Vietnam vet hurt saving woman

A man injured saving a woman from being trampled by a herd of cows is a Vietnam war veteran and former Special Air Service soldier.

Cliff McMahon assisted a woman in Totara Park on Sunday afternoon in south Auckland.

He was trampled by the cattle and suffered moderate injuries. The Herald understands the Manurewa RSA president had surgery yesterday at Middlemore Hospital.

A cow and its eight-monthold calf were sent to the slaughterhouse as a result of the attack — the second attack in only 18 years at the park.

Farm manager Peter Linton said the animals were allowed to roam near the park’s recreational trails and that, in the

Over this time people should keep their distance. Mark Bowater, head of parks services

other case, the animal was antagonised.

Auckland Council head of parks services Mark Bowater said staff visited Totara Park yesterday morning and provided assistance to Linton.

“We worked with them to identify an individual cow being overly protective of her calf.

“During calving season, cows are typically very protective of their calves and do not like people to get near them,” Bowater said.

“We recommend anyone who chooses to go in parts of our parks with cows is extra careful during calving season, as it is a cow’s natural instinct to protect their calves.

“Over this time people should keep their distance from cows, and ensure they never come between them and their calves.”

National RSA chief executive Jack Steer said it was always a shock to hear one “of your team being injured”.

He had been in touch with a friend of McMahon and was told he was feeling okay and not keen on a fuss being made of him and requested privacy.

“Cliff is a great guy. It’s no surprise he has helped someone out when they needed it. He’s just that kind of person.”