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Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
‘No place' for racism, Bluff Rugby Club says
Bluff rugby team. PHOTO: ODT FILES Bluff Rugby Club has broken its silence, saying it wants Tokanui club supporters held accountable for racist comments made at a match between the teams earlier this month. In an official statement released yesterday, the club said racial slurs toward the team had not been addressed in any of the discussions after Rugby Southland Referees refused to provide officials for its game last weekend. The club admitted a supporter came on to the field twice to remonstrate with the referee but he was quickly ushered away by the team. The club said players of the predominantly Māori and Pacific Island Bluff team were frequently targets of derogatory remarks attacking their identity and culture. "We will not tolerate racism or discrimination. There is no place for it in our club, or in rugby as a whole." During the June 7 game, a Bluff club supporter was removed from the field after directing offensive language at the referee. The same person resumed their verbal tirade after the final whistle. "On both occasions, our team captain and senior player intervened immediately and the individual left without resistance. We are proud of how our players responded in the moment." The game between Bluff and Tokanui was the third Southland game in three weeks to experience referee-related issues, the statement said. "We are concerned about how this incident has been portrayed. The narrative that has emerged has led to public backlash and reputational harm, despite our efforts to address the matter appropriately at the time and engage constructively since." The statement said none of the club's players were involved yet they were unfortunately made an example of. "This decision opened the door to harmful and unfounded commentary, based more on assumption than fact. We are disappointed by how quickly a narrative took hold, one that does not reflect the actions or values of our club. This has highlighted deeper assumptions some may hold about our team and community, and we believe it's important to question and reflect on those. "We are also deeply concerned that racist comments made by some opposition supporters and players during the match have gone unaddressed. "While not the initial cause of conflict, these remarks contributed to the atmosphere of tension and hurt." The statement said the Bluff club remained committed to working with Rugby Southland and the referees' association. "Our players and club members, like our referees, are people too and their wellbeing is ours to protect. We hope the wider rugby community can move forward with ... respect, accountability, and unity." The club had stayed silent to let the truth come out but the false narrative now circulating had gone too far, it said. "We ask for fairness and understanding." The club's matches were recorded from kickoff to post-match handshakes, and anyone with concerns could view the footage. The Otago Daily Times has not been able to contact a Tokanui Rugby Club representative or Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki for their response to the Bluff club statement. Rugby Southland Referees chairman Andrew Rowland told the Otago Daily Times earlier this week regular spectator and coach misconduct reports were filed from all grades of the sport. "We deal with this every week. There probably aren't too many things that we haven't heard spoken to us over the years." Players' family members "are hearing people on the sideline calling them all sorts of names". A culture change was needed because the sport was being affected, Mr Rowland said.
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Game deferred over abuse concerns
A Southland club rugby game was called off amid accusations of widespread use of derogatory racist, sexist and homophobic language. The division 1 game between Bluff and Pioneer was postponed on Saturday in Bluff, following incidents the previous weekend in a game between Tokanui and Bluff. A Bluff player, who declined to be named when contacted, said he was sick of attending games every week when racial abuse was directed at players from the sidelines and he believed the referee should have addressed it. Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki said in a statement released yesterday the decision to defer Bluff's game was not taken lightly. "As we began assessing information from the interested parties, a decision was made to defer a division 1 match that was scheduled for Saturday, June 14," he said. It was a joint decision between Rugby Southland and the Rugby Southland Referees Association to defer the game until all parties had been heard. Until then, the association was not prepared to provide an official for the June 14 match, he said. "[The decision to defer] was based off assessment of risk and how our members felt in terms of being able to officiate or safely provide an environment for that game to go ahead." Some of the affected parties met on Monday night and Mr Tamariki hoped an outcome would be reached once the Tokanui club had been spoken with. He declined to give details of what happened at the match in Tokanui. However, it is believed there were accusations of racist language aimed at the Bluff players by spectators at the game. Comments about the racial slurs and criticism of the referee's handling of the abuse were aired on social media. The referees' association got involved after comments were made about the referee. Then, last Friday, Rugby Southland decided to call the game off, wanting more information about what happened. Mr Tamariki said the incidents cited in filed reports were not isolated. "Across the club rugby season this year there has been some incidents in terms of unacceptable conduct, both in terms of club sidelines, players and, on some occasions, teams. "We're very mindful that our approach here is to acknowledge where we can do better as an organisation. "This situation, alongside two unrelated incidents in other Southland Wide competitions this year, has unfortunately brought to light examples of unacceptable behaviour that have no place in our sport. This includes inappropriate sideline conduct by spectators, players and teams involving derogatory language directed at individuals and teams based on race, gender, sexual preference and age." Rugby Southland Referees Association chairman Andrew Rowland said abusive behaviour had been building across multiple grades and was "not just one club". "The behaviour, it just needs to stop." Players as well as spectators shared the responsibility of changing the negative culture that was creeping into the sport at all levels. Mr Rowland hoped the June 7 incident would become a catalyst for change. "Respect is the cornerstone of all sport. "Unfortunately, sometimes passion can spill over. It crosses a line and that can then turn into abuse ... [which] undermines the value of everything the game stands for." — Additional reporting Steve Hepburn By Toni McDonald
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Seventies TV star who shocked by posing naked for Playboy is unrecognizable as she's spotted in LA – can you guess who?
