Two a penny

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Jonah Lomu is turning heads again.

The rugby great, kidney transplant patient and father of one was buying tanning oil yesterday for one of the most unlikely sporting comebacks – the Wellington body building championships. On Saturday night, at the 330-seat Memorial Hall at Victoria University, he hopes to be 114kg.

Two years ago, Lomu tipped the scales at 142 kilograms.

Lomu never dreamed of entering a bodybuilding competition, but after two years of lifestyle conditioning by six-time Mr New Zealand Joe Ulberg, one thing has led to another.

The man nicknamed the Black Bus during his 63-test career now has 50-centimetre biceps and will compete against three others in the over-90kg novice section. “I want my son to see me as a 50-year-old with a six pack, not a beer gut.

“I’ve got a seven-month-old boy now [Brayley] and I want him to see me examining healthy and being healthy,” Lomu said.

In November he heads to France for another shot at rugby with second-division Marseille.”

Lomu’s health-driven retirement has not been a comfortable fit for the 34-year-old who debuted for the All Blacks as a 19-year-old in 1994 weighing 112kg. I’ve always loved lifting weights, just ask the All Blacks, so it’s been a lot of fun .

“I just started out wanting to get back in shape and it’s just gone from there…”

In recent weeks, Lomu has found himself doing the things bodybuilders do like examining in the mirror lots and shopping for that tanning oil. . I’m seeing myself in a different shape. “You do look in the mirror at your body and it’s amazing how critical you become.”

Lomu does concede that being coated in oil on Saturday night will be a new experience. It’s been hard work but anybody can be a bodybuilder, it’s all about discipline.”

Lomu added that competing on Saturday was a nice touch because the man who gave him a second chance at life with a kidney donation radio broadcaster Grant Kereama was passionate about bodybuilding and held two Wellington open titles. “I’ve got the year-round tan but they reckon I need this. But he worked around Lomu’s kidney condition by using the right supplements and strictly monitoring his food intake and hydration levels.

Ulberg would not divulge the training programme he put Lomu on because that was giving away “trade secrets”. “He’s a great guy, I’ve trained him like he’s my brother, not a client. “He’s a great guy, I’ve trained him like he’s my brother, not a client.

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It was meant to be their special day when she stood in a church marrying “the best man in the world”. Instead, she was there yesterday to bid him goodbye.

American Danielle Granahan put on her bravest face as she and 500 others farewelled her fiance, Kiwi pilot Jeremy Clarke, 32, who died when the helicopter he was flying was involved in a mid-air crash above New York’s Hudson River on August 9.

At a funeral service on Auckland’s North Shore yesterday, Granahan, 29, insisted now was not the time to discuss “who was to blame”. He and eight others died when the sightseeing craft was struck from behind by a Piper PA-32 plane.

As the hearse of the former Rosmini College head boy was driven off she stood alone, not letting her eyes move from the coffin as she mouthed the words: “I love you. It was a time to remember the man she met three years ago and planned to marry next year in America.”

Shortly after, and speaking for the first time, she told of the gap Clarke would leave in her life. He was truly special,” she said. .”

As the funeral ended, three North Shore Aero Club helicopters hovered as mourners released yellow balloons.

“If I was to say one thing about him it is that from the day he died he has been honoured.

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Police are annoyed at having to rescue a tramper for the second time from a snow-covered ridge in the Ruahine Ranges as dusk fell last night.

The 59-year-old Hastings man had been rescued from the same spot less than a month ago.

A spokeswoman for the Lowe Corporation rescue helicopter said it responded to a police search and rescue request to find the tramper who was experiencing difficulties.

Police say last night’s rescue cost $1500 and put the lives of the rescue team at risk. He misjudged the weather and his timing,” she told .

“It was getting dark and he was at the top of a ridge in the snow.

But police say the man had been warned not to attempt the trip in alpine conditions, Hawke’s Bay Today reported.

The man was flown to Hawke’s Bay Hospital for a check-up but there was nothing wrong with him medically.

Police said then he was not carrying the right equipment, had not planned his trip well and didn’t have the fitness level to complete the trip.

