Latest news with #Levin
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Equestrian Sports New Zealand Hall Of Fame Awards Winners Announced For 2025
27 June Equestrian Sports New Zealand's 75th Anniversary Dinner played host to the sports organisation's Hall of Fame Awards held in the Banquet Hall at Parliament Buildings tonight. Approximately 260 guests celebrated 75 years of equestrian sports in New Zealand since the organisation's inception as the Horse Society of New Zealand on 14 July, 1950. This year's awards were presented along with the latest Hall of Fame inductees, and others who have made an outstanding contribution to ESNZ and the sport during the past years, were announced. Special guests included founder of the Catwalk Trust Dame Catriona Williams and husband Sam, ESNZ Patron Jennifer Millar, former ESNZ CEOs Justine Kidd, Vicki Glynn and Dana Kirkpatrick now National MP (Gisborne), Sport NZ Relationship Manager Karin Adlinger-Smith and Group General Manager Strategy, Policy and Investment Julie Morrison, NZ Pony Club CEO Lizzie Turnbull and Riding for the Disabled CEO Donna Kennedy. Riders from throughout the ages, including Olympians Blyth Tait and Tinks Pottinger, took part in a series of 'fireside chats' to reflect on the past 75 years of equestrian sports. Here are the award winners: 2025 ESNZ RIDER OF THE YEAR: Melissa Galloway (Dressage). Marlborough rider Melissa represented NZL at the Olympic Games 2024, on the only Southern Hemisphere and New Zealand bred horse in the field of 60 competitors. 2025 ESNZ HORSE OF THE YEAR – INTERNATIONAL: Showcase BC (owners Frankie Webb & Louise Duncan). Showcase BC is a 15-year-old warmblood bred by Beachcroft Equestrian of Waitoki, Auckland. In just two years this horse developed all the skills of a 'para-equestrian pony' learning to work with Levin para-equestrian rider Louise Duncan (see Against All Odds Award). They went on to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and were placed 13th in the Grand Prix. 2025 ESNZ HORSE OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL: LT Holst Freda (owners Julie Davey & Andrew Ormond). Ridden by Hastings rider Julie Davey, LT Holst Freda is the winner of the Olympic Cup Horse of the Year 2025 and the New Zealand World Cup series for 2024-25 over 4 rounds. Freda is the daughter of the mare LT Holst Andrea and together they have established a NZ record as the first mother and daughter horse duo to achieve both these titles. 2025 ESNZ TEAM OF THE YEAR: 2024 FEI Dressage World Challenge Helen Hughes-Keen (Chef d'Equipe), Katy Payne (Dragonbach Master Reilly), Paige Fitzgerald (Greenmoor Euphoria), Amanda Macpherson (Friden Star) and Samantha Belsham (Dolcetto II). This national team of members were placed 1st, 5th,11th and 16th in the world, where there were up to 107 starters. Their training and focus demonstrated excellent work as individuals, leading up to the event, as they were named just one day before the competition, in line with the competition rules. 2025 ESNZ AGAINST ALL ODDS: Louise Duncan (Para-Equestrian). At age 17, Levin rider Louise contracted the potentially-fatal disease of meningitis, suffered a stroke and was left partially paralysed. She was told she would never ride again but her determination led her to overcome that fate against all odds. Louise fought back and went on to become an FEI grade IV para-equestrian (profile 26a) which recognises severe impairment or deficiencies of both limbs or moderate impairment in all four limbs. Louise and her horse Showcase BC represented NZ at the 2024 Paris Paralympics and finished 13thin the Individual Grand Prix. They also won Champion & Reserve National Para Dressage Champion at the Webb Equestrian Para Dressage Nationals. Special Recognition was given to Jesse Campbell (Eventing). Jesse Campbell faced the loss of his wife in a tragic accident just over a year ago at an Event in the UK. With time, Jesse was able to use the memory of his wife as a motivator to pursue his eventing dreams, returning to competition just 3 months later to compete four horses in the CCI3* & CCI4* at Alnwick. He also debuted at Burghley Horse Trials and finished a very credible 21st place, crossing through the finish flags as he blew a kiss to the sky in recognition of his late wife Georgie. Special Recognition was also given to Clarke Johnstone (Eventing). Clarke tragically lost his partner Cody in an accident on New Year's Eve 2023/2024 while on holiday. Clarke displayed resilience when he returned to their home in the UK and continued the pursuit of his dream alone. Clarke's sheer determination and talent saw him succeed throughout the Northern Hemisphere season and become selected for the NZ Olympic team, where he produced a spectacular 25.7 dressage score, adding only 4.8 time faults in the cross country and just 1 rail down in each of the two SJ rounds. 