Latest news with #Mathieson
Otago Daily Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Healthcare concerns remain for Wānaka residents
PHOTO: ODT FILES A trip to Wānaka by two government ministers last week has done little to ease the concerns of locals who continue to battle health inequities. Last week, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson were part of a powerhouse contingent who visited Wānaka in what they called the "rural heath roadshow" to listen to concerns from those in the regions. The group included representatives from Health NZ Southern and the Ministry of Health. Husband George and wife Darling Mathieson are two of many Wānaka residents who have had to learn just how difficult it is to access necessary care. In 2019, Ms Mathieson had to be taken by helicopter out of Wānaka for emergency care following unexplained seizures and also had to undergo brain surgery this year after a suspected stroke. In addition to being physically and emotionally taxing, the experience was made more difficult by the regular trips to Dunedin Hospital. Mr Mathieson said during one six-month period they had made five trips to the hospital, often having to take time off work and spend the night in Dunedin as well as pay their way. Although Health New Zealand has a national travel scheme in place to support those needing to travel long distances for care, Ms Mathieson was not deemed eligible to access the scheme. "The inequities that we faced were around the national transport scheme. "It didn't seem to be very national. It was impossible for us to claim it," Mr Mathieson said. One of the key criteria for an adult to access the scheme is that they need to live about 350km one-way from the hospital. Wānaka is 270km to Dunedin, which meant that Ms Mathieson was not covered. "I was looking at it and thinking, 'well, who then in New Zealand actually qualifies to get it?' Probably only the people out on the West Coast," Mr Mathieson said. Travel was only one of several issues the couple faced, system inefficiencies also top of the list. Mr Mathieson recalled an appointment in Dunedin with an anesthetist that only lasted about 15 minutes and did not include a physical examination. "We walked out of there like, 'why couldn't this be done on Zoom call?' We both could have gone to work for the day. "We've come all the way to Dunedin for no other reason than a 10- or 15-minute consultation." Mr Mathieson attended the Rural Health Roadshow held last week, hoping to express his frustrations to Mr Doocey. The event was attended by 300 people, and Mr Mathieson left the meeting feeling the minister had not taken attendees seriously, and with little hope the community would see any changes. "He [Mr Doocey] said, 'we need a road map. We need to know where we're going'. And I thought, 'by the time you get your road map sorted, you might not even be in power'." Deputy Mayor Quentin Smith shared a similar lack of hope following the meeting. "It was good for them to get in front of the community. But it was certainly unclear as to whether there would be real changes and investment in services in the Upper Clutha." But Mr Doocey's visit, along with Health Action Wānaka's private meeting with Health Minister Simeon Brown, was a symbol of hope for Upper Clutha Community Board chairman Simon Telfer. "Wānaka wasn't being talked about in a health context at all and then 15 months on, we're getting meetings with ministers and ministers are visiting." Mr Telfer felt optimistic that change was on its way, especially with advocacy groups such as Health Action Wānaka continuing to fight for equity. "I think we had a very strong case through some constructive questioning ... I'm hoping that will translate into greater budget being spent here and service provision."
Business Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Australia's Star Entertainment gets last-minute extension on threatened casino deal exit
[BENGALURU] Australia's Star Entertainment said it had secured a last-minute reprieve from Hong Kong investors who had threatened to abandon their Queen's Wharf casino deal, with both sides agreeing to extend talks beyond a looming five-day deadline. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium, holding 25 per cent each in the project, had issued a termination notice last Monday (Jul 7), threatening to walk away from their agreement to buy Star's remaining 50 per cent stake unless conditions were met within five business days. The Hong Kong firms agreed Monday morning to 'a set of principles under which there will be certain departures from the heads of agreement', Star said, extending the termination deadline to Jul 31 to allow parties to finalise long-form documents. Shares in Star fell as much as 3.85 per cent to A$0.125, as at 0024 GMT, while the broader benchmark traded largely flat. Far East Consortium in a separate statement said discussions over the past week focused on 'matters principally relating to the orderly transition of the management of the Queen's Wharf project, to ensure certainty for the JV partners and other relevant stakeholders in facilitating the exit of The Star from the equity and management of the project'. However, Star will face financial penalties if the deal collapses. The casino operator must repay A$10 million (S$8.3 million) it received from the Hong Kong partners within 30 days, and reimburse them for their share of equity contributions made to Brisbane's new Queen's Wharf casino and hotel complex since Mar 31. Star's shareholders, late in June, backed a A$300 million bailout package designed to keep the struggling casino operator afloat. The rescue effort is spearheaded by the US gaming company Bally's Corp in partnership with the Mathieson family, Star's biggest existing investor. REUTERS
The Irish Sun
06-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Wife of crime boss ‘Hotdog' to ‘live in tent' when illegal scrap yard is shut down as she's kicked out of 8-bed home
