Two a penny

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An America tourist is grieving after the girlfriend
who accepted his proposal of marriage died 24 hours later while swimming
with dolphins.

Emily May Harper, 27, from Denver, Colorado, is thought to have died from natural causes as she swam in Tory Channel in the Marlborough Sounds on Tuesday.

Her boyfriend Matthew Hawkins proposed to her on Monday and she said ‘yes’.

Their last night together was memorable for all the right reasons, he told The New Zealand Herald.

Mr Hawkins said yesterday he believed his girlfriend was fit and healthy.

“I came up to her from behind and gave her a hug, and I said to her, ‘We should get married’.

He said they had been walking together at Picton Harbour, watching the lights reflecting off the water. And she said, ‘What, are you serious?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I think I am’.”

He said he had planned to ask her two days later and she never saw the ring he had bought because it was with his mother. And then she said, ‘Yes, absolutely’.”

Next morning, the pair sailed out into the Marlborough Sounds with Mr Hawkins’ mother Sandra and brother Andrew on a Dolphin Watch Ecotours vessel.

“I meant to ask her in Auckland, but the setting was just perfect.

“Emily kept giving me a thumbs-up signal while she was in the water.

He said she loved animals and wildlife and was very excited about the dolphin encounter.

“I took my eyes off Emily for barely a second, and I saw someone face down in the water.

“I took my eyes off Emily for barely a second, and I saw someone face down in the water.

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Hollywood is trying to stamp out pesky leaks on Twitter and Facebook by adding new rules to its contracts forbidding actors and other creatives from blabbing on the social networking sites.

DreamWorks and Disney are the first studios to clamp down on tweeting, with Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers among the first to be affected when they film the upcoming Shrek sequel.

It reported that DreamWorks had a similar clause in its writers’ contracts.

Influential trade publication The Hollywood Reporter revealed that new talent contracts from Disney forbid confidentiality breaches via “interactive media such as Facebook, Twitter or any other interactive social network or personal blog”.

It also affords a far more intimate connection with fans.

Celebrities have embraced social media because it allows them to broadcast their thoughts directly without being filtered by journalists.

But the inability to control the message is leading some Hollywood execs to panic. For instance, top tweeters Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore gave fans backstage passes to the Oscars by publishing messages, videos and pictures on their Twitter accounts throughout the evening.

Heroes star Greg Gunberg published a message that led some wrongly to believe that the show was being cancelled.

Paula Abdul recently surprised her Fox bosses by revealing through a tweet that she was leaving American Idol.

Outside Hollywood, professional sports leagues and media organisations around the world have also implemented policies curbing social media use.

And when Bones executive producer Hart Hanson joked that production had shut down due to “swine flu”, the story quickly made it to the airwaves before Hanson clarified that no one on set had anything but the standard flu.

“Hollywood has a long history of controlling what talent says in the media.

“This is just the beginning,” a talent lawyer told The Hollywood Reporter.”

But, ironically, while Hollywood might be fearful of confidential details leaking out on social networks, it is relying on these same tools to generate buzz. This is just a new area of media that hasn’t been controlled yet.

Online buzz drove Paranormal Activity to a US$7. . The low budget horror flick is now on its way to wider release.9 million box office in the US and Canada last weekend, setting a record for a movie playing in fewer than 200 theatres.

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Auckland look bound for another moderate placing in this year’s Air NZ Cup championship after succumbing 12-8 to Tasman in Nelson today.

In a classic David-overcomes-Goliath scenario, the scoreline actually flattered Auckland, a union that has dominated the history of the national provincial championships but whose reputation is starting to take a battering. .

They didn’t deserve victory at Trafalgar Park, the country’s biggest union being outplayed up front by the Air NZ Cup’s smallest, allowing Tasman to surge past them into fifth place.

The hosts bagged their second soon after the break to winger Blair Cook, taking advantage of a non-existent blindside defence.

Playing with a strong wind at their back, Auckland conceded a costly try to Tasman captain Andrew Goodman soon before halftime to trail 3-7.