He was first rescued on July 14 from the Golden Crown area of the Ruahine Ranges after he was caught out by heavy snow, deteriorating weather and lack of daylight.

Hawke’s Bay search and rescue co-ordinator Detective Sergeant Luke Shadbolt said today the man’s actions were irresponsible at best and “have put the lives of our rescue staff at risk to get him out of situations that he was ill-equipped and under prepared to deal with”.

At that time poor weather had prevented the rescue helicopter from being used, so police search and rescue squad members and volunteers from Hawke’s Bay LandSar walked into the Ruahine Ranges and found the man about 11pm in a cold and mildly hypothermic state. He has a poor appreciation of winter conditions in the Ruahine Ranges. .”

Mr Shadbolt said he had looked into what charges could be laid but said it was unfortunate no provisions existed to take the man to court.

“It highlights the importance of good planning, good equipment and a good understanding of your capabilities and limitations in the back-country environment.

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The Government will not be pressured by the United States to send the Special Air Service (SAS) back to Afghanistan, Prime Minister John Key says.

The US has put more pressure on its allies to boost their contribution in Afghanistan and has warned New Zealand through its Nato ambassador that it should fight as a “partner and ally” in case it ever needs US military support.

Ambassador Ivo Daalder told a New Zealand journalist visiting Afghanistan that New Zealand should be fighting the Taleban and should consider its relations not just with the US, but with other allies such as Australia. Wouldn’t it be good for a country like Holland or Canada or Slovakia or the US to be there?” Daalder said.

“God forbid there be a threat directly to New Zealand.

Daalder had merely been stressing that members of the international community needed to support one another, she said.

A spokeswoman for the US embassy in Wellington said the US had been at pains not to pressure any of its allies over Afghanistan.

“We understand that this is a decision for the New Zealand Government and for New Zealanders,” she said.

“I think you’ve got to take those comments with a grain of salt,” Key said.

Key said yesterday that Daalder’s comments were “a little gung-ho”, and New Zealand would make its own decisions.

“I’m reasonably relaxed about the comments that are being made. “It’s quite clear the Americans have asked all of their Nato and ISAF [International Security Assistance Force] partners to contribute greater effort to Afghanistan to stabilise the position there.”

Asked what he meant, Key said: “Well, only in the sense that read the wrong way they could be implied as putting pressure on New Zealand. They are a little gung-ho, but I’m reasonably relaxed about it. .”

He said the Cabinet would decide on whether to send the SAS back to Afghanistan by mid-August, “but that decision will be made in what we deem to be the best interests of New Zealand”. Whatever decision we make has to be made here in New Zealand,” he said. “We are able to say `no’. They are the people entitled to that answer, not anybody else.

“I answer to the New Zealand public.

“Whether we agree or not is something Cabinet has to consider, but my view is I am somewhat sympathetic to the position on the basis that we send New Zealanders all around the world and they are in harm’s way,” he said.”

Key said he was sympathetic to the US request. I can’t see how that is in New Zealand’s best interests. “What is the counter-factual? If the world doesn’t get on top of the position in Afganistan, the counter-factual is it becomes an even bigger hotbed for global terrorism.”

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Lines engineers contracted to Telecom went on strike today, demanding redundancy protection as the industry undergoes change.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) spokesperson Rob Egan said about 400 employees from contractor Transfield Services walked off the job after negotiations stalled.

The EPMU has been in talks with Telecom’s network division Chorus since it signed a 10-year contract with Visionstream, which will introduce an owner/operator model when it takes over networks in Auckland and Northland.

“They want a redundancy agreement because what’s happening with Visionstream in Northland is basically flowing through the country.

Fears the model would catch on had employees of the two established contractors, Transfield Services and Downer EDi Engineering, worried, Mr Egan said.”

Negotiations with Downer were at an earlier stage Mr Egan said.

“The guys from Transfield are worried about what the future holds for them.

Auckland strikers were joined by a Hamilton contingent outside Transfield’s offices in Avondale today.

“They’re not going to take it any more.

Organiser Joe Gallagher said it was about sending a message to Telecom that workers were sick of the “desecration of this industry”.

“We are the people who design, build and maintain the Telecom network. It has come to a crossroads and we’re going to stand up and fight back. .”

