Two a penny

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A Wanganui toddler who died in unexplained circumstances over the weekend is the son of a gang member jailed for the 2007 shooting of another Wanganui toddler, Jhia Te Tua.

Two-year-old Karl Richard Arc Perigo-Check received severe internal injuries over the weekend.

Inspector Duncan MacLeod of Wanganui police confirmed the dead boy was the son of Karl Check, who is serving a 15-year prison sentence for the 2007 murder, which happened after an altercation between the Mongrel Mob and Black Power gangs.

He was taken to Wanganui Hospital on Saturday afternoon, where he died.

While there were gang members associated with the case, police were keeping an open mind as to why and how the child died.

“We’re looking at the moment on behalf of the coroner to see how the death occurred,” he said. We’ve only been investigating since yesterday afternoon,” Mr MacLeod said.

“It’s early days yet.

Check, a father of seven, the drive-by instigator of the 2007 death, was found guilty of Jhia’s murder, along with the shooter Hayden Wallace and Ranji Forbes.

The investigation began after the post mortem “provided information which requires some explanation”, police said earlier today. .

Check had his case against his sentence heard in the Court of Appeal today. Not by disease nor by accident but by the malicious actions of those charged to protect and love him,” he said.

“The real scandal is that another child has likely been killed in this country.

“When are we going to protect these children? When are we going to get tough on derelict whanau, on deadbeat parents? Why do we tolerate this evil in our midst?”

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An Auckland man “reared up like a lion” after his good mate shot him in the chest at a dinner party gone wrong, a high court jury has been told.

The Crown alleges that Alan Christopher Paul Gundry, 30, killed Orewa man Gene Patrick Atkins, 28, on January 12 this year.

In his closing address at Auckland’s High Court, Crown prosecutor Kevin Glubb said the death of Mr Atkins had been the inevitable, tragic consequence of a bout of drinking and violence.

The girlfriend of the victim, Sarah Jane Dean,earlier told the courtshe had served a large meal of corned beef to the guests earlier in the evening.

Mr Glubb told the court that Mr Atkins and the accused had been friends for many years and on the afternoon of the killing had been enjoying the summer weather on Gundry’s back deck with friends. Once home he threw Ms Dean’s belongings outside the house and broke several objects.

Afterwards Mr Atkins had become drunk and angry, leaving the Gundry house and returning home.

Ms Dean discovered the mess and packed her things and returned to Gundry’s home to stay the night.

He strode through the house and started brawling with several people, demanding to know where his girlfriend was.

Minutes later Mr Atkins arrived at the Gundry house, furious and violent.

Finally Gundry went to the garage and retrieved his rifle. Several attempts by friends to calm him failed, the court was told.

“Without any warning whatsoever he fired two shots, almost at point blank range.

Mr Glubb told the court Gundry had deliberately grabbed his high powered hunting rifle and loaded six rounds into the magazine.”

Mr Atkins had been advancing at Gundry and yelling at him that he was going “to f*** him up”, the court heard.”

Mr Atkins had been advancing at Gundry and yelling at him that he was going “to f*** him up”, the court heard.

Gundry had said: “It was like a lion rearingup.

Gundry had described how Mr Atkins continued coming towards him after the first shot, bent over double, Mr Glubb said.”

Gundry had not warned Mr Atkins he had a gun, the court was told.”

Mr Glubb held up the rifle Gundry had used in the shooting and told the jury: “When you use a weapon like this they simply don’t get up.

“Just bang, bang and lights out.

“No opportunity to assess the situation, no backdown at all,” Mr Glubb said. .”

Gundry’s lawyer, Graeme Newell, earlier told the jury the case was matter of self-defence.

Mr Newell will give the closing argument for the defence later this afternoon.

Mr Newell said earlier spoke ofMr Atkins’ violent history and other “aggressive incidents” he had been involved with prior to his death.

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LATEST:
The family of Halatau Naitoko say they no longer blame the police officer who accidently shot the teenager after a 13 year jail term was handed down today.

The man at the centre of a police chase which led to the accidental shooting of an innocent teenager has been sentenced to 13 years jail with a minimum non-parole period of eight years.

Naitoko, 17, was shot dead as police fired to stop gunman Stephen Hohepa McDonald, 50, who had led them on a chase through Auckland to a final confrontation on the North Western motorway on January 23.

Halatau, a courier driver on his way home, died from a police bullet to his chest after being caught in crossfire as McDonald tried to hijack a truck on the motorway.

McDonald admitted 23 charges including firing at police, possessing a firearm, aggravated robbery, and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.

