Latest news with #Wellington-born
Perth Now
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Perth's DCC sets record straight on unusual hairstyle
One of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' newest recruits has set the record straight after she was spotted donning a hairstyle not associated with being a DCC. Perth's very own Faith Ward is one of five new rookies to join the famous cheerleading team in Texas that is known for implementing strict rules on the dancers, including extreme beauty guidelines. Following the 2025 team announcement last week, eagle-eyed DCC fans noticed that Ward was the only cheerleader with her hair styled in a ponytail, contrary to the hair-down look that has become synonymous with the squad. On Thursday, Ward confirmed on social media that the ponytail was here to stay after having her official team photos. 'I've been hearing a lot of tales, and I'm here to set the record straight,' she said in a video on Instagram. 'Well, as you can see here, my headshot, that's how it all started, so that's how they found me, that's how they saw me, and I guess they just preferred me with my hair up rather than out there's not that much tea to it.' The 22-year-old said the controversial hairdo made the team's brutal training camp debut two weeks in. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. 'They asked me to tie it up, and then I kind of just left it that way and then uniform fittings really confirmed it,' she said. The Wellington-born, who is the first New Zealander to make DCC, also revealed the reaction from squad director Kelli Finglass. 'Ariana Grande is all she had to say, which I was like, that's amazing, obviously my hair was a little bit shorter at the time, so we added some longer extensions, went a bit blonder,' she said. Friends and fans took to the comments section with mixed reactions to the rule-bending. DCC veteran Charly Barby said: 'Our pony princess.' Faith Ward with her fellow rookies. Credit: Supplied 'This is so iconic. The girl with the ponytail!' a fan said. Another fan said: 'Normalise ponies cause my hair would be a full frizzy mess covered in sweat if I was doing all this with it down.' 'Is Faith really Faith if she doesn't have her iconic slick back ponytail?' a third fan added. Another fan said: 'The ponytail looks SO good!! And I love the uniform on her. She honestly looks like she was born to be a DCC.' However, one fan disagreed with the hair change. 'I think you're gorgeous, but I prefer the down hairstyle of all the DCC! The hair rule STAYS DOWN,' they said. Meanwhile, others paid attention to a film crew in the background of Ward's video, where they hoped for an announcement of season three of the hit Netflix show America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Faith Ward is representing New Zealand and Australia. Credit: Supplied 'I see a film crew in the background 👀 season 3?!' a fan said. It comes after Ward herself hinted at another season where fans would get an insight to her DCC journey after explaining how overwhelmed she felt during her first training camp lesson. 'The first lesson when I came in, I'm sure you guys will eventually see, I'm a deer in headlights,' she told PerthNow 'Going into an environment where I'd never done the style before, never held a pair of pom poms, and didn't know any of the routines, while all the veterans around you know what they're doing is extremely intimidating. 'Plus, you're literally fighting for your life in front of Judy and Kellie, so you want to do the best you can.' 'Girl, hopefully Netflix releases season three. I would love to see that too.'
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Tragic last post from British Superbikes rider emerges after fatal crash
Shane Richardson and Owen Jenner both died at a British Superbikes event on Monday at Oulton Park in Cheshire, as an 11-bike collision at the start of the race ended in tragedy Shane Richardson's final social media post has emerged after he was one of two riders who tragically died in a British Superbikes event. Richardson, 29, and Owen Jenner, 21, passed away following a 11-bike collision at Oulton Park on Monday. Richardson, from New Zealand, was treated at the racetrack before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injures. He sadly died prior to arrival. Jenner, from Crowborough, East Sussex, was also given treatment at the scene but died of a 'catastrophic' head injury, organisers say. A third rider, 47-year-old Tom Tunstall, remains in hospital with 'significant back and abdominal injuries'. Five others were seen to at the track's medical centre but didn't need to be taken to hospital. Tributes to Richardson and Jenner have poured in. Less than 24 hours before the race, Richardson took to Instagram to post a story which is no longer available. The Wellington-born rider reposted a previous interview reflecting on Sunday's Sprint event. "Sprint race was good. Bad start, went backwards quite a few positions," the 29-year-old said. "But we managed to figure it out, get some good consistent pace going, matching the times with a few of the boys ahead of us. "So yeah, looking forward to tomorrow, hopefully get a better start and be a bit more in the mix." Richardson is survived by his British partner, Hannah, and their two young children. His last active post on Instagram, from 23 weeks ago, is a video of him pushing his young boy on a toy bike inside their home. Cheshire Constabulary have confirmed that an investigation into the crash is underway. "Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon (Monday 5 May)," a statement read. "Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries. "Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled. "The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29). The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Police." Monday's collision was shown on live TV, as one rider lost control coming out of the first turn. That led them to skid across the tarmac, crashing into another rider. MotorSport Vision Racing confirmed the deaths of Richardson and Jenner in a statement which read: "At the start of this afternoon's Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. "The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed. Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled. "This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries."