He said workers were striking today in Whakatane, Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Wellington, Blenheim, Nelson and Christchurch.

“Some of them are taking the whole weekend, some are just taking the day.

“Some of them are taking the whole weekend, some are just taking the day.

He said union members represented about 20 percent of those employed through Chorus’ contractors.”

Chorus spokesperson Robin Kelly said some “short-term impact to service levels” was expected but there was a plan in place and people on the ground to address problems.

“The repair of faults has been prioritised, which may unfortunately result in some delays to some other services.

“Customers should continue to report any faults to their service provider. But at the end of the day we are disappointed it impacts the customers.

“Of course we respect the right of the union to take this action.

“We’ll get on with the business of trying to minimise any disruption.”

Mr Kelly said the contract dispute was between Transfield and its staff, and Chorus would trust the company to work with the union.”

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Killers will lose the right to claim provocation as a defence after murderer Clayton Weatherston’s attempt to smear his victim.

It is understood Justice Minister Simon Power wants the controversial defence scrapped as soon as possible and will announce his intentions today.

Weatherston, 33, was found guilty in the High Court at Christchurch yesterday of murdering his former girlfriend Sophie Elliott, 22.

Should provocation be scrapped as a defence for murder? below.

He said he was provoked by their tumultuous relationship and because she had attacked him with a pair of scissors.

He had admitted inflicting 216 stab and cutting wounds on her in the bedroom of her Dunedin home on January 9 last year, but pleaded not guilty to murder.

“There was no provocation in this case, no provocation from Sophie,” her father, Gil, said. .. “That was all fabricated . She didn’t have time to provoke him..

“We’ve thought about it a lot over the last few weeks – probably there’s not … very many murders where provocation is justified but however, in our society it’s never justified – thou shalt not kill and that’s the bottom line.”

Her mother, Lesley, told Radio New Zealand that said she believed there was no room in the legal system for provocation.

“As far as we were concerned, up until the trial, provocation hadn’t really been mentioned – if it had been it certainly wasn’t a massive issue.”

She said they were surprised at accusations that Sophie had made the first attack on her killer.

“[Sophie] doesn’t have another chance and I don’t see why he should.”

Mrs Elliott told Radio New Zealand she didn’t believe in capital punishment but thought Weatherston should spend his life in prison.”

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“I’ve struggled… a lot over the last year with… forgiveness and I will never be able to forgive him for what he’s done

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A 62-year-old woman is in a comfortable condition in hospital in Greymouth after being trapped in her car in remote bush for two days.

Searchers found Alison McDonald in her blue Toyota Corolla between Arthur’s Pass and Otira early earlier today after she crashed down a five metre bank on Friday.
She was dehydrated and probably looking forward to a good night’s sleep, some warm food and plenty of fluids, he said.
A Grey Base Hospital spokesperson said she had been knocked about when the vehicle rolled and suffered bruising to her ribs and lung area.”
The alarm was raised on Friday after Ms McDonald failed to reach her Greymouth home after leaving Christchurch that morning.
“I think once she gets that then no doubt her condition will improve.
Ms McDonald’s 21-year-old granddaughter found her when searching on foot with other family and friends, Newstalk ZB reported.
Police drove the route and a helicopter swept the area but were unsuccessful.
Her friend Tina Vincent said Ms McDonald had some leftover food and drink with her and stayed alive by keeping warm, thinking positive and praying.
She had managed to undo her seatbelt, but had not been able to get out of the car and had spent the entire time on broken glass.
She had amazed friends and family with her strength, Ms Vincent said.
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Slippery fugitive William Stewart is styling himself “Billy the Hunted One” and appears to be enjoying his new-found notoriety.

A Teddington farmer, whose property was broken into by the 47-year-old, showed Stewart’s table-top calling card yesterday.

Stewart, who broke into the farm’s smoko room and helped himself to a meal the weekend before last, had carved his thanks into the dining table.

Stewart has been on the run since early February.

“Thanks guys, Billy the Hunted One,” he wrote.

He has five warrants for his arrest and is thought to have committed a string of burglaries and car thefts while on the run.

