Latest news with #MarkRogers
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
The Detail: How New Zealand is falling in love with country music
Tami Neilson has been recording with country icon Willie Nelson. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi Once considered niche, and tucked away in dusty record stores or rural community halls, country music in New Zealand is enjoying something of a golden moment. From chart-topping Kiwi artists to two dedicated radio stations in the past 18 months, the genre is striking a heartfelt chord with more people than ever before. RNZ Nashville Babylon host Mark Rogers grew up listening to country music, from Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash to Marty Robbins, and told The Detail that it's all about the storytelling. "As a kid, the songs and storytelling caught my imagination," he said. "The songs have no fat on them, they cut to the chase straight away, they are pretty simple. "There's nothing too complicated about them, you know exactly where you are and the classic country songs have something in them that will appeal to just about everyone. They hit home, they are easy to get and understand, people can identify with them. "It's rare that they are talking about big flash cars or billion-dollar jewellery. It's the workingman's music - that's been its appeal for many, many decades and that will continue to ring true." It seems Kiwis are falling more in love with the genre and over the last 18 months, this has prompted the launch of not one, but two dedicated country music radio stations in New Zealand. First, broadcaster Mike Puru started Southern Cross Country, found on digital platforms. Then this month, NZME launched iHeartCountry NZ, offered on the iHeartRadio app and selected FM frequencies around the country. There are no presenters, just pre-programmed country music. Both stations showcase global legends and local voices. Among those voices, one name stands out - Tami Neilson. The Canadian-born, NZ-based powerhouse has been a trailblazer for years and has just won the inaugural Country Music Honour for Contribution to Country Music in Aotearoa, recognising her outstanding impact and unwavering dedication to the scene. "What Tami is doing at the moment is astounding," Rogers said. "She has been teaming up with Willie Nelson over in the States, which is a dream come true for her. "It's incredible and I'm super proud of what she is achieving. I would like to think she will get on the [mainstream radio] playlists, because what she is doing is absolutely fantastic. "The songs are great and radio loves a good song, so there is no excuse not to play Tami." Neilson competes for airtime with unlikely country singers, including Beyonce and Post Malone, who have swapped pop and rap respectively for country beats. "This has just exploded and I think it's a good thing,'' Rogers says. "Admittedly, I'm not a massive fan of some of it, but I'm a big fan of others. "I don't think it's cheapened the genre at all - it's just music developing." Clearly, Kiwis want more of it, proving country music in New Zealand isn't just surviving - it is thriving. Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here . You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter .
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Under-20 Basketball Nationals Slam Into Tauranga
Press Release – Tauranga City Council Supported by Tauranga City Council through the Tauranga Event Fund, this Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. Tauranga's newest sports facility is set to host its first national tournament – and it's a slam dunk for local basketball fans. The Foot Locker Under 20 Basketball Nationals will take place over King's Birthday weekend, from 30 May to 2 June 2025, at the new University of Waikato Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre. The former site of The Warehouse on Cameron Road was purchased by Tauranga City Council in early 2024 and has been converted into a multi-purpose sport and recreation centre featuring indoor sports courts. Supported by Tauranga City Council through the Tauranga Event Fund, this Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. It brings together young talent from across the country – including Kiwis returning from overseas – and is free for the public to attend. Bethlehem Ward Councillor Kevin Schuler, who helped officially open Haumaru earlier this month, says the tournament is a great opportunity for the city and community. 'We're proud to support the U20 National Basketball event through the Tauranga Event Fund. National sporting events like this strengthen our community by providing opportunities for connection, participation, and inspiration, especially for our younger generations. 'Basketball continues to grow rapidly in Aotearoa, and hosting this national competition shows we're serious about being a city that supports youth development. 'Hosting national sporting events such as this also attracts visitors and wider economic benefits for Tauranga and helps raise our profile as a great host city – so it's a win-win for everyone. 'This new facility right in the heart of Tauranga is already proving its worth by being able to host this event and sets the stage for an exciting long weekend of sport. It really is going to be something special. 'We also encourage visitors who are here for the event to take time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.' Basketball's rise in Tauranga has been remarkable. Since 2009, the number of teams registered with the Tauranga City Basketball Association has nearly quadrupled from 228 to an impressive 812 in 2024. Mark Rogers, General Manager of Tauranga City Basketball, says demand for court space has surged alongside the sport's popularity. 'We've seen huge growth over the past decade. Numbers grew steadily until 2023, when a lack of space began to hold us back. The addition of the Haumaru facility to the Council-owned network will open the door for further growth in the coming years.' The U20 Nationals are a key development event for players, referees and coaches across the country, and are gaining international recognition. The upcoming event will welcome 16 men's teams and 8 women's teams from across New Zealand, all of whom have earned their place through regional qualifiers. Referees are also hand-picked for their performance as part of national development pathways. Many athletes who compete will go on to secure college scholarships in the USA or professional contracts in Australia's National Basketball League and Women's National Basketball League. 'Currently, there are around 150 New Zealanders on college basketball scholarships in the USA, with the vast majority having played in the U20 Nationals in previous years,' says Jay Macdonald, Basketball New Zealand's Tournaments Lead. 'This year, some Tauranga players will be back from their college to represent Tauranga City Basketball Association.' Spectators who attend can expect fast-paced, high-quality basketball with many players coming from Sal's National Basketball League, G.J. Gardner Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, and US college teams. Stu Stevenson, Head of Sport and Fitness at Bay Venues, says the tournament is a fitting way to mark the opening of the new facility. 'We are excited to be hosting the Foot Locker U20 Nationals basketball tournament at the newly opened centre. This event is particularly special for us as it will be the first tournament held at Haumaru. We look forward to welcoming some of the best young basketball players from across the country and providing them with a new venue to showcase their skills.' With seating for spectators and free public entry, the community is encouraged to come along and experience the energy, talent and passion of New Zealand's future basketball stars – right here in Tauranga.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Under-20 Basketball Nationals Slam Into Tauranga
