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"RIP Pop": Michael Clarke reveals further heartbreak

<p>Former Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke is mourning the loss of his “best mate”.</p> <p>Clarke revealed the extent of his heartache on social media after his grandfather Ray Fox passed away.</p> <p>In a touching post uploaded to Instagram, Clarke can be seen with one hand on the coffin as he walked away from the podium after delivering a eulogy at his grandfather’s funeral.</p> <p>“Never gets any easier,” Clarke wrote.</p> <p>“In losing my Grandfather, I lost a best mate. I feel blessed to be surrounded by so much love on an extremely tough day.</p> <p>“RIP Pop.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqSAtDtJ9OZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqSAtDtJ9OZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Clarke AO (@michaelclarkeofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Friends and family were quick to pass on their condolences and support during this tumultuous time for Clarke.</p> <p>“Sorry to hear that news, mate,” Channel 7’s Larry Emdur commented. “Wishing you and the family all the best.”</p> <p>Businesswoman Erina Peters wrote, “I’m so sorry Michael! He truly loved you so much.</p> <p>“I have so many funny memories with him over the years and he was never short of a cheeky comeback.”</p> <p>Clarke previously said his grandfather was his inspiration behind playing cricket and the hardest part of retiring from the sport was telling Ray.</p> <p>“Definitely telling my grandfather was perhaps the hardest part and he was very emotional,” he said in 2015.</p> <p>“Pop’s made it clear to me over the past 10 years that watching me play cricket is a big part of what keeps him going.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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"Final act of cowardice" by Hannah Clarke’s ex-husband

<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article contains distressing content and descriptions of domestic violence.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">A coroner has recommended widespread changes to domestic violence training and support in Australia while delivering her findings on the deaths of Hannah Clarke and her children at the hands of her ex-husband.</p> <p dir="ltr">Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley became emotional while delivering her findings, detailing the final moments of the young family during Rowan Baxter’s “final act of cowardice”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Clarke and her children, six-year-old Aaliyah, four-year-old Laianah, and three-year-old Trey, died after Baxter, her ex-husband, ambushed the family on their way to school in February, 2020.</p> <p dir="ltr">After dousing their car in petrol, neighbours watched on in horror as he set the vehicle alight.</p> <p dir="ltr">In Bentley’s findings, published on Wednesday, it was revealed that Clarke died from multi-organ failure as a result of the fire.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bentley said the three children died at 8.25am on February 19 from the effects of the fire, while Baxter died from a self-inflicted stab wound.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The children died almost immediately from the inhalation of fumes and burns," Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Hannah had received full-thickness, non-survivable burns."</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite suffering severe injuries, Bentley said Clarke showed “astounding bravery” and was able to describe what Baxter had done to nearby witnesses.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her findings come three months after the long-awaited coronial inquest into the deaths began.</p> <p dir="ltr">During the inquest, the court was told of how Baxter displayed controlling and abusive behaviour towards Clarke, including controlled what she wore and who she could see, demanding sex every night, and berating her body image.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court was told that Baxter abducted Laianah on Boxing Day 2019, taking her to northern NSW before returning her several days later.</p> <p dir="ltr">In another incident, Baxter assaulted Clarke after she confronted him about why he had explicit photos of her in his car - which was evidence he hoped to use in court.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bentley said she found it unlikely that police, service providers or family could have stopped Baxter from carrying out his “murderous” plans, describing him as a “master of manipulation”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"After Hannah left him and he realised he could no longer control her, he began to rally support from friends he had not seen for years and professionals he considered could advance his cause,” Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">She described him killing himself as a “final act of cowardice” since he was unable to live with the public denunciation and punishment he would be subject to.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The truth is Hannah, who knew him best, was initially in favour of him having contact with the children … but she perceived he was becoming more dangerous," Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Her fears were genuine and realistic and ultimately confirmed in the worst way."</p> <p dir="ltr">The coroner said there were missed opportunities to keep Baxter accountable, including their response to his breaching of the domestic violence order.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard that training of police officers, particularly frontline officers, around domestic violence was insufficient, and that there was a “significant lack of counselling programmes and support” for perpetrators in Queensland.</p> <p dir="ltr">"However, in this case, I am satisfied that even had it been available, Baxter was not interested in engaging in such programmes unless it furthered his cause … [of] Hannah agreeing to his wishes," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bentley made four recommendations, including that the Queensland government fund the police to provide "five-day face-to-face domestic violence training programme for all specialist domestic violence police officers", and mandatory face-to-face training for all police officers.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My final recommendation is that the Queensland government provide funding for men's behaviour change programmes both in prisons and in the community as a matter of urgency," Bentley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I offer my most sincere condolences to Mr and Mrs Clarke, other family members and friends and family of their children."</p> <p dir="ltr">Outside court, Hannah’s parents Sue and Lloyd Clarke said they were pleased with the findings.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We expected most of the results," Clarke told reporters.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We need to see everything that's been recommended implemented in every state."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><em>If you are in need of support or are a victim of domestic violence, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the national family violence counselling service on 1800 737 732.</em></strong></p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-d0e10153-7fff-5753-895b-89513ece704c"></span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Supermodel Kristy Hinze Clark makes super profit on Florida mansion