Outside court family spokesperson Peter Sykes said the sentencing of McDonald “has focused eight months grief caused by his actions.

Police decided not to lay charges against the officer who fired the fatal shot. While many have focused on the police role in Halatau’s death, the family can now recognise that Halatau would be alive today if McDonald had made different decisions. .

“His actions on the January 23, 2009 have forced a family from a normal life to a life publicly scrutinised and privately painful. The pain is seen in each of the family and in the relationships placed under pressure.

“Questions are being asked of the family that are not normal, everyday questions.

“Without a doubt in our minds, now that we have some information what happen in the seconds which took Halatau’s life, McDonald behaviour is responsible for Halatau’s death. The incident has been unsettling and disturbing for the community as well.”

Mr Sykes told Radio New Zealand that the family no longer blamed the officer who shot Naitoko and now supported police actions on the day of the chase.”

Mr Sykes told Radio New Zealand that the family no longer blamed the officer who shot Naitoko and now supported police actions on the day of the chase.”

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Outside court Mr Sykes said: “On the other side the legacy of Halatau has encouraged Ivoni Fuimaono and Kepu Teputepu to strengthen their business, to strengthen their family relationships and to strengthen their hope and faith that life will continue

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The family of the New Zealand teacher crushed to death in a British rubbish compactor after falling asleep in a communal wheelie bin has called for new safety measures to prevent further tragedies.

Teacher Scott Williams, 35, climbed into the industrial-size container after a night out drinking with friends.Mr Williams’ brother Tony told the Mirror newspaper in London: “Something needs to be done about these types of bins.His body was found in a crusher in the coastal city of Brighton after the bin was emptied the next morning.”I would like councils to introduce new safety measures to stop people being killed. There have already been two (other) cases involving homeless people.His death followed other incidents involving the city’s large communal bins: two homeless men asleep in the containers almost died on separate occasions as they were lifted into lorries.”The New Zealander died after he spent the night in the bin in Brighton earlier this month. . Staff heard their screams and stopped the crusher.Tony Williams said: “We have spoken to a lot of people, the pathologist, senior police officers and a lot of our questions have been answered.But the family now accepts it was a tragic accident.A spokesman added: “We put signs on our bins warning people that climbing inside them is dangerous.”Brighton and Hove City Council said the bin in which the teacher died belonged to and was emptied by a private firm. This is a sad incident but it’s difficult to protect people from every potential accident, particularly when alcohol is involved.”Private contractors might consider putting warnings on theirs.Mr Williams started his teaching career at Pakuranga College, Auckland, as a PE and maths teacher, and first left for the UK in 2000.”Sussex Police investigating the case said it appeared Mr Williams climbed into a wheelie bin and fell asleep, and was picked up by a rubbish truck.

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Wonder what Bruno thinks of John Daly’s look?

Big John showed up for a practice round at the British Open today wearing striped pants, and we’re not talking subtle. Black, brown, pink, orange, with a dash of beige thrown in for good measure, and held up by a pink leather belt. Daly is probably the only one who would even attempt this ensemble at this staid ol’ event – that is, unless Sonny and Cher have a history on the links that no one knows about. Weingarten, a former celebrity makeup artist and author of the books “Hello Gorgeous” and “Career and Corporate Cool.

“Not a good look at all,” said Rachel C.”

OK, so Daly is pushing the bounds of good taste.”

“It’s almost as though he’s channeling the late Chris Farley. Then again, style is in the eye of the beholder.

There are snazzy outfits all over the course, from the ever dapper Ian Poulter to clotheshorse Darren Clarke to Latin cool Sergio Garcia. What’s garish to someone, is hip to another.

Many golfers appear to spend as much time in front of the mirror as they do on the driving range.

As Bruno, the fictitious Austrian fashion reporter portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen, might say:

“Uber cool!”

One thing’s for sure: The era of polyester and Sansabelt is over.

“I just wear what I feel is comfortable, and I just wear the good things that (sponsor) Adidas sends me,” said Garcia, examining fairly buttoned-down in a lime green shirt and black pants.

“I don’t try to make a statement at all,” insisted Garcia, whose most memorable fashion moment – or infamous, depending on your taste – might have been a top-to-bottom yellow outfit that made him look like a giant banana during the closing round of the 2006 British Open at Hoylake.

“I try to mix it around a little bit to show as much of the collection as they send me.

“I try to mix it around a little bit to show as much of the collection as they send me.

