Eight ordinary Kiwis who risked their lives to save others, have been presented with Royal Humane Society bravery awards at Government House.

Among them were two silver medal recipients, Murray Michie and Payge Olds.

Mr Michie rescued a mother and her daughter from a burning car following a crash near Bulls in 2015, along with Anthony Duffy, Stacey Watt and Kate Elliot, who were also awarded a silver medal.

Mr Michie said he didn't think twice before leaping a fence to help them.

"I don't really know what was running through my head. My aim was just to get the people out of the car and get them to a safe site, knowing the car was going to blow up."

Payge Olds, who was just 16 at the time, received her award for plunging into Wellington Harbour late at night to rescue a drowning man.

She said today's ceremony was an amazing experience.

"Honestly, I'm just speechless. It's just such an overwhelming, nerve-racking experience and I never in a million years would have thought I'd be here today."

Jonathan Derrick and Logan Masters have also been recognised for rescuing the man.

Jamie Yalden who was also involved in the rescue wasn't able to make it to the ceremony today but has received a bronze medal.