<p dir="ltr">Kristy Hinze Clark and her husband, American tech titan Jim Clark, have just sold their sprawling Florida home for a record-breaking sum.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple’s 16-acre home in Palm Beach is expected to sell for more than $US 175 million ($NZD 279 million) in an off-market deal, according to <em><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-billionaire-bought-a-florida-home-for-94-2-million-last-year-now-hes-selling-it-for-around-175-million-11655323328" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Wall Street Journal</a></em>, in a deal far exceeding Florida’s current sales record of $US 130 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hinz Clark and her billionaire husband are set to make around $US 81 million ($NZD 129 million) from the sale, which was a “spur of the moment purchase” 15 months ago.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to <a href="https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2000-S-Ocean-Blvd_Lantana_FL_33462_M57433-88058" target="_blank" rel="noopener">property records</a>, the oceanfront home was bought by the couple on March 8, 2021, for $US 94,173,300 ($NZD 150,418,303), when they thought they were going to live in Florida most of the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Clark told the Wall Street Journal that, although they fell in love with the aesthetics and other features the home offered, they decided to stay in New York and enrol their two daughters there.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In the end, we sort of thought, ‘How much will we come down here?’” he recalled. “I knew there was someone who wanted it and I beat them to it so I thought, ‘Let’s see if they want it again’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Boasting a total of 30 bedrooms spread across the 12-bedroom main home, two four-bedroom beachside cottages, the seven-bedroom Mango House, and a guest or staff house comprised of four studios.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other luxe features include a swimming pool, tennis court, golfing area, half-basketball court, fitness centre, and a spa, as well as access to a dock and pier on Lake Worth.</p> <p dir="ltr">The home itself has 360-degree views and is surrounded by 1200 feet of beach facing the Atlantic, and 1300 feet of frontage on the lake.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the listing from its 2021 sale, the home is also within a “singular microclimate” created by the Gulf Stream, meaning it is treated to “refreshing breezes and warmer waters, even when cooler weather prevails in Miami”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These unique conditions allowed for the creation of extensive botanical gardens that showcase neqarly 1,500 tropical species that replicate a ‘walk through the Caribbean’,” the listing reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Look, it’s a phenomenal property,” Mr Clark said. “You can’t find anything like that in Florida.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-edce07b8-7fff-9f42-4baa-b880783b24ea"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images, Realtor</em></p>

Real Estate

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Video shows Rowan Baxter purchasing killing tools

<p dir="ltr">A video showing Rowan Baxter purchasing the tools he would use to kill Hannah Clarke and their three children has played in court.</p> <p dir="ltr">CCTV showed Baxter at a local Brisbane Bunnings store buying zip ties, cleaning fluid and fuel at about 6 pm on February 17, 2020, just two days before the horrific murder.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wearing a black singlet and shorts, Baxter also appeared to wander around before paying for the items.</p> <p dir="ltr">Later that afternoon, Baxter called a men’s support helpline where he said he was the victim.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My wife, to be honest, it's almost like a game to put her in a better position for family court," he was heard saying, <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/inquest-into-hannah-clarkes-death-tracks-killers-movements-in-days-before-murder-brisbane-queensland/d882dce1-d321-4cd6-9791-0f37d4892e91" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nine News</a> reported.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm not the one who has the problem. I'm just doing what I'm told.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I never even thought my wife was capable of doing anything like this."</p> <p dir="ltr">On 19 February, 2020, before Baxter set alight to the family car with Ms Clarke and their three children - Aaliyah, Laianah, and Trey - he was seen at a Caltex petrol station purchasing 4.6L of fuel and three Kinder Surprises.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Clarke was taking her three children to school when Baxter doused them with fuel.</p> <p dir="ltr">The three children died at the scene while Ms Clarke was taken to hospital. Baxter later stabbed himself with a knife and died.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Clarke suffered burns to 97 per cent of her body and, despite her injuries, was able to give police three statements about what happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">The inquest continues.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: CCTV footage</em></p>

Legal

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Chilling footage emerges in Hannah Clarke case