In 2002, his contract with Adidas was reported at US$7 million (NZ$11 million) a year. Top players like Garcia are paid millions to serve as de facto models as well as walking promos for equipment. . Tiger Woods reportedly signed a US$100 million, five-year deal with Nike in 2001 that was renegotiated in 2006. The 33-year-old Englishman once wore slacks at the US PGA Championship that looked like they were cut from Old Glory, and he’s played the British Open in trousers emblazoned with the winner’s claret jug.

But more guys than ever are taking a hands-on approach to their working clothes, none more so than Poulter.

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New Zealand’s win in the world under-20 rugby championship has been tinged with sadness by the death of the father of star back Zac Guildford.

It is understood Robert Guildford died in the grandstands while watching the final in Tokyo where New Zealand scored seven tries to beat England 44-28.

Zac Guildford scored two of those trieson the wing as he claimed his second world title with the national under-20s. Despite attempts to resuscitate him at the ground and at a Tokyo hospital, he passed away.

NZRU CEO Steve Tew said their thoughts were with the family.

He is a Hawke’s Bay and Hurricanes representative. .

“Our thoughts are with Zac, his mother Debbie and Zac’s brother who have had to deal with this tragedy at what should have been the best of times, enjoying their son’s achievements with a team that has excelled on the world stage,” he said.”

His father Robert is a former Wairarapa Bush player who took great delight in his son’s progress that included making the trip to Japan for this latest tournament. The NZRU is working with them and the New Zealand Embassy to assist in getting the family back to New Zealand where they can continue the grieving process.

Zac Guildford became the youngest ever Hurricanes player when he was selected as an 18-year-old for the 2008 season.

He played 39 games for the province between 1992 and 1996.

He is a former Napier Boys’ High School pupil and New Zealand schools representative.

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New Zealand’s gamble to bowl first produced the dividend of nine Indian wickets and a solid return for the home side on the opening day of the third cricket test in Wellington.

Against that was a steady flow of runs that saw India finish the day at 375-9.

They scored at a rapid rate despite regularly losing wickets and had their tail to thank for giving the innings a really good wag.

Chris Martin was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.

A sweet 62 to Sachin Tendulkar held things together in the middle of the day and skipper MS Dhoni (52) and Harbhajan Singh (60) proved extremely irritating to the New Zealanders in the final session as the tourists cleared out of the danger zone.

A fascinating day ended with the honours even although the Black Caps were guilty of failing to deliver the knockout blow after having India 204-6. .

New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori said New Zealand had to go on the attack if they were to have any chance of winning this test and squaring the series.

The runs flowed initially but the Black Caps were clearly delighted to snare the wickets ofopeners Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir as they fought back and put the brakes on an aggressive approach from the tourists in the opening session. That meant giving his seamersfirst chance on the Basin Reserve pitch. He hit the ball to all corners of the oval and quickly got through to 48 before he was caught behind by wicketkeepr Brendon McCullum off the bowling of Iain O’Brien just after an hour.

They had been under the hammer from Sehwag.

Rahul Dravid andTendulkar then held the Indian innings through to lunch at 101-2.

New Zealand struck again soon after with James Franklin trapping Gambhir lbw for 23.

They were in control after lunch with Tendulkar confidently moving through to another half century and Dravid all composure.

They were in control after lunch with Tendulkar confidently moving through to another half century and Dravid all composure. Laxman made four.

The Black Caps claimed a second wicket in the afternoon session when Tim Southee had Laxman prodding at a ball outside and edging it to the slips where Tim McIntosh took a good catch.

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New Zealand took three wickets in the second hour of the middle session to seize back control.

Then Jesse Ryder’s golden touch with the ball continued as he removed Yuraj Singh, trapping him lbw for nine.

But just after tea Martin enticed him to hook and Franklin took the catch at square leg to make India 204-6.

Dravid was providing the anchor knock for the Indians with a typically patient innings.

Martin had Harbhajan soon after but by then the annoying damage had been done.

Dhoni and Harbhajan were left to fight on and they favourably brought an aggressive attitude that frustrated the Black Caps with a stand of 79 before Southee removed Dhoni with the new ball.

New Zealand made two changes to the side that drew the second test in Napier earlier in the week.

Zaheer Khan entered in the spirit with 33 runs off 23 balls.

Pace bowler Southee was brought in at the expense of offspinner Jeetan Patel.

Pace bowler Southee was brought in at the expense of offspinner Jeetan Patel.

It was abig call given that Patel was arguably the best New Zealand bowler in the second test.

India made one change to their team with Dhoni returning after a back strain ruled the wicketkeeper out of the Napier clash.

The weather in the capital was fine and a big crowd packed into the ground.

India are one-up in the series after winning the opening test in Hamilton.