THE wife of a crime boss has claimed she may have to live in a tent when she is evicted by authorities next week. Mary Smith, 48, and her husband Tommy 'Hotdog' Smith will be imminently booted from their eight bedroom detached house in Great Harwood, Lancashire. 2 Mary Smith says she will need to live in a tent when she is evicted from her Lancashire home next week Credit: MEN Media 2 The wife of crime boss Tommy 'Hotdog' Smith said she was not connected to those engaged in criminal acts on the scrapyard Credit: MEN Media The couple's site is also stacked with static caravans and stables for dozens of horses. Those occupying the land will be evicted after a court order was issued by Judge Guy Mathieson following a spate of criminality, including illegal waste collection and fires. In May, firefighters spent several days putting out raging fires outside the illegal scrapyard after illegal waste was dumped in the area. And following reports of a disturbance at the site on Bonfire Night in November, cops were attacked with fireworks as they attempted to defuse the issue. read more in news Mrs Smith's lawyers accepted the justification for the order, but argued the welfare of the couple's children and animal should be highlighted and argued for partial closure. This was swiftly rejected by Judge Mathieson. Mrs Smith alleged that tenants she had previously evicted were responsible for the fires and that she had no affiliation with them after Mr Smith was jailed seven years ago. Judge Mathieson said: "This closure order has been hanging over you for six months or more. In the event we make a full closure order, what thought processes and what plans have you put in place?" Most read in The Sun Mrs Smith replied: "Me and my daughter Indiana have bought a tent, a two man tent. That is all." The judge asked: "You have a £1.4 million turnover and you are going to live in a tent?" Neighbours vs. New Builds: The Bradford Planning Showdown Mrs Smith replied: "I don't know what you are talking about. I don't own any business. Sir, I think you have got it wrong. "My husband has been in jail for the past seven years, I haven't had any business for at least six years. "At the moment sir, I have had to sign on benefits." Mark Chester, representing Lancashire Constabulary, said there was a 'staggering' list of previous enforcement action going back 'years' to tackle issues on the site. He said: "None of these measures have had the necessary effect and what is very clear is that as soon as these orders lapse, the lucrative business of waste management continues. "This has been years of misery being heaped on local residents." He added that neighbours were unable to open their windows due to "putrid smells" coming from the site, with some suffering breathing difficulties. Judge Mathieson granted a full closure order meaning more than 100 officials from the police, council, RSPCA and Environment Agency will move in to secure the site and prevent occupants from access. He said: "The fact is, the occupants of this site have done nothing to address the reasons behind the closure order. They have, either directly or indirectly by letting their tenants, continue to commit nuisance and continue to operate a highly profitable business. "The only way to ensure the cessation of this is to grant a full closure order."
Daily Record
05-07-2025
- Daily Record
Wife of crime boss 'Hotdog' will be forced to live in tent as illegal scrap yard shut down
Mary Smith, 48, said she will be forced to move out of her eight-bedroom house and live in a tent after an eviction order was granted. A crime boss' wife has told how she will be forced to live in a tent as authorities are expected to evict her from an illegal scrapyard next week. Mary Smith, 48, the wife of Tommy 'Hotdog' Smith, lives in an eight bedroom detached house built on the land she owns in East Lancashire. The site is also home to a number of static caravans and stables for up to 40 horses. But an eviction operation is underway to clear occupants from the land following years of repeat anti-social behaviour, fires and criminal activity. A full closure order has been issued by the courts - shutting down the site for three months and forcing the residents off the land, Lancs Live reports. Preston Crown Court heard that the order follows previous orders that failed to put a stop to illegal waste collection and fires. A huge fire broke out on public land outside the boundary of the scrapyard in May, after illegal waste was dumped in the area. Firefighters spent four days tackling the blaze as toxic smoke blanketed the local area. In total, over 240 hours of firefighters' time has been spent at the site. Cops were also targeted with fireworks when they attended reports of disorder at the site on Bonfire Night. The entire waste management operation on the site is illegal, the court heard. Lawyers representing Mrs Smith did not dispute the basis of the order. However they said the welfare of children and animals must be taken into consideration. They argued for a partial closure, allowing residents to remain in their homes and take care of the animals. That application was rejected by Judge Mathieson, sitting with two justices at Preston Crown Court to hear the appeal. Rachel Varey, who lives in a static caravan on the site with her husband and three young children, said the eviction would be 'traumatic' for her children who would have to be removed from school. Judge Mathieson described submissions from Ms Varey as "little more than emotional blackmail". Mrs Smith, who gave evidence from the witness box, claimed the fires which had started at the site were caused by tenants who she had since evicted. She claimed she had not had any sort of business since her husband was jailed seven years ago and has had to sign on for benefits. Judge Mathieson said: "This closure order has been hanging over you for six months or more. In the event we make a full closure order, what thought processes and what plans have you put in place?" Mrs Smith replied: "Me and my daughter Indiana have bought a tent, a two man tent. That is all." The judge asked: "You have a £1.4 million turnover and you are going to live in a tent?" Mrs Smith replied: "I don't know what you are talking about. I don't own any business. Sir, I think you have got it wrong. My husband has been in jail for the past seven years, I haven't had any business for at least six years. At the moment sir, I have had to sign on benefits." She did not provide any paperwork to the court to support this claim. Mark Chester, representing Lancashire Constabulary, said there was a 'staggering' list of previous enforcement action going back 'years' to tackle chaos on the site. Judge Mathieson granted a full closure order meaning more than 100 officials from the police, council, RSPCA and Environment Agency will move in to secure the site and prevent occupants from access. He said: "The fact is, the occupants of this site have done nothing to address the reasons behind the closure order. They have, either directly or indirectly by letting their tenants, continue to commit nuisance and continue to operate a highly profitable business. The only way to ensure the cessation of this is to grant a full closure order."