<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article mentions domestic violence.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Bodycam footage of a distraught Hannah Clarke speaking to police after her “psycho” husband abducted one of their children has been shown during the coronial inquest into her and her children’s deaths.</p> <p dir="ltr">The inquest is examining the 2020 deaths of Ms Clarke and her three children - Aaliyah, Laianah, and Trey - and her estranged husband Rowan Baxter, who set the family alight in a car on a suburban street, as reported by <em><a href="https://7news.com.au/news/qld/the-devastating-moment-hannah-clarke-was-told-by-police-theres-not-a-great-deal-we-can-do-c-6243136" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the footage, Ms Clarke spoke to officers when her husband drove off with one of their three children after the family met at a Brisbane park on Boxing Day in 2019.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Clarke said she and Mr Baxter had been separated for a few weeks but that she feared getting a domestic violence order against him, fearing it would worsen the situation.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said she refused to let Mr Baxter have the kids overnight out of fear he wouldn’t return them to her, and that Mr Baxter then put four-year-old Laianah in a car and drove off.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Now he’s telling me he won’t give her back … because I’ve said to him you need to wait till we can get this sorted, you’re not having them stay with you because you won’t return them,” Ms Clarke told police.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The other two are absolutely beside themselves.She’s (Laianah’s) balling her eyes out.</p> <p dir="ltr">“(He’s) just a psycho, (saying) that he’s taking her and that’s it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He’s just called me now and said you either bring the other two back or I keep her.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They were in my care.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was doing good by letting them see him.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She also explained why didn’t take out a legal order against him, despite having spoken to police about him previously.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The only reason I didn’t was because I was scared it would antagonise the situation more,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tragically, one of the officers told her there was nothing they could do.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Without any orders in place, there’s not a great deal we can do in relation to the custody of the children,” the officer said in the video.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Being the biological father, he does have a right to the child. We can’t just go and take the child.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Clarke then asked, “Even though he’s taken her away from me when they were in my care?”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Yeah, unfortunately, because he is the biological father of the child, we can’t just go and seize the child and give her back to you,” the officer explained.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Clarke said the situation was “messed up” and detailed some of Mr Baxter’s treatment of her.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s been a lot of domestic violence. Not physical, but emotional. Controlling me et cetera. So it just got too much, I just couldn’t do it anymore,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So I took the kids and we left.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Baxter took Laianah for two days before she was returned to Ms Clarke due to police intervention.</p> <p dir="ltr">A police protection notice was placed against Mr Baxter three days later, starting the process for Ms Clarke to get a permanent domestic violence order against him.</p> <p dir="ltr">He then breached a temporary order on January 31 when he grabbed Ms Clarke’s wrist during an altercation at her parents’ home while dropping off their son.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Tuesday, the inquest also heard from members of the Queensland Police and the Queensland Police Union, who appeared before Queensland Coroners Court.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-94c807f0-7fff-8ebd-8784-90fd8d9bb843"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The footage is available to view <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/qld/the-devastating-moment-hannah-clarke-was-told-by-police-theres-not-a-great-deal-we-can-do-c-6243136" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 7News</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"This will never see the light of day": Ardern reacts to hen's do gift

<p dir="ltr">Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has received a gift ahead of her wedding this summer - but it didn’t go down as well as expected.</p> <p dir="ltr">During her last interview on TVNZ’s Breakfast show for the year, Ardern was given a gift by the radio team.</p> <p dir="ltr">As she opened it, host John Campbell hinted that it was something she could use for her hen’s party, if she had one.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846308/jacinda1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/77990a9e4dac428ab2c6b622fe07565a" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: TVNZ</em></p> <p dir="ltr">“Wow, this could be any manner of distasteful gifts,” she<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/jacinda-ardern-wedding-prime-minister-reacts-to-hens-do-gifts-from-tvnz-breakfast-team/P47M6WXW45PY33WPGB7CVSJIAM/" target="_blank">joked</a><span> </span>in response.</p> <p dir="ltr">She then pulled out a sparkly headband with the word “bride” written across it in cursive text, along with a bridal sash and a bottle of wine.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Aw, thank you guys. I can promise you, this will never see the light of day,” she said, laughing, while holding up the headband.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 277.08333333333337px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846307/jacinda2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b7cc087e4a0e4e4288cb0c5fc7065149" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: TVNZ</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Ardern wasn’t the only one to receive a gift either, with the breakfast team receiving mugs designed by the prime minister herself.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Self portrait, 2021,” the mugs said, along with a shocked-looking emoji face that Ardern said was her “most-used emoji”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Just in case it is not completely obvious, I did draw those myself,” she<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/jacinda-ardern-response-tvnz-gift-before-wedding-021408942.html" target="_blank">said</a><span> </span>seriously before laughing.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Prime Minister is due to marry Clarke Gayford in Gisborne, on New Zealand’s North Island.</p> <p dir="ltr">When asked about her wedding plans by radio station ZM earlier this month, Ardern said “you’d have to ask Clarke, he’s in charge”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I said to someone I do really think I’m the least engaged bride. I know the big stuff, but he’s really doing the lot.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier in the year, she admitted that she won’t be taking time off to go on a honeymoon with Gayford, noting that it was her choice to get married while leading the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I guess it’s my choice, for having major life events while in this job. So, no one’s fault except my own. No complaints from us,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: TVNZ</em></p>

Relationships

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New details emerge in tragic deaths of Hannah Clarke and her children

