Wednesday, February 27, 2013

A blessing or tapu lifting ceremony held at Muritai beach

TAPU LIFTING CEREMONYY HELD FOR MURIWAI SHARK VICTIM

Updated 15 minutes ago
Family and friends have attended a ceremony at Muriwai Beach to remember the man killed in a rare shark attack.
Film-maker Adam Strange, 46, a television commercial director and filmmaker, was training for an ocean swim near the west Auckland beach when he was attacked by at least one shark, believed to be a four-metre-long great white on Wednesday afternoon.
A blessing ceremony was held at Muriwai Beach.
A blessing ceremony was held at Muriwai Beach.
Up to 200 people attended a tapu-lifting ceremony on Thursday, with many wading into ankle-deep water afterwards and embracing. A karakia, or prayer, was spoken at the edge of the sea and over the boat that brought Mr Strange's body to shore.
Police and emergency services were called to the beach on Wednesday afternoon and an officer went out in a boat and fired shots at the shark, which then disappeared.
The Muriwai Lifeguard Service has stopped searching for the shark. Chairperson Tim Jago said aerial searches on Wednesday night and Thursday morning failed to locate any sharks in the area and video footage obtained indicated that the shark that attacked Mr Strange has died.
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research scientist Malcolm Francis said sharks are extremely common in waters around New Zealand. There are many sightings each year but surprisingly few attacks.
Some people attending Thursday's ceremony said the attack would not put off swimmers and surfers for long and some planned to be back in the water in a week.
Muriwai Beach is to remain closed until Saturday, but other west Auckland beaches have reopened.
Adam Strange had been directing TV commercials since 1995. His first short film, Aphrodite's Farm, screened at the 2008 New Zealand International Film Festival and went on to win the Crystal Bear award at the Berlin Film Festival.

Memory of attack

A woman who survived a shark attack 21 years ago says she has never forgotten the feeling of being pulled underwater.
Andrea Rush, a former Radio New Zealand journalist, escaped a shark off the coast of Vanuatu by luck rather than design.
Ms Rush told Morning Report that, although shark attacks are rare, people should take care not to swim near fishermen or seal colonies.
A colleague of Adam Strange's said the last thing he would want is hysteria about shark attacks. Mike Bhana, who has made 18 shark documentaries, said it is unlikely that the shark will still be around the area.
Mr Bhana told Morning Report the attack needs to be kept in perspective and although it was a horrific incident, he said New Zealand waters are generally incredibly safe.


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Benji Marshall stripped of Kiwis captaincy...

Benji Marshall of the Wests Tigers
Benji Marshall of the Wests Tigers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Benji Marshall says he is disappointed at being stripped of the New Zealand captaincy, but maintains the decision will not alter his desire to win the World Cup with the Kiwis at the end of this year.
Marshall, the Wests Tigers five-eighth who helped the Kiwis to a World Cup triumph in 2008, was relieved of the captaincy by coach Stephen Kearney, who said the decision was made in the best interests of the team.
Marshall said it was a decision ''I'm just going to have to live with''.
"Obviously it's disappointing,'' Marshall said. "You wouldn't be human if you didn't feel some sort of disappointment at not being able to captain your country again.
"The decision was Steve's and the New Zealand Rugby League's, and it's just a decision I'm just going to have to live with. At the end of the day I'm still an integral part of the New Zealand rugby league team. I've still got a job to do to help in the World Cup. That's not going to change.
"Not having a 'C' next to my name is going to be different, but that's not going to change me as a person or as a leader. If anything, I'm just going to have to be more up front and lead from the front a bit more, without having the captaincy. It's not the end of the world. The decision's been made, and we all have to move on. That starts with me.
"It was the proudest moment of my career, captaining my country. I was lucky enough that I got to break the record for most caps as Kiwi captain. But I've still got a job to do for the New Zealand Rugby League and that's to win the World Cup.


http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/8362518/Benji-Marshall-stripped-of-Kiwis-captaincy
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Fatal shark attack at Muriwai Beach in Auckland - multiple attack...


Swimmer fatally attacked in multiple shark attack at Muriwai Beach in Auckland.Initial attacker   believed to be a Great White shark - others joined in.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10868140

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/fatal-shark-attack-auckland-beach-5355291
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Monday, February 25, 2013

Promising league player admits charge of viciously bashing a Wellington man...