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Untouchable girls touch NZ – film – entertainment

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Last updated 00:00 10/04/2009
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From singing with cows in rural Waikato to the big screen, Close Up catches up with comedy duo the Topp Twins.

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The story of New Zealand’s social upheaval of the 80s can be followed through the story of yodelling lesbian twins from Huntly. .
Key moments of social change are brought into focus – from the anti-apartheid marches of the 1981 Springboks rugby tour, to the nuclear ban, to Bastion Point Maori land rights activism, to homosexual law reform – through footage of the Twins’ involvement.
“New Zealand has a great history, and we dont get to see much of it,” Lynda told Close Up.
“We grew up,”she said of the social changes in New Zealand.
Neatly illustrating the point, the Twins went from being among the protesters at the flour bombed Springboks test in Hamilton to doing pre-match entertainment as their blokey alter-egos Ken and Ken before Waikato played in the NPC final.
The new generation is different, with texting and blogging replacing placards and marching. But for all the changes, New Zealand still “runs on a cup of tea”, said Jools.
“There’s something fabulous about New Zealand, because in a way we want to be like the rest of the world with our ultra-fast broadband, but there’s a part of us wants to be like in the ’50s and ’60s, where you think it’s cool to have a sausage roll and a lamington.
“I hope we never lose that mentality that you can always fix things with a piece of number 8 wire.”
– with

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Dunedin has refused Jumbo the circus elephant following pressure from an animal rights group.

Jumbo, travelling with the Loritz Circus, will not be allowed on Dunedin City Council reserves after a change of heart by the council, the Otago Daily Times reported.Jumbo, an African elephant, was initially granted an exemption by a council committee this month from rules banning exotic animals from council-owned reserves. The meeting voted nine votes to five not to approve the exemption. But campaigning by the Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE) group swayed enough councillors yesterday to change their initial decision to allow the circus elephant to perform.Safe campaign officer Sacha Dowell yesterday said her group had provided what she said was evidence the 35-year-old elephant was being kept in breach of a code of welfare. The circus is due to perform in Dunedin over Easter. That included photographs of a chain around the animal’s foot that was not properly covered with plastic to keep it from contact with the skin. Loritz marketing manager Paul Johnson last night told the Otago Daily Times he was devastated by the decision. As well, it was not getting the eight hours of exercise a day required, and the group had supplied evidence on its emotional state.” The circus would still come to the Oval, Dunedin, next week, but an “alternative site” for Jumbo would need to be found. “They have been conned by SAFE.Safe denied any involvement. .Loritz said paint had also been poured into the circus’s diesel tanks and splashed over vehicles.Loritz said paint had also been poured into the circus’s diesel tanks and splashed over vehicles.

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.Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has arrived in London ahead of Thursday’s G20 leaders’ summit as thousands of activists took to the streets of the British capital to start five days of protests.
Mr Rudd is due to hold talks with British government officials, including the Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
He will also have an audience with the Queen and attend a memorial service at Westminster Abbey for the victims of the Victorian bushfires.
Meanwhile, demonstrators from trade unions and environmental and anti-capitalism groups have marched through London.
The Prime Minister will spend the rest of the week preparing for the G20 summit in which world leaders hope to formulate a common plan to revive the global economy.
An alliance of more than 150 unions, charities and environment groups joined the march to demand action to save jobs, create a low-carbon economy and impose stricter controls on the finance sector.
Police estimated the crowd at up to 15,000 but there was no sign of the feared violence as the placard-waving crowd snaked along the six-kilometre route to Hyde Park.
Organisers of the Put People First march for “jobs, justice and climate” had rejected as “smears” claims in police briefings that the march could be hijacked by anarchists bent on violence.
“Never before has such a wide coalition come together with such a clear message for world leaders,” he said.
– ‘Old ideas’ –
The general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Brendan Barber, said the demonstration had a clear message for the presidents and prime ministers heading to London.”
Later in the day, campaigners were set to target companies and buildings that fail to switch off their lights, promising to force their way into “offending” tower blocks and offices.
“The old ideas of unregulated free markets do not work and have brought the world’s economy to near-collapse, failed to fight poverty and have done far too little to move to a low-carbon economy.
More protests are planned in London in the days leading up to the summit.
That action is part of the global Earth Hour initiative. .
The police are most concerned about the potential for violence on Wednesday, dubbed “Financial Fools Day” by demonstrators, when an anti-war march will be held and climate change campaigners will set up a camp in the City of London financial district. Several hundred demonstrators also turned out in Paris where they erected and demolished a model of an island symbolising a tax haven.
Thousands of people also marched through Berlin and Frankfurt overnight.
– ABC/AFP