<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article contains distressing details relating to an act of domestic violence which may disturb some readers.</em></p> <p dir="ltr">New details surrounding the murder of Hannah Clarke and her children have emerged during an pre-inquest hearing investigating whether their deaths could have been prevented.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hannah Clarke and her three children - Aaliyah, six; Laianah, four; and Trey, three - were doused in petrol and burned alive by estranged husband Rowan Baxter in Brisbane in early 2020.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The purpose of this inquest is not to identify the deceased, the cause nor the place of their deaths, or even the perpetrator who took their lives,” Jacoba Brasch QC, the counsel assisting the coroner, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/07/hannah-clarke-inquest-in-brisbane-to-examine-the-warning-signs-which-were-missed" target="_blank">told the court</a> on Tuesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The evidence on these matters is abundant and, tragically, painfully clear. This inquest must look backwards, at the warning signs which were missed or, it identified, whether appropriate actions were taken at the time to address those risks.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846188/hannah-clarke1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/eb5109f56fcc4adb95cd52039956ea49" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Hannah Clarke with her children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey. Image: @smallsteps4hannah (Instagram)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard that just before 8.30 am on February 19, Clarke left her parents’ home with her children and was intercepted by Baxter, when he climbed into the passenger’s seat armed with a knife and a can of petrol.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hannah screamed at Baxter to get out of the car. Her screams were desperate and fearful - we know this because a worried neighbour recorded them,” Brasch said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Baxter then ordered Clarke to drive while he poured petrol over her and through the cabin of the car.</p> <p dir="ltr">After driving for just 200 metres, she pulled into a driveway where a man was washing his car and begged him to call the police.</p> <p dir="ltr">Then the car exploded.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The explosion was so loud, it rattled windows across the street and some thought they heard a gas explosion,” the hearing was told.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though Clarke was able to free herself from the car, she was completely engulfed in flames.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her injuries were so severe they couldn’t be treated, and she died from them later that afternoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">Baxter was also badly burnt, but able to grab his knife from the burning car and impale himself, puncturing his heart and killing himself.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846189/hannah-clarke2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7bb9301ee0ee463eb6a6240151bc0992" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Hannah Clarke with her children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey. Image: @smallsteps4hannah (Instagram)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard that just before 8.30 am on February 19, Clarke left her parents’ home with her children and was intercepted by Baxter, when he climbed into the passenger’s seat armed with a knife and a can of petrol.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hannah screamed at Baxter to get out of the car. Her screams were desperate and fearful - we know this because a worried neighbour recorded them,” Brasch <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/news/qld/shocking-details-of-murder-of-hannah-clarke-and-her-children-revealed-ahead-of-qld-coronial-inquest-c-4847260" target="_blank">said</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Baxter then ordered Clarke to drive while he poured petrol over her and through the cabin of the car.</p> <p dir="ltr">After driving for just 200 metres, she pulled into a driveway where a man was washing his car and begged him to call the police.</p> <p dir="ltr">Then the car exploded.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The explosion was so loud, it rattled windows across the street and some thought they heard a gas explosion,” the hearing was told.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though Clarke was able to free herself from the car, she was completely engulfed in flames.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her injuries were so severe they couldn’t be treated, and she died from them later that afternoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">Baxter was also badly burnt, but able to grab his knife from the burning car and impale himself, puncturing his heart and killing himself.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846190/hannah-clarke3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/58407a7cdf0d4b708e6be8ec09dfe87b" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Hannah Clarke’s parents, Sue and Lloyd, at her funeral. Image: 7News</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Brasch described the murders of Clarke and her children as acts of “unimaginable cruelty”, but said the hearings were needed to determine if their lives could have been saved.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking outside court, Clarke’s parents, Lloyd and Sue Clarke, said they hoped the hearings would bring some kind of closure.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It will be good to have it finally over and hopefully it will fill in a few missing pieces for us,” Sue Clarke said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If we can save just one more life through things that are found out, that would be great.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><em>If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, call 000.</em></strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Jono Searle (Getty Images) / @smallsteps4hannah (Instagram)</em></p>

Caring

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‘Creepy Mummy’ Jacinda Ardern doll proves a big hit

<p>In the face of a growing COVID outbreak, New Zealand residents were given a reason to laugh on Monday when they were shown a ‘creepy’ doll version of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.</p> <p>Ms Ardern’s partner Clarke Gayford took to Instagram to share a video of the disturbing hand-made doll, sent to them by someone unknown.</p> <p>In the video, Gayford says the doll has become one of their three-year-old daughter, Neve’s favourite toys and she calls it ‘Creepy Mummy.”</p> <p>Aware that everyone in New Zealand is in a strict lockdown, Gayford says on the video: "Well Hi everyone, welcome to Monday. Who doesn't want a 30-second distraction to try and help get them through the start of the week?"</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTLNkXZhlZq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTLNkXZhlZq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Clarke Gayford (@clarkegayford)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"So, I give you this. We get given all sorts of wonderful hand-made arts and crafts here and when I say we — Neve," he continues, brushing the doll's hair with her facing away from the camera.</p> <p>"And there's some real talent in this country, some incredible talent, and she's a very lucky three-year-old.</p> <p>"Some of the things make their way into our home and into our three-year-old's heart," he said.</p> <p>"Including this wonderful dolly, which Neve has even given a name," he says, before dramatically revealing the doll's face.</p> <p>"She calls this dolly 'Creepy Mummy' and 'Creepy Mummy' would just like to say: 'Hang in there. You got this. Even though it's Monday.'"</p> <p>According to Gayford, the doll was sent to them without any details attached, but it's much loved by the smallest member of their family— despite the nickname.</p> <p>Fans loved the video, many agreeing it was the laugh they needed as New Zealand faces an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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New Zealand's ‘first man’ opens up on wedding plans with Prime Minister Ardern

