21/08/2026
Kaiaka enjoyed supporting the launch of the newly published book ‘Lucky You’re Tough’ by Mark Law & local author Ron Crosby last night Allen & Unwin Aotearoa NZ
Lucky You’re Tough chronicles the life of Hero Whakaari helicopter pilot and former NZSAS soldier, Mark Law, from growing up in the rural wilds of Whangamōmona through to surviving a series of life-threatening events that would shape his life and career.
After a career as a badged soldier in the NZSAS that led to an intriguing stint with the British SAS and then working as private security in active war zones, Mark returned to NZ to start his own helicopter business, Kāhu NZ. While on a sunny day off on 9 December 2019, he got the call that Whakaari/White Island was erupting. All those years of service and expertly trained instincts led to a split-second decision: Mark and his Kāhu NZ colleagues would fly to the erupting volcano to rescue any survivors they could find.
This daring rescue mission would ensure that Mark and the other pilots were able to comfort the injured, as well as to fly those 12 stranded survivors off the island. Mark’s decision led to himself and his fellow heroic pilots being awarded medals for bravery by the New Zealand government.
“Following the Judges decision to convict Kahu NZ of the criminal charges brought by WorkSafe following the Whakaari White Island eruption, Ron offered with gentle insistence to write a book about some of my life’s exploits and the rescue from Whakaari White Island of its survivors. Profits from books sales will be used to help pay my WorkSafe fine of nearly $200K.”
Lucky You’re Tough is a story of service, adventure, humour and resilience, and surviving when the odds are against you. Now available from bookstores, perfect for Fathers Day.
Kahu NZ
