Kung fu dad confronts knife-wielding youth after attack in west Auckland park
An Avondale father skilled in kung fu confronted a group of youths who hospitalised his son’s friend in a random attack.
Matua Ngarino had a knife pulled on him in Avondale’s Riversdale Park after confronting a group of boys who he believed had attacked a 12-year-old a few days prior.
The attack had sent the boy, who had been at the park with Ngarino’s sons, to Starship Hospital and made his own sons afraid of going outside, Ngarino said.
“The boys surrounded me, and one pulled a knife. I gave him the opportunity to walk away before they all got hurt.
“With my background in wing chung kung fu I was ready for the unexpected. I warned them a second time to walk away from the situation, they hesitated at first, but they came to their senses and walked away.”
Back in 1989, Ngarino said he had trained in wing chung kung fu in Christchurch, and while he had taught his children to walk away from confrontation, said he knew how to defend himself.
Wing chung kung fu is a form of self-defence requiring quick arm movements and strong kicks to defeat opponents.
While at the park Ngarino took photographs of the boys he believed were involved and sent them to police.
Read more of Melanie Earley's story here:
www.stuff.co.nz...
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.6% Yes
-
13.9% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.