<p>Clarke Gayford told <em>Sunrise</em> he and Jacinda have put preparations “on the backburner” after the whole country was plunged into a COVID-19 lockdown last week.</p> <p>The wedding, scheduled for this summer in Gisborne on the North Island, has been anticipated for some time since the pair were engaged at Easter two years ago.</p> <p>But Gayford continued: “Unfortunately this latest lockdown has kind of just put everything on the backburner for the interim, so there will be a whole flurry of activity closer to the time,” he said.</p> <p>The 43-year-old, who shares a three-year-old daughter with Ardern, said the couple had not planned a honeymoon, admitting: “I don’t think we’ve even had that conversation.”</p> <p><strong>Promoting his new fishing book as well</strong></p> <p><img style="width: 396.7611336032388px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843422/clarke-gayford-fish-of-the-day.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/13ed5fa3c66748949033a697f179f780" /></p> <p>Gayford, who’s been a successful television and radio host for the past 20 years, was talking on <em>Sunrise</em> to promote his new fishing book which he has co-authored with Mike Bhana.</p> <p>Called<em> Fish Of The Day</em> – the book is based on Gayford’s fishing show of the same name and includes travel tips, recipes and more.</p> <p>Gayford told the Sunrise hosts, Natalie Barr and David Koch, he has been teaching Ardern how to fish and she’s “actually pretty good.”</p> <p>“I can say that she has got enthusiastically into some of the fishing trips that we’ve been able to get stuck into,” he said.</p> <p>“I’ve been teaching her how to soft bait and a style of fishing called speed-jigging and she’s very determined when she sets her mind to it.”</p> <p>The Kiwi said his first fishing trip with Ardern was “absolutely magic.”</p> <p>“It went dead flat, we had a whale show up, her first cast she got a 14 pound (6.3kg) snapper, her very next cast she caught this huge john dory - and she thought that was what fishing was always like.</p> <p>”So she was hooked from that point onwards,” he laughed.</p> <p><em>Photos: Getty Images</em></p>

Relationships

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Jacinda Ardern's partner Clarke Gayford jokes he's "punching above his weight"

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Clarke Gayford has joked that he is "punching above his weight" in his relationship with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.</p> <p>Gayford hosts fishing program<span> </span><em>Fish of the Day</em><span> </span>and shared some insight into his relationship with Ardern.</p> <p>He answered a question about how their relationship began on Australian radio station Nova 96.9.</p> <p>"I thought you were about to accuse me of punching [above my weight], and, well, you would be right!" he joked.</p> <p>Gayford explained to hosts Fitzy and Wippa that he met his now-fiancee through official channels.</p> <p>"This is slightly embarrassing, I had a constituency issue and I emailed my local MP and I got some really good advice," he laughed.</p> <p>The pair briefly met for the first time at an awards show in 2012, with Gayford reaching out to Ardern to discuss his concerns over a proposed bill.</p> <p>The pair's relationship became more high-profile in August 2017 as Ardern became the leader of New Zealand's Labour Party. Just seven weeks later, she was elected to the office of Prime Minister.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDGQlyUMOkS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDGQlyUMOkS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Clarke Gayford (@clarkegayford)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Gayford remembers that moment vividly.</p> <p>"As I was about to go down underwater I turned my phone off, like 'I don't want to know about this'," he told Nova's Fitzy and Wippa.</p> <p>"When I came back up the guy on the boat said, 'Yeah, mate, you might want to call back home. Your missus has had a promotion'."</p> <p>Gayford was diving in Queensland and was filming the new Discovery Channel documentary<span> </span><em>Shark Lockdown</em><span> </span>when Ardern was made Prime Minister.</p> <p>The pair are now engaged after having their first child, daughter Neve Te Aroha in June 2018.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Relationships

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“I don’t know how to tell her”: Best friend of little girl murdered by evil father still unaware of death

<p>The best friend of slain Hannah Clarke’s youngest little girl is still unaware that her mate has passed away.</p> <p>Four-year-old Laianah Baker was murdered last Wednesday after her father set her, her mother and her two siblings, Aaliyah, six, and Trey, three, on fire in a quadruple murder-suicide.</p> <p>Ms Clarke's best friend Lou Farmer told<span> </span>A Current Affair<span> </span>on Tuesday she is still having trouble to tell her young daughter, Heidi that her best friend was killed in the incident.</p> <p>“My ten and seven-year-old they understand. I can't even go there with Heidi. Heidi and Laianah were best friends,” she said, as she choked back tears.</p> <p>Ms Farmer says she had known her dear friend Hannah Clarke for four years, and revealed they had recently gotten together for a party shortly before the tragedy unfolded.</p> <p>“We had the most perfect pool party, and wines, and the best afternoon. I just don't know how to tell my little girl that Laianah, her best friend is gone,” she shared. </p> <p>Three close friends of Ms Clarke’s spoke out about the tragedy in a tolling interview where they revealed they had fears her estranged husband Rowan Baxter would harm the family.</p> <p>Nikki Brooks, a friend Ms Clarke’s for over 17 years, admitted she’s spoken with Queensland Police just one week before the murders to give a statement regarding Baxter's breach of his Domestic Violence Order.</p> <p>“I looked the detective in the eye and I said, ‘I think he's going to take them all out,’” Ms Brooks said.</p> <p>“She said, ‘I've got a bad feeling too.’”</p> <p>It had been Ms Brook’s home that had proven to be a haven for the mum-of-three when her relationship with Baxter turned abusive in 2019.</p> <p>Ms Clarke had confided in her closest four girl friends of the abuse, and it was Ms Brooks who says they now feel “a lot of guilt” over what had happened.</p> <p>“I feel like we've definitely influenced her decision. We said, ‘Han, enough's enough’.</p> <p>“It was getting bad and we had to get her out of there.”</p> <p>“The day she came back she stayed with me and we felt safe. He [Baxter] didn't know where I lived. </p> <p>“She just looked relieved and she seemed really happy. She knew she made the right decision.”</p> <p>Ms Brooks spoke in front of more than 1,000 mourners at a vigil held for Ms Clarke and her family at Whites Hill State College in Camp Hill on Sunday.</p> <p>“We are a nation in pain,” she said.</p> <p>“Don't back away from your friends for the sake of convenience.</p> <p>“Time's up on domestic violence.”</p>