A Tasman loss would have been a travesty after overwhelming the visitors at scrum and lineout time while edging the breakdown battle, where Auckland coach Mark Anscombe took a gamble by playing regular No 8 Peter Saili at openside flanker in one of 10 changes.

They remained 12-3 up for much of the remainder before Auckland’s reserve hooker Pat Leafa handed them a glimmer of hope, scoring off a sizzling break by winger Atieli Pakalani with five minutes remaining.

Today’s result was an epic reversal of the teams’ only previous meeting, when Auckland prevailed 46-6 three years ago.

Tasman also played usual halfback Kahn Fotuali’i out of position at first five-eighth and he responded well, keeping the ball in hand through much of the first spell into the elements.

Halftime: 7-3.

Tasman 12 (Andrew Goodman, Blair Cook tries; Goodman con)

Auckland 8 (Pat Leafa try; Ash Moeke pen).

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Roofliss, the first amphibious van to travel across Cook Strait, has sold for $9100 on Trade Me – and could be heading home to Marlborough.

Aeronautic machinists Dan Melling and Adam Turnbull, both 23, completed the 65-kilometre journey from Waikawa Bay marina to Mana marina in the modified Toyota Town Ace, they’d built on September 6. .Ian and Jenny Fyfe of Blenheim, who won the auction said they had been bidding on behalf of someone else, but would not reveal who.”There was the possibility of fundraising or sponsorship, but earlier this evening Mr Melling conceeded that looked unlikely, he said.”It would be interesting to look at later on rather than someone buying it, thrashing it and dumping it in their shed so no-one will see it again.”It’s going to be sad to see her go,” he said.Mr Melling said he enjoyed the auction with a beer and said he was “stoked” with the price, but “you always hope it goes higher”.”His share of the money would be spent: shouting a few beverages, on his car, which he described as a “black hole”, and on the next project, which would be “maybe a bit faster, further and comfy”.”(If the van was heading back to Marlborough) It would be good to take it back to Picton for a bit of a hack around.

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A 60 bed container unit is to be established at Rimutaka Prison as the Corrections Department seeks ways to house a burgeoning prison population.

The block, to be constructed on a field in the prison grounds in the Hutt Valley, would house high to medium security prisoners and be staffed by 20-25 new guards.

The Government previously announced it would use converted containers as cells to boost capacity.

“This project is the first of its kind at a New Zealand prison and we hope it will point the way to how we can build extra prison capacity faster and much cheaper than in the past,” she said.

Corrections Minister Judith Collins said today the unit would help the department evaluate whether the containers can be used in other prisons. We have to take immediate action to ensure that prisoners are securely locked away and the public is kept safe.

“Corrections is forecast to run out of baseline beds early next year.”

Ms Collins said prison numbers had swelled from about 5000 in 1996-97 to 8400 now.

It was estimated a further 5000 beds would be needed by 2018.

As on Monday the muster was 12 short of breaking the record for the number of people locked up.

A tender process had started and cells would be in use from March.

Using containers was a quick and cost effective solution, and the recession meant there were plenty to be recycled, she said.

Staff, dining, showers and other facilities would also feature in the containers.

Each bed would cost between $53,000 and $63,000, which Ms Collins said was far cheaper than for a new prison.

While some of the components of the initial cells will come from overseas, they will be extensively fitted out in New Zealand.

While some of the components of the initial cells will come from overseas, they will be extensively fitted out in New Zealand.

Corrections Department chief executive Barry Matthews said container cells were used in Australia, Britain and the United States.”

Prisoners would not be involved in construction as a result of the tight schedule, but they may be in future.

Asked about rolling out the new style of cells at Rimutaka given problems it has recently faced – such as guards alleged involved in a drug ring and a female guard having a relationship with a prisoner – Mr Matthews said overall there had been improvement in management of prisons.

They were similar quality to normal prison cells and better than in older prisons.

The department was also rolling out double bunking at prisons, aiming to add 1000 beds to the system.

Containers would be a mix of single and double cells. .