NZ Herald
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
World leaders and celebrities mourn Pope Francis following his death in Rome
Pope Francis' final act of service saw him defy doctors' orders to rest so he could give the customary Urbi et Orbi blessing to a crowd of thousands gathering in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon instructed officials to fly the New Zealand flag at half-mast across all government departments, buildings and naval vessels until 5pm today in a sign of respect for the late pope's passing. Meanwhile, high-profile figures from home and around the globe have begun penning tributes to the 88-year-old, sharing memories and photos that define his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. Russell Crowe The Wellington-born actor, who played the Vatican's chief exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth in 2023 film The Pope's Exorcist, shared a tribute from the Eternal City. 'A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis,' Crowe wrote on X. A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis. — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 21, 2025 Christopher Luxon The Prime Minister took to X immediately after the news broke to honour the pope, who he described as a 'man of humility'. 'My thoughts are with Catholics and all those in New Zealand and around the world who mourn his death,' Luxon said in his post. I am saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. A man of humility, his legacy includes an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice and to interfaith dialogue. My thoughts are with Catholics and all those in New Zealand and around the world who mourn… — Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) April 21, 2025 Martin Scorsese The star director of films The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and Shutter Island (2010) has long held a deep appreciation for the pope, having met him on several occasions in Vatican City. Scorsese told Variety in a statement there's 'so much that can be said' about Pope Francis' impact on the world and church, but said he'd 'leave that to others'. 'He was, in every way, a remarkable human being. He acknowledged his own failings. He radiated wisdom. He radiated goodness. He had an ironclad commitment to the good. He knew in his soul that ignorance was a terrible plague on humanity. So he never stopped learning. And he never stopped enlightening. And, he embraced, preached and practised forgiveness. Universal and constant forgiveness,' Scorsese said. 'The loss for me runs deep — I was lucky enough to know him, and I will miss his presence and his warmth. The loss for the world is immense. But he left a light behind, and it can never be extinguished.' Donald Trump United States President Donald Trump made a series of posts on Truth Social to mark the pope's passing. 'Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!' Trump wrote. He later directed that all US flags on public buildings, grounds, military posts, naval stations and naval vessels in the country must be flown at half-mast via the platform, while confirming his and wife Melania's attendance at the pope's funeral. King Charles The King issued an extensive message addressing news of the pope's death on behalf of him and his wife, who were both said to be 'deeply saddened' by the news. Charles said Pope Francis would be remembered 'for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) Donatella Versace The fashion house heavyweight, once the creative director of the family's namesake luxury label Versace, wrote a brief message to the pope in light of his death. 'Rest In Peace His Holiness Pope Francis,' Versace wrote, finishing with a white heart and dove emoji. Chris Hipkins The former prime minister and current leader of the Opposition said he was 'very sad to hear of the passing of Pope Francis' in a statement issued by the Labour Party last night. Hipkins honoured the pope for how he 'stood up for action on climate change, championed peace through his diplomacy, and advocated for the rights of migrants and refugees'. Very sad to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. Throughout his papacy, he showed deep compassion and an unwavering commitment to social justice, inclusion, and the dignity of every person. His leadership challenged us all to build a fairer and more caring world. — Chris Hipkins (@chrishipkins) April 21, 2025 Whoopi Goldberg EGOT recipient Whoopi Goldberg, who has hosted the talk show The View since 1997, commemorated Pope Francis with a photo of her meeting him in 2023. Goldberg said the late pope 'was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believer and none [sic] believer'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WhoopiGoldberg (@whoopigoldberg) Lionel Messi The Argentinian professional footballer made special note of him and the pope's shared roots when honouring his death on Instagram, highlighting Francis as the first Latin American Pope. 'A different pope, close, Argentinian ... rest in peace, Pope Francis. Thank you for making the world a better place. We will miss you,' Messi wrote. Winston Peters The foreign minister, who is currently serving as acting prime minister while Luxon is overseas, shared further condolences 'on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand'. 