Relationships

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Rowan Baxter’s family speaks after vicious murders: “Everyone else, they’re shocked – I’m not”

<p>The cousin of family killer Rowan Baxter has spoken out about her family, saying he was an “angry child” while growing up together.</p> <p>Alana Hampson told <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/crime/there-was-a-lot-of-violence-rowan-baxters-relatives-speak-out-about-killer-dads-upbringing/news-story/f54961c4792b002951ab055b067135a1" target="_blank"><em>news.com.au</em></a> that while she was estranged from her older cousin Rowan, she lived with him and his brother Charles as a teenager while going through foster care.</p> <p>“He was an angry kid,” the 38-year-old admitted.</p> <p>“There was a bit of cruelty there sometimes, little hints throughout his life. He would yell at you to get out of his room or swear at you. Rowan was like that real abrupt kid. Just one of those rough tumbling boys with attitude.”</p> <p>42-year-old NRL Player Rowan Baxter burned his estranged wife Hannah Clarke and their three children to death last week in their family SUV before stabbing himself and dying.</p> <p>In a 2004 newspaper interview, Rowan told reporters he had quit rugby union to join the Mt Albert Lions rugby league club after being repeatedly overlooked for selection by the Bay of Plenty Steamers.</p> <p>“Word got back to me they (Bay of Plenty) thought I had anger problems,” Baxter told The Daily Post.</p> <p>The 42-year-old was reportedly involved in two vicious brawls while playing club rugby for Te Puke in 2002 and 2003.</p> <p>“That’s the way I play, I don’t regret it, that’s who I am,” Baxter said.</p> <p>Ms Hampson’s mother, Dorothy Ann Baxter, is the sister of Rowan’s father, Charlie — one of nine brothers and sisters in the clan from New Zealand’s Tauranga region.</p> <p>“I haven’t been around my family most of my life — I hate my family,” Ms Hampson told</p> <p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/crime/there-was-a-lot-of-violence-rowan-baxters-relatives-speak-out-about-killer-dads-upbringing/news-story/f54961c4792b002951ab055b067135a1" target="_blank">news.com.au.</a></p> <p>“(He was) f***ed in the head. There was a lot of violence. The Baxters had a hard life. (One of my other cousins), his younger baby died. The baby coffin was put in the car and he did doughnuts.”</p> <p>Ms Hampson said that while she herself hasn’t had “clean life”, her cousin’s acts are unforgiveable.</p> <p>“I haven’t had a clean life myself but for someone to do that … I can’t believe anyone would do that. Someone told me you’ve got to forgive — you can’t forgive that,” she said.</p> <p>While she last saw Rowan “a long time ago”, she says the horrific murders have left the family shell-shocked. “It’s affected all my aunties, they’re speechless,” she said.</p> <p>Heart-stricken Dorothy Ann Baxter described Rowan as “a good boy” who “lost the plot”. Ms Baxter confirmed she hadn’t seen Rowan since he moved to Australia.</p> <p>“He was always a good boy. I can’t understand,” she said.</p> <p>“He’s lost the plot. I don’t know. He couldn’t handle it then one day he just lost it. It’s not good. But I know he wouldn’t do it out of his own mind so he had to be … lost it, just lost the plot. Some of us do. I’m not saying Rowan was good for what he did but people do lose the plot.”</p> <p>Ms Baxter spoke of funeral arrangements for Rowan, saying: “Of course there’s going to be a funeral</p> <p>“They’ve got to get him back here first, the cops have still got him haven’t they?”</p> <p>She added, “We’re going to say goodbye to him. He’s going to be put with his mother. I’m just glad my mum wasn’t here because it would have killed her.”</p> <p>But Ms Hampson says she is “definitely not going to the funeral”. </p> <p>“I can’t bring myself to see that,” she said.</p> <p>“It’s a bit hard to swallow. He can rot in hell for what he did to those kids.”</p>

News

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NZ PM Jacinda Ardern reveals how Clarke Gayford proposed to her