Tauranga's newest sports facility is set to host its first national tournament - and it's a slam dunk for local basketball fans. The Foot Locker Under 20 Basketball Nationals will take place over King's Birthday weekend, from 30 May to 2 June 2025, at the new University of Waikato Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre. The former site of The Warehouse on Cameron Road was purchased by Tauranga City Council in early 2024 and has been converted into a multi-purpose sport and recreation centre featuring indoor sports courts. Supported by Tauranga City Council through the Tauranga Event Fund, this Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. It brings together young talent from across the country – including Kiwis returning from overseas – and is free for the public to attend. Bethlehem Ward Councillor Kevin Schuler, who helped officially open Haumaru earlier this month, says the tournament is a great opportunity for the city and community. 'We're proud to support the U20 National Basketball event through the Tauranga Event Fund. National sporting events like this strengthen our community by providing opportunities for connection, participation, and inspiration, especially for our younger generations. 'Basketball continues to grow rapidly in Aotearoa, and hosting this national competition shows we're serious about being a city that supports youth development. 'Hosting national sporting events such as this also attracts visitors and wider economic benefits for Tauranga and helps raise our profile as a great host city – so it's a win-win for everyone. 'This new facility right in the heart of Tauranga is already proving its worth by being able to host this event and sets the stage for an exciting long weekend of sport. It really is going to be something special. 'We also encourage visitors who are here for the event to take time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.' Basketball's rise in Tauranga has been remarkable. Since 2009, the number of teams registered with the Tauranga City Basketball Association has nearly quadrupled from 228 to an impressive 812 in 2024. Mark Rogers, General Manager of Tauranga City Basketball, says demand for court space has surged alongside the sport's popularity. 'We've seen huge growth over the past decade. Numbers grew steadily until 2023, when a lack of space began to hold us back. The addition of the Haumaru facility to the Council-owned network will open the door for further growth in the coming years.' The U20 Nationals are a key development event for players, referees and coaches across the country, and are gaining international recognition. The upcoming event will welcome 16 men's teams and 8 women's teams from across New Zealand, all of whom have earned their place through regional qualifiers. Referees are also hand-picked for their performance as part of national development pathways. Many athletes who compete will go on to secure college scholarships in the USA or professional contracts in Australia's National Basketball League and Women's National Basketball League. 'Currently, there are around 150 New Zealanders on college basketball scholarships in the USA, with the vast majority having played in the U20 Nationals in previous years,' says Jay Macdonald, Basketball New Zealand's Tournaments Lead. 'This year, some Tauranga players will be back from their college to represent Tauranga City Basketball Association.' Spectators who attend can expect fast-paced, high-quality basketball with many players coming from Sal's National Basketball League, G.J. Gardner Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, and US college teams. Stu Stevenson, Head of Sport and Fitness at Bay Venues, says the tournament is a fitting way to mark the opening of the new facility. 'We are excited to be hosting the Foot Locker U20 Nationals basketball tournament at the newly opened centre. This event is particularly special for us as it will be the first tournament held at Haumaru. We look forward to welcoming some of the best young basketball players from across the country and providing them with a new venue to showcase their skills.' With seating for spectators and free public entry, the community is encouraged to come along and experience the energy, talent and passion of New Zealand's future basketball stars – right here in Tauranga.
Extra.ie
15-05-2025
- Extra.ie
'Proud' Irish pensioner killed in fatal London attack
Tributes have been paid to a 'proud Irishman' who was fatally injured while running errands in London. Kilkenny man John Mackey, 87, went to the supermarket on the afternoon of May 6 before he was allegedly set upon near Goodchild Road in North London. He suffered head injuries and died in hospital two days later. Pic: Getty Images Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers commented: 'John was a proud Irishman and an innocent member of the public, and was walking back home after running errands when he was the victim of this tragic incident.'' Peter Augustine, 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, north London, was arrested on May 8 and charged in relation to Mr Mackey's death. On Tuesday at the Old Bailey, Judge Richard Marks set a two-week trial from November 3, with a plea hearing on July 29.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Telegraph
Man arrested for ‘murdering pensioner, 87, in robbery'
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of an 87-year-old pensioner following a robbery. Scotland Yard said police were called to Goodchild Road, Manor House, north London, to a report of a robbery at about 5.53pm on Tuesday. London Ambulance Service also attended the scene and the elderly man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police said the pensioner died on Thursday and his family have been informed. A 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and robbery, a racially aggravated public order offence and assault on police. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, from the Met's Specialist Crime North Unit and leading the investigation, said: 'This is a horrific incident which very sadly resulted in an innocent man dying. 'His family are being supported by specialist officers. At this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. 'However, this is a fast-paced investigation and I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area or witnessed what happened to please contact the police.' Assistant Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads local policing in the area, said: 'We know many people will be very concerned by what has happened, and while we have a man in custody, local patrols have been stepped up. 'If you have any concerns please do speak to those officers. A man has lost his life in a tragic way and our thoughts remain with his family.'