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Wife of crime boss 'Hotdog' will be 'forced to live in tent' from Monday
Mary Smith, the wife of crime boss Tommy 'Hotdog' Smith, has claimed - without providing evidence - that she will be forced to live in a tent when she is evicted The wife of crime boss Tommy "Hotdog" Smith claims she will be forced to live in a tent when authorities evict her from their illegal scrapyard next week. Mary Smith, 48, lives in an eight bedroom detached house built on the land she owns in Great Harwood, East Lancashire. There are also a number of static caravans and stables for up to 40 horses on the site. But on Monday a large-scale operation is set to take place to evict occupants from the land after years of anti-social behaviour, fires and criminal activity. Judge Guy Mathieson has granted a full closure order, shutting down the site for three months and forcing the residents off the land. Scrapyard boss must repay £300,000 after being caught on CCTV shopping at Harrods Preston Crown Court heard the order follows previous orders that failed to put a stop to illegal waste collection and fires. In May, a huge fire broke out on public land outside the boundary of the scrapyard after illegal waste was dumped in the area - with firefighters spending four days tackling the blaze. Police officers were also targeted with fireworks when they attended reports of disorder at the site on Bonfire Night. The court heard the entire waste management operation on the site is illegal. Lawyers acting on behalf of Mrs Smith did not dispute the basis of the order - that there had been fires, illegal activity and anti-social behaviour on the site. However, they said the welfare of children and animals must be taken into consideration and argued for a partial closure, which would allow residents to remain in their homes and take care of the animals, Lancs Live reports. That application was rejected by Judge Mathieson, sitting with two justices at Preston Crown Court to hear the appeal. Rachel Varey, who lives in a static caravan on the site with her husband and three young children, said the eviction would be "traumatic" for her children who would have to be removed from school. However, she accepted the children had been taken out of school to attend Appleby Horse Fair in early June and had not returned. Judge Mathieson described submissions from Ms Varey as "little more than emotional blackmail". Mrs Smith, who gave evidence from the witness box, claimed the fires which had started at the site were caused by tenants who she had since evicted. She claimed she had not had any sort of business since her husband was jailed seven years ago and has had to sign on for benefits. Judge Mathieson said: "This closure order has been hanging over you for six months or more. In the event we make a full closure order, what thought processes and what plans have you put in place?" Mrs Smith replied: "Me and my daughter Indiana have bought a tent, a two-man tent. That is all." The judge asked: "You have a £1.4 million turnover and you are going to live in a tent?" She replied: "I don't know what you are talking about. I don't own any business. Sir, I think you have got it wrong. My husband has been in jail for the past seven years, I haven't had any business for at least six years. At the moment sir, I have had to sign on benefits." However, she did not provide any paperwork to the court to support her claim. Mark Chester, representing Lancashire Constabulary, said there was a 'staggering' list of previous enforcement action going back "years" to tackle issues on the site. He said: "None of these measures have had the necessary effect and what is very clear is that as soon as these orders lapse, the lucrative business of waste management continues. This has been years of misery being heaped on local residents." He added that neighbours were unable to open their windows due to "putrid smells" coming from the site, with some suffering breathing difficulties. Judge Mathieson granted a full closure order meaning more than 100 officials from the police, council, RSPCA and Environment Agency will move in to secure the site and prevent occupants from access. He said: "The fact is, the occupants of this site have done nothing to address the reasons behind the closure order. They have, either directly or indirectly by letting their tenants, continue to commit nuisance and continue to operate a highly profitable business. "The only way to ensure the cessation of this is to grant a full closure order." He said there had been no evidence put forward to support Mrs Smith's suggestion that she would be living in a tent and the children's schooling would be disrupted as a result of the order.