He has not been seen since he picked up hitchhikers in Hororata more than a week ago.

Police believed his latest crime was to swap a stolen car for a 2008 Hilux in Waddington, central Canterbury, on Tuesday.

“He helped himself to a nice meal of hot pies and coffee and wrote a thank-you note carved into the table.

The Teddington farmer, who declined to be named, said Stewart had been “sleeping rough” in the hills towards Gebbies Pass behind the property before he ventured down to the farm’s sheds.

“It was more that he had been watching and seeing where the keys were kept,” the farmer said.”

The fact that the door had not been forced but was opened using keys hidden on the property was unnerving.

The farmer said it was clear Stewart was “having a lot of fun and games”.

After carving his thanks, Stewart stole one of the farm motorbikes and blasted through a police cordon towards Governors Bay early on March 22.

However, police had called his antics “silly”.

However, police had called his antics “silly”. .

The Teddington farmer said Stewart, who had popped up in Tai Tapu the following day he evaded police in Governors Bay, obviously had some bushcraft skills as it was a long hike over the hills

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Afternoon nightmare at the Manor

The Friday, 27 February 2009

JONATHAN CAMERON/
TO THE MANOR BURNT: Due to a water shortage, firefighters had to use water from a school pool to extinguish this blaze at the historic Manor Cafe in Sanson.

An exploding LPGcylinder is thought to have started a massive blaze at a landmark restaurant near Sanson, drawing fire crews from around the district in an attempt to save the historic wooden building on State Highway 1.
Fire service shift manager Murray Dunbar said the two-storey building, which was badly damaged, was "well alight" when the crews arrived. .
Mr Dunbar said that, at one stage, all internal firefighting was stopped and crews withdrew to attack the blaze from above.
The fire is thought to have started when a gas bottle exploded inside the building which also offers backpacker accommodation and a nighttime maze horror attraction called "Nightmares".
There were no reports of anyone inside the building. Because of a water shortage, firefighters used water from Sanson School swimming pool.

. Several fire crews remained at the scene last night

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Packaging linked to drug mixups

By REBECCA PALMER Wednesday, 25 February 2009

"Look-alike" drugs with similar packaging are contributing to medication mixups in hospitals, a report says.
Twenty-one hospital patients fell victim to serious errors involving drugs last year, the latest report on serious and sentinel events from a ministerial advisory body shows. Medical workers were also grappling with a greater range of medications, some of them "very potent".
Quality improvement committee member Mary Seddon said New Zealand had no national organisation monitoring "look-alike, sound-alike drugs".
Dr Seddon said district health boards were working on moves to cut medication errors, including standardised medication charts, automatic drug dispensing machines and electronic prescribing. Though medication errors were "quite common", most were "mild and fleeting"."
The committee's report found that more than half the 21 serious errors were overdoses or wrong doses. "As we know, doctors have poor handwriting."
In one incident, a patient was given 200 milligrams of a long-acting morphine called M-Eslon 10 times the dose meant to be given. "In many cases, issues such as the similarity of packaging for different doses of the same medication contributed to the error.
A review found that, although the morphine came in five doses, all were in "look-alike" boxes and were kept together in one drug cupboard. The patient regained consciousness after being given an antidote.
Hawke's Bay District Health Board also reported a case in which "look-alike packaging" of narcotic medication contributed to a patient death.
The different doses now have to be requested for individual patients, come in individual snap-lock bags with the patient's name clearly visible, and are removed once the patient is discharged.
New Zealand made up less than 0.
Stewart Jessamine, spokesman for government drug safety agency Medsafe, said there was no committee specifically looking at the issue of naming and packaging of drugs, but it was part of Medsafe's daily work. "Sometimes we have to take it with the global brand name or we don't get the medicine at all. .
An October newsletter from the district health boards' safe and quality use of medicines group also notes incidents in which a hospital doctor had prescribed folinic acid, as part of chemotherapy treatment."
Improved systems for storing, checking and administering drugs were needed. "Folinic acid is easily mistaken for folic acid on a handwritten prescription. A community pharmacy had dispensed folic acid.co."
Were you the victim of a sentinel health error? Email us: news@dompost.nz