Flame setting North Island alight

By JO-MARIE BROWN

The Olympic flame has again been snuffed out on its tour of New Zealand - this time in the hands of Prime Minister Helen Clark.

A short jog down Parliament's steps proved too much for the flame, which died about 25m into Helen Clark's run.

"I ran too fast for the flame," she quipped as relay organisers hurriedly relit her torch from the guardian flame standing by in a lantern for just such emergencies.

The flame went out on Monday as it was being handed over in heavy mist on Coronet Peak, Queenstown, at the start of its New Zealand journey.

The remaining 99 Wellington torch-bearers had no trouble, receiving a warm welcome from the thousands of people who lined the streets.

The flame was welcomed from an Air New Zealand flight from Christchurch by members of Wellington's Tenths Trust at 10.40 am.

Twenty minutes later, former swimming star Rebecca Perrott started the torch-bearing relay.

Among the flame carriers were wheelchair rugby player Sholto Taylor, disabled runner Timothy Prendergast, equestrian Sally Clark and film-maker Peter Jackson.

The torch will travel through Rotorua this morning, but entertainer Sir Howard Morrison will not be among those carrying it.

He has pulled out of the event in favour of an appearance on TV One to promote his new documentary.

"After watching the television coverage from Coronet Peak and everybody that's been involved in it, I am slightly envious," he said. "But I had to make a decision.

"I've got a documentary out this month about my tribe coming to New Zealand and our people today. I have put a lot of effort into it and TVNZ is giving me the opportunity to promote it." Sir Howard will be replaced by New Zealand volleyball representative and local Rotorua sportswoman Marnie Grant.

The flame will arrive in Auckland shortly after 11 am for a 50km journey through the city.

Champion discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina will be the first Auckland torch bearer, carrying the flame from the airport.

It will travel past One Tree Hill, along the Viaduct Harbour boardwalk and across the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore, returning on the sailing ship Spirit of New Zealand for final celebrations at the Auckland Museum at 6.45 pm.

Among Auckland's 100 torch bearers are weightlifter Darren Liddell, squash champion Susan Devoy, television presenters Liz Gunn and Jim Hickey, America's Cup hero Dean Barker, ex-All Black captain Wayne Shelford and former Olympians Peter Snell and John Walker.

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