<p>New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has revealed more details about her surprise proposal from long-term partner Clarke Gayford, as well as explaining why she doesn’t wear her engagement ring on her left hand.</p> <p>Despite her best attempts, a coy Ardern wasn’t able to dodge reporters’ questions about her recent proposal in a post-cabinet press conference in Wellington.</p> <p>Naturally, she was reluctant to spill too many details.</p> <p>“There are some things I don't mind keeping for ourselves,” Ms Ardern told reporters.</p> <p>“This is a very public job and I'm quite happy to put quite a bit of ourselves out there. But there are some things I wouldn't mind keeping to ourselves.”</p> <p>However, Ardern was more than happy to confirm where the proposal happened. It took place with a beautiful backdrop at the top of Mokotahi Hill in Mahia, which is on North Island’s east coast.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhKwza3Fwta/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhKwza3Fwta/" target="_blank">A post shared by Jason Lau (@meetjasonlau)</a> on Apr 4, 2018 at 5:11pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Ardern revealed who was on site when the proposal took place.</p> <p>“It was Clarke, myself, a member of the DPS (Diplomatic Protection Squad), a couple of locals from Mahia and a dog which tried to eat the chocolate that Clarke bought me at the same time, so it was very romantic,” she explained.</p> <p>She also admitted her partner didn’t get down on one knee, so the DPS member wasn’t aware of what was happening.</p> <p>"The DPS had no idea what had happened so that should be a giveaway," she said.</p> <p>As for why she doesn’t wear her new engagement ring on her left hand's ring finger?</p> <p>“I have not been trying to hide our news from anyone," Ardern explained.</p> <p>“It simply doesn't fit on the right finger, so that's why it's sitting in the middle.”</p> <p>Ardern, who welcomed her daughter Eliza, 10 months with Clarke in 2018, has also said she has “absolutely no idea” when she will walk down the aisle.</p> <p>"I was surprised by the question and as with probably many other couples we haven't made any plans at all," she said.</p> <p>She was quick to end personal questions at the conference, saying “I think we’re done? Good."</p>

Relationships

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She said "yes"! Jacinda Ardern's surprise engagement to partner Clarke Gayford

<p>The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, and her long-time partner became engaged over Easter, her team have confirmed.</p> <p>According to Ardern’s press secretary, the PM and Clarke Gayford made the decision to spend the rest of their lives together over the Easter break.</p> <p>The mother-of-one had been spotted wearing the ring on her middle finger, according to <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/world/new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-engaged/news-story/0fcbcf19f0e3600a2514de1671a0d250?nk=9f5aaf7e96e61f3876a76a00ed913a1c-1556858101" target="_blank">NT News</a>.</em></p> <p>The couple have a 10-month-old daughter together.</p> <p>Sitting down with the BBC earlier in the year, Ardern said that she wasn’t sure if she would put her partner through the “pain and torture” of having to kneel down on one knee to pop the question when asked if she would reverse the roles being a feminist.</p> <p>The 38-year-old met her fiancé in 2012 at an awards event.</p> <p>Only two months after Ardern was elected as Prime Minister, she was made to address the constant speculation on whether or not she and Gayford were engaged.</p> <p>“I thought I would upfront address the speculation in the gallery this afternoon over my Facebook Live and the issue of where my ring was placed during that Facebook live,” said Ardern. </p> <p>“I’m happy to confirm that I have eczema on my left hand, which causes me to rotate where I wear my beautiful onyx ring. So, no I am not engaged.</p> <p>“I do, however, suffer from a small skin condition, which is not very romantic. Glad to have cleared that up.”</p> <p>Ardern chose to wear her engagement ring on her middle finger on Monday when visiting a memorial at the Pike River Mine in Greymouth, New Zealand. The decision was made so not to take attention away from those that had been affected by the tragedy, which trapped and killed 29 men after an explosion in 2010.</p>

News

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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern welcomes first baby

<p>Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has given birth to her first child, a "healthy baby girl".</p> <p>Announcing the news on Instagram, the Prime Minister wrote: "Welcome to our village wee one. Feeling very lucky to have a healthy baby girl that arrived at 4.45pm weighing 3.31kg (7.3lb) Thank you so much for your best wishes and your kindness. We're all doing really well thanks to the wonderful team at Auckland City Hospital".</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkRrm87F8Cb/" target="_blank">A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern)</a> on Jun 20, 2018 at 11:14pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Ardern, 37, is the first woman in the country's history to give birth while in office and one of the few elected leaders to do so in the world. </p> <p>Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has stepped in as acting prime minister and will run the country for the next six weeks while Ardern takes maternity leave.</p> <p>Ardern gave birth in Auckland Hospital, the country's largest public hospital, with her partner, TV presenter Clarke Gayford, at her side.</p> <p>“I’m sure we’re going through all of the emotions new parents go through, but at the same time feeling so grateful for all the kindness and best wishes from so many people. Thank you,” Jacinda Ardern said in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.</p> <p> </p>

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The Simon & Garfunkel Story comes to New Zealand

