
NZ Formula E former title contenders Evans and Cassidy's expectations turn to frustration
The two New Zealanders contesting the Formula E championship have struck a series of speed bumps this season.
Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy and their Jaguar TCS Racing team were perennial title contenders, showing remarkable speed and consistency for several seasons. Evans was a serial frontrunner, while Cassidy arrived

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Otago Daily Times
19 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Janssen relishing bigger role with Nuggets
Jonathan Janssen has a chance to rewrite the script with the Otago Nuggets. Previously he got to hang out on the wing and toss up a few three-pointers. But the departure of import Jose Perez has meant the one-game Tall Black has had to step up and step into the paint. It is not exactly a new role for the 30-year-old. The 2.06m forward has always had the ability to mix it up on the inside. But he has been viewed as an outside shooter and that was what the Nuggets brought him in to do. "I think, in a sense, I'm still kind of doing the same thing that I was doing, I'm just doing it more. "Jose was an inside-based post kind of playing guy. So that allowed me to stretch the floor. "And now with him gone, it now requires more of a post presence for us. So, you know, just kind of stepping up to that." That means he has been setting more screens and rolling towards the hoop. His hook shot has proved quite productive. He had his best game in the 98-92 defeat to the Hawke's Bay Hawks in Dunedin late last month. He poured in 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. It was not enough for the Nuggets to post a breakthrough win, though. They are on a 10-game losing streak and host the Taranaki Airs at the Edgar Centre tonight. The visitors are well-placed to make the playoffs, whereas the Nuggets are playing for pride at this point in the season. It is a tough assignment but Janssen said the team was focused on improving. "I think we've shown really great improvements over the last three games since Jose's departure. "I think that we're playing good team basketball, and in two out of the three games we were actually up. "If you look at the Saints game, it was a three-point game with 50 seconds left." The Nuggets have certainly left some potential wins out on the court. They have lacked composure in the key moments. "We're up there competing with every single team and we know that we can do that. It's just going to come down to the end of the game and locking in when it matters most." Janssen was born in South Africa but spent his early years living in Auckland. His family moved to Queensland when he was 13. Janssen played college basketball in the United States. He had a stint with the Cleveland State Vikings before transferring to Hawaii Pacific. He had a professional gig in Kosovo and was preparing for a second season with the Canterbury Rams when Covid arrived. He played one game for the Tall Blacks during the pandemic. He joined a bunch of Australian-based New Zealanders for the fixture. Janssen has also had two seasons in Luxembourg, and also suited up for the Hawks in 2021 and played from the bench. He was sidelined with a foot injury last year and missed some games for the Nuggets at the start of the 2025 campaign while his foot was healing. But since returning, he has cemented himself in the starting side and his role has expanded with the exit of Perez. He has embraced the opportunity to have the ball in his hands more often. "I think everyone enjoys that, right? "I think I'm a good decision-maker ... which helps the guys and helps get other guys really good looks too. "In a sense, we've been playing really great team basketball and putting me in that position has helped that as well." NBL Edgar Centre, tonight, 7.30 Otago Nuggets: Jonathan Janssen, Matthew Bardsley, Donald Carey jun, Joshua Aitcheson, Jaylen Sebree, Patrick Freeman, Darcy Knox, Caleb Smiler, Christian Martin, Mac Stodart, Liam Boomer, Noah McDowall. Taranaki Airs (possible): Carlin Davison, Armon Fletcher, Deng Dut, Craig Moller, Jack Andrew, Jack Exeter, Scott Telfer, Jaylen Gerrand, Lyric Tuhaka, Dominique Kelman-Poto, Quintin Bailey, Cameron Quinnell.


Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Avanti Finance Strengthens Auto Division With Two Key Appointments
Press Release – Avanti Finance With a wealth of auto industry experience and expertise, Leo Gregan and Chloe Webster are well placed to further position Avanti as the leading one-stop-shop auto financier in their respective regions. Avanti Finance, one of New Zealand's largest Specialist Lenders, is pleased to announce the appointments of Leo Gregan and Chloe Webster as new Auto Relationship Managers. These appointments, following Avanti's recent rebrand, reflect the company's commitment to strengthening its Auto division and enhancing support for dealerships nationwide. Leo is responsible for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, while Chloe covers Christchurch and the Upper South Island. With a wealth of auto industry experience and expertise, both are well placed to further position Avanti as the leading one-stop-shop auto financier in their respective regions. Leo Gregan brings hands-on experience across key dealership functions, including reconditioning, sales, and finance. His previous roles at Provident Insurance, Waikato SsangYong, and LDV give him valuable insights into dealer operations and position him to deliver tailored solutions that support business growth. 'I'm super excited to dive into the role and look forward to being of service to the dealer network across my region,' said Leo. Chloe Webster has a strong track record in the auto and finance sectors through key roles at Provident Insurance and Finance Now. Her expertise in sales, finance, and relationship management makes her a valuable partner for dealerships looking to grow and navigate an evolving market. 'I'm eager to start this new journey with Avanti Finance and look forward to working closely with the dealer network to achieve great results,' said Chloe. Lee Robson, General Manager Auto, said, ' It's an exciting time at Avanti. These appointments highlight our ongoing investment in delivering localised and specialist support to our dealer network and moving lending forward through trusted partnerships.' ABOUT AVANTI FINANCE Proudly locally founded and owned, Avanti Finance is an award-winning specialist lender that has helped New Zealanders achieve their financial goals for over 35 years. We provide a broad range of tailored lending solutions – including property, auto, personal, and business loans – through our trusted network of introducers. As a progressive and introducer-centric business, we're built to back people, move lending forward, and deliver the best possible outcome for both our introducers and their clients.


Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Avanti Finance Strengthens Auto Division With Two Key Appointments
Press Release – Avanti Finance With a wealth of auto industry experience and expertise, Leo Gregan and Chloe Webster are well placed to further position Avanti as the leading one-stop-shop auto financier in their respective regions. Avanti Finance, one of New Zealand's largest Specialist Lenders, is pleased to announce the appointments of Leo Gregan and Chloe Webster as new Auto Relationship Managers. These appointments, following Avanti's recent rebrand, reflect the company's commitment to strengthening its Auto division and enhancing support for dealerships nationwide. Leo is responsible for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, while Chloe covers Christchurch and the Upper South Island. With a wealth of auto industry experience and expertise, both are well placed to further position Avanti as the leading one-stop-shop auto financier in their respective regions. Leo Gregan brings hands-on experience across key dealership functions, including reconditioning, sales, and finance. His previous roles at Provident Insurance, Waikato SsangYong, and LDV give him valuable insights into dealer operations and position him to deliver tailored solutions that support business growth. 'I'm super excited to dive into the role and look forward to being of service to the dealer network across my region,' said Leo. Chloe Webster has a strong track record in the auto and finance sectors through key roles at Provident Insurance and Finance Now. Her expertise in sales, finance, and relationship management makes her a valuable partner for dealerships looking to grow and navigate an evolving market. 'I'm eager to start this new journey with Avanti Finance and look forward to working closely with the dealer network to achieve great results,' said Chloe. Lee Robson, General Manager Auto, said, ' It's an exciting time at Avanti. These appointments highlight our ongoing investment in delivering localised and specialist support to our dealer network and moving lending forward through trusted partnerships.' ABOUT AVANTI FINANCE Proudly locally founded and owned, Avanti Finance is an award-winning specialist lender that has helped New Zealanders achieve their financial goals for over 35 years. We provide a broad range of tailored lending solutions – including property, auto, personal, and business loans – through our trusted network of introducers. As a progressive and introducer-centric business, we're built to back people, move lending forward, and deliver the best possible outcome for both our introducers and their clients.