2025 ESNZ GROOM OF THE YEAR: Madison (Madi) Schollum (Dressage). Based in West Auckland, Madi has devoted four years of her career to Team Williamson, a facility co-owned by Grand Prix Dressage Rider Wendi Williamson and husband Jon. There are 30 horses, with 15 in active training. Madi is herself a successful international rider, and understands well the physical demands of caring for horses in high-level training. THE PILMER PLATE – ESNZ LIFETIMEVOLUNTEER/OFFICIALS AWARD: Wendy Farnell (Endurance). Waitaki equestrian Wendy is a 3* judge, technical delegate and steward, and has been instrumental in bringing the sport of Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding together. Wendy is the go-to person for entries throughout the country, the vet gate at all lower South Island rides, as well as all three Championships and two non-championship FEI rides throughout the country. ESNZ YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARDS FOR 2025 Dressage Young Person of the Year is Paige Fitzgerald. From Canterbury, Paige and Greenmoor Euphoria are winners of the 2025 Dressage Pony of the Year and National Title Trophy at Horse of the Year, and the FEI Dressage Pony Challenge at the Bates National Championships. Paige has also set the standard for the Youth section of the FEI Dressage World Challenge Youth World Rankings where she was ranked 2nd in 2022 and 2023, and 1st in 2024. Paige will represent the Dressage Youth Council at the 2025 Dressage Conference this weekend. Eventing Young Person of the Year is Charlotte Penny. From Karaka in South Auckland, Charlotte has excelled from competing at 95cm to being one of NZ's most successful riders nationally. Charlotte and Festival are winner of the 2025 Horse of the Year CCI4*. Together they were able to produce the fastest cross country time getting closest to the optimum time around a course, which is notoriously difficult to achieve. The duo placed 4that the 2024 Sydney CCI3* and 2nd at the Taupo CCI4*. Jumping Young Person of the Year is Johanna Wylaars. At just 18 yrs old, Christchurch's Johanna has represented NZ five times in the Trans-Tasman Young Rider teams. She was the joint winner of the 2024 Horse of the Year Young Rider of the Year and has produced a number of horses herself, including those winning the National Six & Seven year old series this year. Johanna has been awarded a Sports Scholarship for Equestrian while studying at Lincoln University. 2025 ESNZ HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES David Goodin (Waerenga) Harvey & Ann Wilson (Waverley) Joe Yorke & Big Red (Wanganui) Penny Pearce (Hawke's Bay) HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS FOR 2025 (Bio's available on request) Sue Hobson (Dressage) Pahiatua Gill Usher (Dressage) Canterbury Helen Christie (Eventing) Southland Dr Margaret Evans (Eventing) Canterbury Rowan Armer (Eventing) Bay of Plenty Roger Laplanche (Jumping) Timaru Marilyn Vincent (Jumping) Waikato Adrian White (Jumping) Hastings Tony Parsons (Jumping) Taupo Wendy Farnell (Endurance) Waitaki
Scoop
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Sisters In Country & Marian Burns Unveil NZ Concerts & Exclusive "Harmony Road" Australian Tour
Get ready for an afternoon of unparalleled country music as the acclaimed duo Sisters in Country, featuring New Zealand music legends Jodi Vaughan and Aly Cook, take the stage. They will be joined by special guest and fiddle player extraordinaire, Marian Burns, for two not-to-be-missed events this winter, celebrating their vibrant live show and the success of their recently recorded album, Downunder Girls. Whangamata Performance: Tauranga Performance: Sisters in Country brings together two formidable talents: Jodi Vaughan, a household name who graced TV screens across New Zealand in the 80s on 'That's Country,' and Aly Cook, an award-winning songwriter and artist. Individually and collectively, their music has consistently topped Australian airplay charts and the Official Aotearoa Music Charts in New Zealand, earning them a devoted fanbase and solidifying their status as chart-topping artists. This dynamic collaboration promises an enchanting afternoon filled with your favourite country tunes, alongside their own incredible original songs. The performance will be further elevated by the addition of Marian Burns, whose exceptional fiddle playing is sure to captivate the audience. Expect an unforgettable blend of rich female harmonies and some truly hot fiddle playing that will get your toes tapping. "We are incredibly excited to bring our show to Whangamata in July and Tauranga in August and share the stage with our dear friend Marian Burns," says Jodi Vaughan. Aly Cook adds, 'It's going to be a fantastic afternoon of music, stories, and genuine country spirit. We can't wait to connect with everyone.' The Sisters in Country duo, comprised of Cook, 61, and Vaughan, 75, are proud