Prison guards’ union, the Corrections Association of New Zealand, is taking the department to the Employment Court over the double bunking issue, saying it breaches collective agreements

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Miley Cyrus rode a wave of success at the Teen Choice Awards.

The teen queen sailed away with six surfboard-shaped trophies at Sunday’s ceremony. Cyrus won for comedy TV actress and comedy TV show for “Hannah Montana,” music/dance movie actress and hissy fit for the “Hannah Montana” movie, music single for “The Climb” and summer song for “Before the Storm.

“I’m a huge fans of hers,” Cyrus said before a subdued Spears accepted her own surfboard.”

She also presented Britney Spears with the ultimate choice award.

Show hosts the Jonas Brothers kicked off the ceremony by performing “Much Better” on a tiny stage that moved through the audience. .

They won five awards, including choice male red carpet icons and breakout TV show for “Jonas.”

“We’ll see you guys in theaters Nov.”

The biggest winner of the night was vampire drama “Twilight,” which sucked up nine movie awards: choice drama, romance, liplock, rumble, drama actress for Kristen Stewart, drama actor for Robert Pattinson, villain for Cam Gigandet, fresh face female for Ashley Greene and fresh face male for Taylor Lautner, who will also appear in the upcoming sequel, “New Moon.

Other big winners included “Gossip Girl” and Zac Efron. 20,” Lautner teased the squealing crowd.”

Spears – who performed at the annual event on Sunday night – was presented with the Ultimate Choice Award for her “extraordinary contributions to the entertainment industry”. Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick picked up drama actor, actress, villain and TV series awards for the sudsy CW series while Efron won for music/dance movie actor in “High School Musical 3″ and comedy movie actor and rockstar moment in “17 Again.

Britney’s performance will mark 10 years since the first Teen Choice Awards in 1999, where Britney – who is currently on a break from her world tour – was one of the performers.

Britney’s performance will mark 10 years since the first Teen Choice Awards in 1999, where Britney – who is currently on a break from her world tour – was one of the performers.

Retired boxer Mike Tyson – currently starring in the movie The Hangover – also attended.

The ceremony at Universal City’s Gibson Amphitheatre in California – will also feature appearances from Black Eyed Peas, Miley Cyrus and Cobra Starship with Leighton Meester.

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A speed camera snapped more than 700 motorists in a seven-hour shift on State Highway 1 in Huntly last week.

But the massive ticket bonanza may have the unintended consequence of leading to higher speeds being legalised through Huntly and hundreds of speedsters being let off.

The ticket numbers were revealed at a meeting of the Waikato District Council roading committee this week.

Waikato roading policing manager Inspector Leo Tooman agreed it was perhaps time to take another look at what was the best speed limit for this stretch of road between Bell’s Crossing and the north of the town and the southern end of the Huntly bypass. It has prompted the council to ask the New Zealand Transport Agency to increase the speed limit on the 50kmh stretch of road through the town.

The Huntly speed camera haul was one of the highest on record for Waikato mobile speed cameras, which come into play when speeds are 11kmh over the limit.

If the limit was raised, Mr Tooman would recommend tickets not be issued.

Councillor Graeme Tait suggested the Huntly bypass speed limit was set at 50kmh in recognition of the fact people would always exceed it. “If it was lifted to 70kmh, they would be doing 80kmh”.

“We get speeds of 60-65 at present,” he said. .

But fellow Huntly councillor Shirley Boyde said the speed limit should be lifted to at least 60kmh on that stretch, given it was a part of SH1 with few exits. The Times lobbied for motorists to be let off the fines if the Huntly speed limit was raised.

Meanwhile Inspector Tooman said it was probably time to look at the speed limit there.

“It’s not really my call,” Mr Tooman said.

“It’s not really my call,” Mr Tooman said. Maybe the speed is inappropriate, and we have to be fair. It’s good that it came to our attention.”

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The readers of have spoken and it appears the All Blacks have listened. They say they are ready to sing their national anthem loud and proud tomorrow night against Italy.