 
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Former Penrith under-20 player Ioritana Tuau has admitted a charge he bashed Robert Bryden so viciously that he may never recover. Tuau may never play league again at a high level...




A promising rugby league player has admitted attacking a Wellington man so viciously he may never fully recover.

Ioritana Tuau, of Tokoroa, admitted a charge of wounding Robert Bryden with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm when he appeared in the High Court at Rotorua on Tuesday.

Tuau, 22, appeared in the dock holding a Bible and later outside the court the dozen Pacific Islanders who'd supported him gathered in prayer.

Tuau has been on bail since he was charged with the September 2011 attack on Mr Bryden in central Wellington.

Justice Pamela Andrews extended this after being told Tuau's partner had given birth two days ago and family he hadn't seen for years were coming to New Zealand to support him.

The summary of facts says Tuau, Mr Bryden and mates of both had become involved in a confrontation that led to Tuau stomping on Mr Bryden's head and kicking his legs.

It said that each time a kick connected with the victim's head it hit a concrete barrier, making a thudding noise.

Mr Bryden lost consciousness and it was only after a member of the public intervened that Tuau stopped.

He ran off but gave himself up to Lower Hutt police six days later, claiming he'd blacked out immediately before the "altercation" and couldn't remember what happened.

Mr Bryden spent a lengthy period in Wellington Hospital's intensive care unit, including several days on a ventilator, and was later admitted to a brain injury rehab unit. It has been reported he may never fully recover.

Tuau was remanded on temporary bail until March 11 to be sentenced in the High Court at Wellington on April 8.

Tuau played in the NRL under-20 competition in Australia for the Penrith Panthers in 2009 and 2010 and played for Te Aroha Eels of Lower Hutt, which won the Wellington premier rugby league competition the year Mr Bryden was attacked. Probably won't be playing for them again.

Acknowledgements:   NZN

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Harlem Shake - Crusaders style...

English: Crusaders vs. Bulls, 2006 Super 14 se...
English: Crusaders vs. Bulls, 2006 Super 14 semi-final in Christchurch, New Zealand. Crusaders won 35-15 Italiano: Una fase di Crusaders - Bulls 35-15, semifinale del Super 14 2006 a Christchurch (Nuova Zelanda) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
 



Canterbury Crusaders video:                                    
The Crusaders doing the Harlem Shake

The Crusaders doing the Harlem Shake



The New Zealand Super Rugby team the Crusaders have jumped on the international craze and produced their own ‘Harlem Shake’ video.
Produced by All Blacks star first-five Daniel Carter and shot by Red McLeod, the video features the team inside their changing room before they get into the shake of things.
The Harlem Shake has become an international YouTube phenomenon since five teenagers in Queensland loaded a video to YouTube called ‘The Sunny Coast Skate’ on February 2 featuring several costumed people dancing to the song ‘Harlem Shake’ by Baauer.
Watch the video for the Crusaders rendition.
3 News


Read more: http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Crusaders-Super-Rugby-side-do-the-Harlem-Shake/tabid/415/articleID/287721/Default.aspx#ixzz2M2sXR07L
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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Bulldogs Ben Barba suspended indefinately - wassup?

BEN BARBA
BEN BARBA (Photo credit: paddynapper)
Ben Barba
Ben Barba (Photo credit: Liam Mendes)









   

           
 



 


Ben Barba.
Getty
SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY: Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba.

 


League


 
Bulldogs superstar Ben Barba, who was due to launch the new NRL season on Wednesday night, has been suspended by the Bulldogs indefinitely.
The Bulldogs confirmed today that Barba, the Dally M player of the year in 2012 and a key player in the club's charge to the grand final, would be suspended after being informed of "a number of "behavioural issues". It is unclear as yet whether the ban will extend to the opening round of the premiership next weekend.
"Whilst we all know the undoubted on-field attributes and abilities that Ben displays, we must always maintain our focus on the more important issues of personal development and accountability," chief executive Todd Greenberg said.
"It is our hope that the media and the many rugby league fans understand and respect the need for privacy in order for Ben and his family to make the relevant adjustments that are required for him to return to the playing field."
Barba said in a statement released by the Bulldogs: "Today is a very difficult day for me as I feel I've let my family, children, club and supporters down. My issues relate to seeking help for personal issues that I face day to day.
"I'm incredibly sad to be stepping aside as I've been so blessed with what's happened to me over the past few years, but I feel as though I would be wearing a mask if I didn't confront the matters I've been dealing with until now.
"I feel it is best to deal with these problems front on and I believe that by doing so this will make me a better person and player in the future.
"This will be a step by step process for me and whilst I hope to return to football soon, I hope that through this next period you can respect my privacy so that sooner rather than later I can return to playing rugby league as best I can.
"When I do, I hope that everybody sees a better person."