to be mature women performing live and continue their pursuit of mastery of their craft. In an industry often perceived as youth-driven, they not only defy expectations but wholeheartedly celebrate their seasoned artistry and enduring passion. Their success is a testament to the fact that talent and authenticity only deepen with age, and they are truly masters of their craft. They even have a playful rule for selecting guest female performers to join them: "The rule," jokes Vaughan, "is you must be over 50 to be invited as a guest." Cook adds, "And we don't mean kilos!" This is exactly the kind of wit you get during the show. They will also be having the wonder and respected vocalist Rosemarie Hack as Sisters in Country guest at 2 Managahu/orHowhenua locations in July Levin Performance with Guest Rosemarie Hack: When: Saturday, August 16th, at 7:30 PM Where: Levin RSA Tickets: Sisters in Country at The Levin RSA - Levin - Eventfinda Palmerston North Performance with Guest Rosemarie Hack : When: Sunday, August 17th, at 2:30 PM Where: Tauranga Citizens Club Tickets: Sisters in Country - Palmerston North - Eventfinda Their recently recorded album, Downunder Girls, which they proudly wrote and produced themselves, gained them a #1 on the NZ Official Album Charts, proving their continued relevance and immense appeal. In exciting news for fans, Sisters in Country are also working with Kay Gregan of The Travel Brokers Hello World. They are currently calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for their bespoke "Harmony Road" tour, offering a unique opportunity for fans to travel with Jodi, Aly, and Marian to Australia in January 2026. This special holiday tour will coincide with the Tamworth Country Music Festival and include other fantastic destinations such as a Sydney Harbour Cruise, a Hunter Valley Wine Experience, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, and the Gold Coast.
Canberra Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Canberra Times
Toyota RAV4 topples Tesla Model Y as world's best-selling car
Both were well ahead of the fifth-placed Toyota Corolla with 697,000 sales – though Mr Munoz cites only the Corolla sedan and related Levin sedan for this figure – with the Toyota HiLux next and then the Ford F-150.
The Hill
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Bannon rips Levin after ‘POS' remark
Former White House aide and commentator Steve Bannon ripped into Fox News host Mark Levin this week as the two continue to trade barbs over the U.S. military's involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran. 'Boy, Tel Aviv Levin's big mad,' Bannon said of Levin during an episode of his popular 'War Room' podcast. 'He's big mad as a spokesmodel for a foreign nation that didn't get them what they want.' The MAGA firebrand was referring to a social media post by Levin earlier this week that called Bannon 'a disgusting fraud,' over his time serving as a top aide to President Trump. 'You opposed our great military and commander in chief at a time when they acted to destroy Iran's nukes,' Levin wrote on social platform X, referring to the former Trump advisor. 'You and your tiny cabal of lunatics gave aide and comfort to the enemy,' he continued in the post. 'Now you prance around like you support our country rather than apologize for your outrageous disloyalty.' Levin is a leading voice on the right advocating for stronger military action against Iran and has used his weekend Fox News show to urge Trump to intervene in the conflict. Bannon, along with former Fox pundit Tucker Carlson, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) and others on the right, have argued a more isolationist point of view, warning so-called 'neo-cons' are trying to drag the U.S. into another Middle East war. Trump over the weekend authorized the U.S. military to launch strikes on three nuclear facilities near Tehran. Support among the president's allies has been largely split over the move, but Bannon signaled earlier this month that most would 'get on board' if the U.S. did intervene.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Tucker Carlson Claims MAGA Victory Over Ted Cruz, Mark Levin
