A prominent Napier businessman is recovering in hospital after an apparent face-plant from his segway.
Rodney Green, the owner of the Bluewater Hotel, was travelling home on the segway on Sunday evening when he hit a concrete block and fell face first to the ground receiving facial injuries, including broken teeth, Hawke's Bay Today understands.
It is believed Mr Green first entertained the idea of buying a segway in 2003 following a visit to the Big Boys Toys convention, after the first two segways, or Human Transporters as they were known then, were imported into New Zealand in October 2003.
It is understood Mr Green had broken his leg at the time and was seeking a way to stay mobile.
As well as sponsoring the Pettigrew-Green Arena, Mr Green has also supported McLean Park's Rodney Green Centennial Event Centre. His previous business interests have included Napier Discount Meats and the Medallion bacon and small-goods companies, while he opened the Bluewater in 1999. Last year, Mr Green was sentenced to community work after he was found guilty of indecently assaulting an employee after partying at a charity boxing match. Yesterday, Mr Green was in a stable condition at Hawke's Bay Hospital.