AN American TV icon who went from wholesome TV sister in the 70s to a sexy siren posing for Playboy in the 80s has been spotted on a day out in Los Angeles. The actress, 67, was seen embracing the heat in a summer dress during an errands run by her home, and still has effortless chic as she strolled in a pair of shades. 5 Judy became a massive star in the smash hit The Waltons in the 70s Credit: 5 The actress grew up on screen thanks to the show - but later tried to shed her image Credit: Getty 5 The Waltons followed the trials of the Walton family through the depression and WWII Credit: Getty Judy Norton shot to fame as Mary Ellen Walton in The Waltons from 1972 to 1981, becoming the sister figure for millions who tuned in every week to watch her. The Waltons followed the titular family – an expansive Virginia clan including Jason (Jon Walmsley), Erin (Mary Beth McDonough), Ben (Eric Scott), Elizabeth (Kami Cotler), Jim-Bob (David W. Harper), John Sr. (Ralph White), Olivia (Michael Learned) and Esther (Ellen Corby) – as they navigate the Great Depression era and World War II. As Mary Ellen, Judy appeared in all 212 episodes of the show's nine-season run, playing the oldest daughter of John and Olivia. Starting off as a tomboy figure in her younger years, Mary Ellen dreamed of a life away from the Walton Mountain before later pursuing a career as a nurse. But after the show ended, Judy was keen to shake off the image she had made during her nine years on screen, and in 1985 stripped off for Playboy Magazine. However, it was a decision she would later admit regretting, telling Fox News: 'I was getting a lot of advice from people who were representing me at the time. 'They felt it would be a good, positive career move. I wouldn't say that was the case and it's one of those things that if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have made the choice.' "I learned a lot of lessons from it, in terms of trusting my own instincts and decisions more than other people's, even though it seemed like they knew more than me,' she added. 'Ultimately, I'm the one that had to live with a difficult decision to make at the time. It is what it is. You can only go forward.' Since appearing in The Waltons, Judy has continued her career as an actress, appearing in episodes of TV series including Bluff, Beggars and Chooser, Stargate SG-1 and Disorganized Zone. Legendary Emmy-winning actress looks unrecognisable as she speaks about life-saving role She also reprised her role of Mary Ellen in a string of TV Movie Specials throughout the 90s, including A Walton Wedding, A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion and Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain. In 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Judy brought some entertainment to fans by joining forces with a group of former child stars for Zoom-based sitcom, The Quarantine Bunch. Based around a 'support group for former child stars' each episode would see former child stars, including Growing Pains' Jeremy Miller, Danny Pintauro from Who's The Boss and Due South's Dean McDermott, log in to the 'meeting' in order to navigate life together. While she hasn't been seen on screen since 2022 short movie Space Limbo, she's now lining up a new project – writing and starring in drama Shoot Like A Girl, which is currently in pre-production. 5 Judy has now penned her own story, Shoot Like A Girl Credit:
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Seventies TV star who shocked by posing naked for Playboy is unrecognizable as she's spotted in LA – can you guess who?