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Political commentator Tucker Carlson declared victory for the "normal people" of the MAGA movement, criticizing prominent conservative figures who have advocated for regime change in Iran. Speaking on the After Party podcast hosted by journalist Emily Jashinsky, Carlson praised President Donald Trump for averting a broader war in the escalating Israel-Iran crisis. He also condemned hawks in the Make America Great Again movement—including Fox News host Mark Levin and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas—who have been vocal advocates for military action against Iran. On Monday, Trump said he had brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, ending a 12-day conflict. Why It Matters Levin and Cruz are prominent Trump allies, and their hawkish calls for regime change in Iran have deepened a growing rift within the MAGA movement over how to respond to the Israel-Iran conflict. Carlson and many other MAGA figures have remained skeptical of deeper U.S. involvement abroad. Tucker Carlson during his Live Tour at the Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix on October 31, 2024. Tucker Carlson during his Live Tour at the Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix on October 31, To Know Levin has consistently argued against pursuing diplomacy with Iran, positioning himself as a leading advocate for military action within Trump's inner circle. Following Israel's "preemptive strikes" on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13, Levin appeared on Fox News' Hannity, where he openly floated the idea of regime change in Tehran. "Mark Levin should not have access to power," Carlson told Jashinsky in an episode of After Party that aired Monday night, addressing Levin's position. "He almost pushed the president of the United States into a path that would have destroyed the presidency and the United States and a lot of other countries, too." On the podcast, Carlson addressed figures such as Levin, Cruz and GOP activist Laura Loomer, who wrote on X, formerly Twitter, earlier this month, "What's wrong with regime change in Iran if it's the will of their own people?" Carlson labeled them "nihilists" and "buffoons," saying their priorities were "absolutely willing to destroy the United States … for an objective that had nothing to do with the United States." Carlson praised Trump for brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, saying the president "thwarted" advocates of escalation in the Middle East. "Kudos, gratitude and more to Donald Trump for stopping that," he said. "But it's not because he was following the advice of Mark Levin or Ted Cruz." "The normal people won," Carlson told Jashinsky, adding: "I live here, my four kids live here, hope to have grandchildren here. The country's got a ton of problems. I think the government should focus on those problems first and foremost—not other people's problems." He also said: "There's nothing conservative about rolling the dice on your country starting a voluntary war. It's like freaking insane." Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have also called for a regime change in Iran. Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Tuesday that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was in place: "THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had accepted Trump's ceasefire proposal. The president's ceasefire announcement followed almost two weeks of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, which raised fears of a wider war. Over the weekend, Trump intervened in the conflict and struck Iran's nuclear infrastructure with 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs. However, according to The Times of Israel, Iran fired two ballistic missiles on Tuesday after the ceasefire was supposed to be in effect. Israel's defense minister ordered his military to "respond forcefully to Iran's violation of the ceasefire." Trump told reporters later on Tuesday that both Israel and Iran had violated terms of the ceasefire. "They violated it, but Israel violated it, too," Trump said at the White House before leaving for a NATO summit at The Hague, the Associated Press reported. "I'm not happy with Israel." What People Are Saying Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, in an episode of his Verdict With Ted Cruz podcast released on June 16, called for the U.S. to seek a regime change in Iran: "Let me be clear, I'm not advocating that we send in a bunch of American soldiers to make that happen. I am advocating that we use maximum pressure and economic sanctions to pressure the regime in a way that might encourage this regime to fall." GOP activist Laura Looper wrote on X on June 15: "What's wrong with regime change in Iran if it's the will of their own people? How is it regime change if it's the Iranian people showing support for Israel assassinating Iranian death cult leaders who have destroyed life in Iran for millions of people who are desperate to be free and return to the sprawling life they used to have in Iran?" Fox News host Mark Levin told fellow network host Sean Hannity this month: "The Iranians are about to get their asses kicked, and it's been coming since Jimmy Carter." He continued: "They think this is Joe Biden's administration, that they would get away with getting nuclear weapons, and then the world would sit there, wouldn't know what to do about it. … [Israel] is not going to sit there and take it." What Happens Next Doubts remain over whether the ceasefire Trump has announced between Israel and Iran will hold.