<p>Their voices provided a soundtrack to an entire generation, and now, Simon and Garfunkel’s iconic music is returning to our shores thanks to a unique new production fresh from London’s West End. The Simon and Garfunkel Story stars Gregory Clarke as Paul Simon and Joe Sterling as Art Garfunkel and explores their rise to fame, tumultuous relationship, that iconic performance in Central Park, and – of course – the music.</p> <p>Over60 chatted with Gregory Clarke about what drew him to play a music legend, and why it is that Simon and Garfunkel’s music continues to resonate with so many.</p> <p><strong>What drew you to this role? Have you always been a fan of Simon &amp; Garfunkel?</strong></p> <p>Yes. As pure coincidence would have it, Simon &amp; Garfunkel have been one of my all-time favourite groups since my teens, when I started getting into music properly. As a fan of acoustic stuff and harmonies, it's no surprise I found those guys pretty quickly!</p> <p><strong>For our readers who haven’t heard of the show, could you give us a brief overview of what we can expect from it? What’s special about it?</strong></p> <p>It is a 2-hour journey through the life of Simon and Garfunkel, from their start as schoolboys trying their hand at rock n roll, all the way through to their split at the height of their fame. Along the way you get all the hits you want to hear, as well as a couple of lesser-known gems. With a live band accompanying the two voices and acoustic guitar, we are able to really get as close as possible to recreating the classic sound you hear on those great records. As the title suggests, we also tell their story, so you might find out a few things you didn't know in these two and a bit hours. We even recreate the famous reunion Concert in Central Park.</p> <p><strong>What do you think it is about Simon &amp; Garfunkel’s music that is so timeless?</strong></p> <p>I think the songs written by Paul Simon at that time had a pretty unique blend of wit, social commentary, and good old fashioned melody and harmony. Essentially it comes down to the fact that you can’t help but sing along to basically every song in the repertoire! It's more than just fluffy, soulless pop, it has real heart, his stuff. A couple of the songs we do I find difficult every night due to the emotional pull of the material.</p> <p><strong>What is it like playing a real, live person as opposed to a fictional character or historical figure? Do you know if the real Simon &amp; Garfunkel have seen the show?</strong></p> <p>There is a certain… not a pressure, but a responsibility when playing a real person. The temptation might be to go out and do a caricature to ensure you hit all the expected quirks and smirks, but I think it’s more important to capture an essence and bring your own energy, whilst obviously getting as close to the look and sound as you can.</p> <p>As far as I know neither Paul Simon nor Art Garfunkel have been to see us as yet, but that's certainly something we'd love, and if you're reading lads, your tickets are on me, pop along!</p> <p><strong>Simon’s voice is quite distinctive, is your voice naturally quite similar or did you have to learn how to imitate it?</strong></p> <p>I found that I have a similar soft tone, and also naturally produce that 'twang' he has, and that has made it easier to get close to the distinctive voice of Paul Simon. There are a few tips and tricks I have picked up along the way to help get me there.</p> <p><strong>What has the response been like from long-time Simon &amp; Garfunkel fans?</strong></p> <p>Well we are uniquely placed to answer that question actually! Every night without fail we make it part of the evening that immediately after the show ends, Joe (who plays Art) and I head straight to the front of house foyer where we're able to chat to the audience, pose for photos, sign programmes and answer any questions people might have. So it enables us to get direct feedback from an audience of (generally) long-time Simon and Garfunkel fans. Overwhelmingly positive would be the response, and every night we get told wonderful things like “You really took me back to my teenage years” and “We saw them back in the day and it was like seeing them all over again”. It seems to enthuse and excite and stir emotions as well. People are very, very kind.</p> <p><strong>Is there anything you’ve learnt about Simon and Garfunkel in your preparation for this show that isn’t widely known?</strong></p> <p>Apparently they didn't get on from time to time. Who knew? [Laughs] No, but the thing that has struck me, looking more in depth at the pair, is actually how close the friendship is, despite their differences. I saw footage of them quite recently, sitting together just watching a baseball game from the stands, chatting and laughing, and it's there as plain as day – just two mates who clearly still enjoy each other’s company. As it were, just two ‘Old Friends’.</p> <p><em>The Simon and Garfunkel Story tours Australia and New Zealand from July 6 to 22. For more information and to buy tickets, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com/australian-tour-dates/" target="_blank"><strong>click here</strong></a></span>.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/entertainment/music/2016/05/best-movie-soundtracks-ever/"><em><strong>The best movie soundtracks of all time</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/entertainment/music/2016/03/best-emotional-songs/"><em><strong>10 songs that always bring a tear to your eye</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/news/news/2016/01/simon-and-garfunkel-reunite/"><em><strong>Simon &amp; Garfunkel reunite one last time</strong></em></a></span></p>

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Supermodel Kirsty Hinze-Clarke becomes first female yacht owner to win Sydney to Hobart

<p>Former supermodel Kristy Hinze-Clark has made history as the first female yacht owner to win the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in Australia. </p> <p>After two days, eight hours, 58 minutes and 30 seconds, her boat, Comanche, crossed the finishing line to the 71st Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race for 2015.</p> <p>Hinze-Clark, the co-founder and co-skipper of the American boat, steered the yacht to victory, where her husband Jim Clark was waiting for her at Constitution Dock.</p> <p>“I just got more wet then that I did the entire race,” she laughed, when showered with champagne on her arrival at the finish line.</p> <p>Skipper Ken Read praised Hinze-Clarke, saying, “First time out in the open ocean. She has been out in plenty of boats but has never done anything like this.”</p> <p>“And she was as tough as nails. There was no babysitting involved and [she] did some driving and she is one the grinders and everything else. She as very impressive.</p> <p>Although damaged the first night, Comanche was a favourite in the race after returning from repairs. </p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/foods-that-mess-with-sleep/"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/eye-care/2015/02/health-clues-from-eyes/" target="_self">5 health clues from your eyes</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/foods-that-mess-with-sleep/"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/eye-care/2015/03/how-to-avoid-eyestrain-computer/" target="_self">How to avoid eye strain when using your computer or tablet</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/foods-that-mess-with-sleep/"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/eye-care/2015/03/state-of-world-eyesight/" target="_self">Some interesting statistics on the state of the world’s eyesight</a></em></strong></span></p>

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