After a resounding response to an opinion column this week imploring the All Blacks to belt out their anthem with the same gusto and pride that they show for their haka, it appears that the subject has hit home.

“I haven’t instructed them to sing the anthem.

With over 1000 comments posted on the original story and a poll revealing emphatically that New Zealanders would like to see their All Blacks treat their anthem with more respect, both coach and captain today confirmed the topic had been discussed within the team… yet,” said Henry at today’s captain’s press conference..

“I think that’s a decision they will come to.”

In other words, the All Blacks have been made aware that the mixture of stony silence and self-conscious mumbling that the majority of them seem to favour is not reflecting well on the team..

Skipper Mils Muliaina admitted some players were probably less emphatic in their delivery than they should be – a situation he put down to the conservatism of Kiwis in general.

“I think they should sing the anthem, sure,” added Henry when asked for his view on the topic.

“We’ve had a brief discussion as players,” he said.

“We’ve had a brief discussion as players,” he said. If you look at the French and compare them to us, we probably just open our lips a little bit. We’re probably conservative people as Kiwis. “We’re very passionate about being All Blacks and also the national anthem.

“Perhaps there’s a couple of guys in the team that don’t sing, but the majority of the group do,” added Muliaina. . We don’t I suppose jump up and down about it. we’re pretty conservative people..”

A bit of levity was then restored when the subject of whether certain All Blacks actually shouldn’t sing the anthem, given their vocal prowess.

“But we are making a conscious effort to do that, and we are very proud of it. “There’s some not very good singers in this team. “There’s some not very good singers in this team. Jimmy Cowan doesn’t sing it and I’ve just realised why – because he can’t sing.”

Of course Henry then had the last word: “We’ll have to get them a singing coach,” barked the coach.

Not such a bad idea if it gets these guys belting out their anthem with the gusto it deserves.

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Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee has launched an immediate Ministerial review of the electricity sector.

Brownlee today released Terms of Reference for a review and announced that six independent experts would be appointed to a Technical Advisory Group.
“There are a number of other reports completed or underway in the electricity sector.
“The government has concerns about security of supply, the affordability of electricity, and duplication of electricity sector governance,” said Brownlee.
The six experts on the Technical Advisory Group are Brent Layton, David Russell, Lewis Evans, Stephen Franks, Toby Stevenson, and Miriam Dean. The best way to draw the threads together and make timely decisions to build public, industry and investor confidence is to proceed with a Ministerial review,” he said. The first phase would look at regulatory and governance issues, with the second addressing issues of electricity market performance.
Brownlee said there would be two phases of work in the Ministerial review.
Brownlee’s announcement comes a day after state owned Genesis Power announced price rises, effective from May 17, for 75,000 residential customers.
“It may be that the review process throws up some obvious short-term improvements that can be made and if so these will be acted on immediately,” he said. And Meridian said the previous month it would increase power bills for 180,000 customers by an average of 6. .5 percent, on top of a 6 percent increase last September.

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Climber sets record at age of 79

– Monday, 02 March 2009

It is not your average pensioner who dances on top of a mountain.
Christchurch retiree Ron Webster, 79, is believed to be the oldest person to climb Mt Aspiring, after reaching the top of the 3033m peak last week.
Webster's effort surpassed Taranaki mountaineer Doug Ball's record for the oldest Mt Aspiring climber set last March by three months.
The pair each had a guide.
The Cashmere-based retired pharmacist took 14 1/2 hours to climb the mountain with his friend, 73-year-old Darfield man Murray Robb.
"We booked the climb three months ago.
Webster, who turns 80 on May 20, said achieving the climb put to rest months of sleepless nights. ."
Webster and Robb trained by going for tramps in the Christchurch foothills and Arthur's Pass every week for about eight weeks. I kept wondering whether I was crazy and should I be doing this at my age.
Webster said any loss of concentration could prove fatal.
Mt Aspiring has claimed many lives.
"We got close to the top and suddenly there was blue sky and no-one else around.
"It's very steep and the day we climbed it was clouded over for three-quarters of the way," he said. We danced and jumped for joy. We danced and jumped for joy.