'We join in mourning his loss and honour his enduring legacy of humility and compassion,' Peters wrote. On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, we extend our deepest condolences to the Holy See and the global Roman Catholic community on the passing of Pope Francis. We join in mourning his loss and honour his enduring legacy of humility and compassion. -Acting… — Winston Peters (@NewZealandMFA) April 21, 2025 Jimmy Fallon The American comedian and host of The Tonight Show recalled when he and the pope's paths crossed at the Vatican in June 2024. 'It was an honour meeting Pope Francis last summer. I'm glad I made you laugh. Thank you for your encouraging words. Rest in peace,' Fallon said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) JD Vance US Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Francis the day before his death, becoming one of the last world leaders to do so. The two shook hands and spoke briefly, although Vance was soon paying tribute to him on X. 'I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I'll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of Covid. It was really quite beautiful,' Vance wrote. 'May God rest his soul.' I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I'll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days… — JD Vance (@JDVance) April 21, 2025 Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew and mother to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, was quick to write a poignant message for Pope Francis as his death came to light. 'No better example of total humility in kindness and compassion. Thank you for leading us not just with words, but with your unwavering service to humanity,' the Duchess of York said. Emmanuel Macron The President of France, a predominantly Roman Catholic country, said the world was 'grieving' as he expressed his condolences for Pope Francis and the Church. 'From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him,' Macron wrote on X. From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him. To all Catholics, to a grieving world, my wife and I send our thoughts. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 21, 2025 David Henrie Former Wizards of Waverly Place actor David Henrie paid his respects by sharing a story of his and his partner's little miracle after they met with Francis amid personal tragedy. 'After 3 miscarriages we got to receive a special blessing from Pope Francis. 9 months later our little Pia Francesca was born,' Henrie wrote. 'I'll forever be grateful for that moment.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Henrie (@davidhenrie) Barack Obama Barack Obama, the former US president from 2009 to 2017, described the pope as a 'rare leader who made us want to be better people', as he shared photos of them together in the White House. 'May we continue to heed his call to 'never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope',' Obama pledged. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama) Eva Longoria The Desperate Housewives actress, sharing several pics of her and husband José Bastón holding hands with Pope Francis, said that his 'compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered'. 'Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalised.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eva Longoria Baston (@evalongoria) Hillary Clinton The former First Lady and 67th US Secretary of State took note of the pope's final public address on Easter Sunday, where he said: 'I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves.' Clinton said Francis' speech preached caring for those who are marginalised, vulnerable and fleeing their homes, and reminded us all to 'heed his wish'. In Pope Francis's last public address, he preached care of the marginalized, the vulnerable, and migrants, saying: 'I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves.' May we heed his wish. — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 21, 2025 Antonio Banderas Award-winning Spanish actor Antonio Banderas befittingly addressed the pope's death in Spanish on Instagram, including a photo of him shaking the pope's hands at a public gathering. 'Pope Francisco has died - a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people,' Banderas wrote in English below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) Joe Biden Former US President Biden, who left office in January this year, was just the second Catholic to hold the highest office in the land. He said that the news of the pope's death came 'with great sadness' to him and his wife Jiill. 'Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him,' Biden wrote on X. 'For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths.' 'He was the People's Pope - a light of faith, hope, and love.' It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served… — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 21, 2025 Ursula von der Leyen The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, marked the pope's passing with a photo of them exchanging words and a handshake. 'My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis' legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world,' von der Leyen penned soon after the news broke. Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis. He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate. My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis'… — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 21, 2025 Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.
