Hi Taz, you could try some of the gaming trust's like pub-charity etc, you can pick them up where ever they have gaming machines, and apply through your local association, as long as they are incorporated. It's hard now though to get funding for overseas travel, its worth a shot though. The NZPF will pay out a small grant of up to $250 if funds are available (probably enough to pay for 1 night accomodation or about 10 beers in Denmark), and pay for your entry of 80 euro. Most just save hard and fund themselves. Would be worth going as I think there are 3 or 4 interested so far, so there would be a good support crew.

howzit evry1 am considering going 2 da worlds in den mark nxt year does any1 now about any funding 4 powerlifting.

Hi Jay, Straps are not permitted while deadlifting in official competitions. Cheers.

Can someone please tell me if one is allowed to use straps while deadlifting?

I was at a world champs 'after banquet drinks session', discussing powerlifting pro's and con's with good mate Steve Giffin (one of Australia's finest) a couple of years back, and thought you might find his analogy of weight lifting sports amusing. Steve says if Olympic lifting is the equivalent to formula 1 motor racing, then Powerlifting is the equivalent to drag racing, which makes bodybuilding like washing your car!

Just got back from the North Island Champs hosted by CD in Wellington, thanks to Warren, Craig and co. for putting on a great contest at the Powerhouse Gym. What an awesome gym, I'm jealous. Good to see Maria Brightwater-Wharf lifting again and Reuben Simanu totaling over 900 again with a 917.5kg total which included a very comfotable 355kg squat. Good to see alot of new lifters as well. Should see an exciting contest at the nationals between Felix Esterbaur and Doug Menie in the M4 100kg class, at the North Island's they both had the same sub-totals with Felix coming out on top by 20kg, looks like Doug has a bit more in him though. Both have a similar background in weightlifting and could teach some of the younger blokes a thing or two.

Thanks Jaypee Once again an awesome turnout from the Auckland Lifters had us pushing hard to make it a smooth running day. We could not have acheived this with out the huge effort put in by Darren and the committee as well as the support from the referees from the outer provinces of Auckland. Thanks to Paul and Julian for their continued support and for travelling up frequently for our events. After some great acheivements on the day we should be looking at a huge team for the Nationals. Goooooo Auckland.

inzer squat suit size 33 hardcore only been worn once. inzer blast shirt size 50 only been worn twice. katana bench shirt size 42 never been worn all are in excellent order u can email me on jackiebuckley@xtra.co.nz

This is a bit late coming, but congratulations to Auckland for running a great contest this year. I havn't missed an Auckland champs since 1996, and would have to say this would be one of the most enjoyable ones. The officials and spotters were all fed and watered, the contest ran on time, and above all there was some great lifting. Watch out NZ, Auckland may well be on it's way back to it's former glory as a dominate province if it's junior lifters are anything to go by. Young Strachen, the Burge brothers and big Jono Raddich lifted fantastically, with some to spare. the master's weren't too shabby either, Smokin Joe Tafua, 292.5 deadlift at M2, Neil Lauaki, 320 squat, no suit (super deep too) Again thanks Darren, Craig and co. for putting on a good one

Haven't received any dates yet from Central Districts and Northland. Will post as soon as possible.