TV personalities talk about real-life family feuds.
AZIZ AL-SA’AFIN: My worst family feud relates to the reason I’ve been issued a life ban from Monopoly (a game I dub the destroyer of relationships). It’s always been a point of contention in our household, so much so even the word ‘Monopoly’ is taboo. My family still get uncomfortable around me when it comes to board games in general. One day I’m sure we’ll go to board games counselling to discuss our issues.
AMANDA GILLIES: December 28th, every year, in the Gillies backyard in Gisborne, it’s the annual family soccer game – up to 40 players ranging in age from two to 82 years old. It’s fierce and competitive, with a take-no-prisoners attitude. There’s no ref, so a wrong call or a dodgy shot can result in an entertaining and feisty family feud.
MARK RICHARDSON: I’m unsure if this is cricket folklore but given it involved the Crowe brothers, Martin and Jeff, I can believe it. Rumour goes that during a game of backyard cricket at their family home, there was an appeal for lbw against Martin. Apparently it was a good shout, as they say, but when you have ‘player umpires’ it is always going to be difficult. The story goes that Jeff ‘went upstairs’ and when I say that, I mean he went inside, upstairs to the kitchen for assistance. And when I say assistance, I mean when Mrs Crowe returned home she found Jeff holding a large and very sharp kitchen utensil, suggesting Martin leave the batting crease immediately. This may have been the other way round but, regardless, it’s very indicative of the 1980s cricket family.
DUNCAN GARNER: My own ... the total madness of a blended family and managing the demands of children who come and go, a wife and a mother. It can be chaotic but we are a very loyal family and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s Newshub against The
AM Show for a special episode of All Star Family Feud where teams compete for charity dollars. We asked the contestants about their own real-life family feuds – while Mark Richardson opted for a tale about cricketing legends Jeff and Martin Crowe.
SAMANTHA HAYES: My family are experts at stealing toast from one another. It’s a skill we’ve honed over the decades. Marmite toast – which is my favourite – is the main target so needs to be closely guarded. We all know that when you’ve finished buttering the perfect slice not to turn your back or risk distraction for even a moment or it’ll be snatched from right underneath your nose.
MIKE MCROBERTS: I remember growing up my family’s worst feuds were always about using our home telephone. It’s hard to believe these days with individual mobile phones, messaging, emails and social media – but back in the dark old days we had one landline shared between four teenagers and my parents, and everyone in my family loves talking.
RYAN BRIDGE: When I was younger I used to tease my little brother Sean. Poor kid. We’re good mates now but I do remember him so wound up he nearly took to my face with a cricket bat. Hmmm ... maybe I’m not quite over that, actually.
INGRID HIPKISS: I’ve seen some pretty deep rifts play out over everything from inheritances to who’s in control of the TV remote. I feel like childhood sibling rivalry was the most feud-filled time of my life. My little brother seemed to take great delight in making my life difficult, tormenting me with various forms of blackmail and knowing my weaknesses. My recollection is that I was largely blameless in all of this, of course. When you sit back and look at all the personalities and relationships within any family it’s a wonder any of us get out alive.