AN American TV icon who went from wholesome TV sister in the 70s to a sexy siren posing for Playboy in the 80s has been spotted on a day out in Los Angeles. The actress, 67, was seen embracing the heat in a summer dress during an errands run by her home, and still has effortless chic as she strolled in a pair of shades. Advertisement 5 Judy became a massive star in the smash hit The Waltons in the 70s Credit: 5 The actress grew up on screen thanks to the show - but later tried to shed her image Credit: Getty 5 The Waltons followed the trials of the Walton family through the depression and WWII Credit: Getty Judy Norton shot to fame as Mary Ellen Walton in The Waltons from 1972 to 1981, becoming the sister figure for millions who tuned in every week to watch her. The Waltons followed the titular family – an expansive Virginia clan including Jason (Jon Walmsley), Erin (Mary Beth McDonough), Ben (Eric Scott), Elizabeth (Kami Cotler), Jim-Bob (David W. Harper), John Sr. (Ralph White), Olivia (Michael Learned) and Esther (Ellen Corby) – as they navigate the Great Depression era and World War II. As Mary Ellen, Judy appeared in all 212 episodes of the show's nine-season run, playing the oldest daughter of John and Olivia. Starting off as a tomboy figure in her younger years, Mary Ellen dreamed of a life away from the Walton Mountain before later pursuing a career as a nurse. Advertisement READ MORE EIGHTIES But after the show ended, Judy was keen to shake off the image she had made during her nine years on screen, and in 1985 stripped off for Playboy Magazine. However, it was a decision she would later admit regretting, telling Fox News: 'I was getting a lot of advice from people who were representing me at the time. 'They felt it would be a good, positive career move. I wouldn't say that was the case and it's one of those things that if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have made the choice.' "I learned a lot of lessons from it, in terms of trusting my own instincts and decisions more than other people's, even though it seemed like they knew more than me,' she added. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity 'Ultimately, I'm the one that had to live with a difficult decision to make at the time. It is what it is. You can only go forward.' Since appearing in The Waltons, Judy has continued her career as an actress, appearing in episodes of TV series including Bluff, Beggars and Chooser, Stargate SG-1 and Disorganized Zone. Legendary Emmy-winning actress looks unrecognisable as she speaks about life-saving role She also reprised her role of Mary Ellen in a string of TV Movie Specials throughout the 90s, including A Walton Wedding, A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion and Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain. In 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Judy brought some entertainment to fans by joining forces with a group of former child stars for Zoom-based sitcom, The Quarantine Bunch. Advertisement Based around a 'support group for former child stars' each episode would see former child stars, including Growing Pains' Jeremy Miller, Danny Pintauro from Who's The Boss and Due South's Dean McDermott, log in to the 'meeting' in order to navigate life together. While she hasn't been seen on screen since 2022 short movie Space Limbo, she's now lining up a new project – writing and starring in drama Shoot Like A Girl, which is currently in pre-production. 5 Judy has now penned her own story, Shoot Like A Girl Credit: 5 The Waltons ran for a massive 212 episodes across nine years Credit: Getty - Contributor Advertisement
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Investigation into Bluff boat explosion may see the carrier untouched for years
TAIC investigators visit the ship. Photo: Supplied/TAIC An investigation is underway into an explosion on a ship berthed in Bluff that could see the bulk carrier stuck in the South for years. Three crew members were injured in the fire, which happened in the early hours of Saturday morning. A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said four fire trucks responded to the alert, which was received shortly after 3am, and assisted ambulance crews with getting the injured off the ship. Hato Hone St John transported the injured crew members to Kew Hospital in Invercargill, two in serious condition and one in a moderate condition. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said crew members were working on a boiler in the engine room when there was an explosion or flashback. TAIC was investigating the incident as a serious marine casualty as required under international maritime regulations, a spokesperson said. The ship will be unable to leave port until the investigation is finished due to a protection order had been placed on parts of the ship. The order gave TAIC the power to protect and restrict access, and to require people provide papers, documents, records or other items, including voyage and engine data, recording equipment, the boiler and boiler system, and videos and photos taken by the crew. While it did not apply to the entire ship, apart from from urgent safety actions, obeying the order meant the crew cannot operate the boiler system, voyage data system, effectively marooning the ship at South Port. Many TAIC investigations can take two years or longer to complete. The three investigators deployed on Sunday included experts in ship control and command, engineering and digital data extraction and analysis. The team conducted interviews and collected physical and digital evidence, and wrapped up the on-site investigation on Wednesday, the spokesperson said. Different lines of inquiry will be followed over the next few months, with work in later stages - particularly during analysis - potentially requiring further evidence collection. The investigation would determine the broader circumstances and cause, but TAIC investigations did not ascribe blame or liability, he said. Maritime NZ confirmed it was investigating, but declined to answer further questions. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
