somehow and remarkably he survived — like the proverbial cat with nine lives!
Betrayed after showing courage during the White Island disaster
Mark then returned to New Zealand to start his own helicopter business, Kāhu NZ. In 2019 the White Island disaster happened where in a split second decision Mark fearlessly carried out a daring rescue mission which ensured that he and the other pilots were able to comfort the injured, as well as flying twelve stranded survivors off the erupting volcanic island.
Mark’s decision and vital quick actions at the time led to himself and three of his fellow heroic pilots being awarded medals for bravery by governor-general on behalf of the New Zealand government. But unbelievably despite government’s recognition of the incredible bravery involved, government bureaucracy then kicked him in the guts with WorkSafe fining him almost $200,000. The decision by WorkSafe outraged people as word spread and over 140,000 New Zealanders signed a petition asking government to drop charges. It fell on deaf ears.
Retired lawyer Ron Crosby towards the end of the book puts on his legal hat and argues strongly, with examples, of where WorkSafe lacked proactive measures but were simply reactive in charging Kahu NZ.
“The online petition requesting the charges be dropped tell us that at least 140,000 Kiwis were plainly of the view that the charges were an affront to common-sense.”
Ron Crosby’s assessment is interesting and the reader is likely to recall literary character Mr Bumble in Charles Dickens ”Oliver Twist” who said “If the law supposes that the law is an ass — an idiot”.
A dare-devil life
Mark Law has certainly led a daredevil life and it just makes for terrifically gripping reading. There are some very good chapters on commercial deer hunting in South Westland and the Ureweras, but it’s the sections on the SAS work and then the White Island saga that make for compelling, riveting reading.
Despite the life threatening situations and then the body blow by faceless WorkSafe bureaucrats, Mark always had a sense of humour underlying the incredible adventures and seemed to revel in surviving under extreme pressure.
Adventure, resilience, bravery, daring exploits — there’re all there. You must buy a copy; I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Very highly recommended!
Lucky You’re Tough by Mark Law with Ron Crosby published by Allen and Unwin has a recommended retail price of $39.99
Typical of the lily-livered bureaucrats who probably faint if they get a paper cut. They would last less than a minute in situations that this brave man endured for his fellow man.
Mark and his brother who own Kahu helicopters mainly based at Whakatane airport used to run heli tours out to White Island and then purchased an American made Blackhawke helicopter for heavy lifting. Top blokes.