http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/ben-barba-suspended-bulldogs-indefinitely-5352594

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/8348665/Ben-Barba-suspended-indefinitely-by-Bulldogs

 
 Acknowledgements:  Sydney Morning Herald
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Friday, February 22, 2013

Storm beat Leeds in World Club Challenge...




 

 

Melbourne Storm on the World Club Challenge at Headingley
Melbourne Storm on the World Club Challenge at Headingley
Melbourne held off a tremendous display by Leeds to win 18-14 and become the first Australian team to claim a third victory in the annual Probiz World Club Challenge.
The Rhinos were never in front but staged two thrilling fightbacks to remain in contention throughout a compelling contest at Headingley before falling just short in their attempt to secure what would have been a record fourth victory.
Second rower Tohu Harris, one of three Melbourne debutants, full-back Billy Slater and prop Jesse Bromwich scored the tries that enabled the Australian champions to complete their second win over the Rhinos in four years.
Cameron Smith nailed an easy kick to open the scoring on 12 minutes and it was no real surprise when Melbourne extended their lead seven minutes later, former Wigan second rower Ryan Hoffman taking Cooper Cronk’s short pass to go between Kevin Sinfield and Carl Ablett and sending the supporting Slater over for the first try. Smith’s second goal made it 8-0.
Clearly up for the challenge, Leeds’ passions were aroused by a late tackle by Melbourne prop Jason Ryles on Sinfield and they eventually cracked the visitors defence on 28 minutes when Rob Burrow, Sinfield and Danny McGuire all combined to give Hall a chance at the corner to which he produced a typical clinical finish.
Sinfield’s touchline conversion made it 8-6 and he drew his side level on the stroke of half-time with a penalty but the Rhinos would have held a useful lead but for a couple of blunders.
But Storm scored two tries within seven minutes of the resumption when Bromwich swatted aside the attempted tackles of Paul McShane and Kallum Watkins to charge over and winger Sisi Waqa then collected McGuire’s kick 10 metres from his own line and Harris finished off the counter-attack moments later by crossing at the corner.
At 18-8, there looked to be no way back for the Super League champions but Hall had different ideas.
He collected Sinfield’s pinpoint kick to the corner, found his partner Joel Moon and took a return pass to get back rower Jamie Jones-Buchanan over for the Rhinos’ second try. Sinfield’s third goal cut the deficit to just four points and, with Jamie Peacock once more leading the charge, Leeds pressed for the winning try.
However, Melbourne’s superb defence stood firm and they even had late tries by winger Mahe Fonua and England stand-off Gareth Widdop disallowed as they clung on for a deserved victory.
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The Pride of the Storm Thunderbolts...

Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
 

Pride Petterson-Robati

  • Date of Birth: 16 June, 1995
  • Height: 184 cm
  • Weight: 99 kg
  • Position: Lock, second row, utility
  • Rep. Honours: NA
  • Junior Clubs: Upper Hutt Tigers
  • Previous Clubs: Nil
  • FG Debut: Yet to make NRL debut
  • Club Debut: NA
Petterson-Robati will enter his first season with the club in 2013 at 17 years of age. The strong and powerful forward will be hoping to play a key role with the Thunderbolts this season.
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The clock struck 12-51pm and nature clawed at Christchurch's heart...

 
 
 
 
A sign was posted on a nearby security fence: "Our hearts and thoughts are with you today."


The second anniversary of the fatal 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch on Feb 22 2011. Thousands attended memorial services around the city, including one at Latimer Square the site of a triage centre after the great earthquake. The city and the nation remembers and continues the task of rebuilding the city over the next decade or so. The worst civil disaster in NZ outside of wartime. RIP



http://pjpetterson.blog.co.nz/2013/02/22/845/
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Thursday, February 21, 2013

Christchurch: The Ever-Evolving City of the South...

February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Probabl...
February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Probably somewhere in Salisbury Street, looking south towards the highrise on the corner of Peterborough and Victoria. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. A soldi...
February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. A soldier manning the cordon around the Christchurch CBD. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
English: Christchurch City (New Zealand) from ...
English: Christchurch City (New Zealand) from the Port Hills. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)





http://pjpetterson.blog.co.nz/2013/02/21/christchurch-the-ever-evolving-city-of-the-south/
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Rhinos v Storm - Frid UK - Sat morning Australasia


Here are the teams for the 2013 World Club Challenge:

Leeds (squad): 3. Kallum Watkins 4. Joel Moon 5. Ryan Hall 6. Danny McGuire 7. Rob Burrow 8. Kylie Leuluai 9. Paul McShane 10. Jamie Peacock 11. Jamie Jones-Buchanan 12. Carl Ablett 13. Kevin Sinfield (c) 14. Stevie Ward 15. Brett Delaney 17. Ian Kirke 18. Chris Clarkson 19. Mitch Achurch 21. Richard Moore 22. Jimmy Keinhorst 25. Joe Vickery.

Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Sisa Waqa 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Will Chambers 5. Mahe Fonua 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Bryan Norrie 11. Tohu Harris 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: 14. Jason Ryles 15. Brett Finch 16. Siosaia Vave 17. Junior Moors 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. Lagi Setu (two to be omitted).

Game will be televised on GEM, Saturday 6.45am AEDT.
Here are the teams for the 2013 World Club Challenge:

Leeds (squad): 3. Kallum Watkins 4. Joel Moon 5. Ryan Hall 6. Danny McGuire 7. Rob Burrow 8. Kylie Leuluai 9. Paul McShane 10. Jamie Peacock 11. Jamie Jones-Buchanan 12. Carl Ablett 13. Kevin Sinfield (c) 14. Stevie Ward 15. Brett Delaney 17. Ian Kirke 18. Chris Clarkson 19. Mitch Achurch 21. Richard Moore 22. Jimmy Keinhorst 25. Joe Vickery.

Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Sisa Waqa 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Will Chambers 5. Mahe Fonua 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Bryan Norrie 11. Tohu Harris 12. Ryan 

Hoffman 13. Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: 14. Jason Ryles 15. Brett Finch 16. Siosaia Vave 17. Junior Moors 18. Kenny Bromwich 19. Lagi Setu (two to be omitted).

Game will be televised on GEM, Saturday 6.45am AEDT.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Countdown to World Club Challenge - Melbourne Storm v Leeds Rhinos...

Melbourne Storm and Leeds Rhinos players and coaches yesterday officially launched the 2013 World Club Challenge ahead of Friday night’s clash at Headingley Carnegie Stadium (Saturday morning AEST).
Friday night’s match between the two sides will be the third in six years after meetings in 2008 and 2010. Leeds triumphed in 2008 whilst Storm managed to even the ledger two years later.
Storm Captain Cameron Smith is confident that once again the Rhinos will form tough opposition.
“Leeds are a great football side and nothing has changed on their part, we know its going to be tough again this year,” Smith said.
“We have had a great attitude the whole trip, we have been here for a week already, training has been great and the boys have really enjoyed the time we had down south.
“We know if we don’t turn up with the right attitude on Friday night then it’s not going to happen for us. Its simple as that, we are playing against a world class football team with world class players.”
After spending 22 hours travelling to England, Melbourne spent the first week of their stay in London before moving north to Leeds on Sunday. Melbourne Coach Craig Bellamy told the media that despite the inconvenient timing of the travel, his side always looks forward to the trip.
“Its not easy (travelling to England). At the end of the day, some clubs probably don’t look forward to coming over here...but we do,” Bellamy said.
“It’s a great experience for our younger players, to come over and play, but also it’s a great life experience.
“We certainly look at it in a really positive light, but having said that the travel certainly knocks your preparation around. It takes a lot of training days out of your calendar."
The 2013 World Club Challenge between Melbourne Storm and Leeds Rhinos will be broadcast live on GEM on Saturday 23 February from 6:45am (AEST).




http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news-display/World-Club-Challenge-Official-Media-Conference/68577

http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/
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