Former TV star Veitch in dunes drama

Found in "distressed state" after tablet overdose

POLICE and ambulance services found Tony Veitch in a "distressed state" when they answered an emergency call at the popular beach resort of Pauanui.

The former Television New Zealand and Radio Sport broadcaster had been holidaying at the Coromandel hotspot with his wife Zoe Halford before he went missing on the night of January 2.

Sunday News understands the alarm was first raised by members of the Halford family, who were concerned for his wellbeing.

Police sources confirmed Veitch, 34 who is facing court over domestic violence charges was located in dunes on Paunaui beach and eventually rushed to Thames Hospital, 48 kilometres away.

He was observed by doctors and discharged within 24 hours, a hospital staff member said.

St John team manager Charlie Bougher confirmed the ambulance service was called by police at 11.06pm.

When the duty paramedic arrived he discovered "the patient had taken an overdose of tablets", Bougher told Sunday News.

"The male was coded as being status four, that basically means the patient was stable and not in a life-threatening state."

Bougher said ambulance records did not reveal what the tablets were.

Local constable Richard Jellyman confirmed Veitch was involved in an incident which required police attendance but said there would be "no comment because it is a private matter which has nothing to do with the public".

But another officer, based in nearby Tairua, said Veitch was found "in a distressed state".

Suggestions Veitch was "fished from the water" were incorrect.

"None of our boys got wet, I can tell you that," the officer, who did not want to be named, said.

A number of holidaymakers and shop

owners reported seeing Veitch moving around Pauanui during the holiday season but few knew of the late-night drama.

One beachfront resident who witnessed the police call-out, had "no idea" Veitch was involved.

He said what unfolded at the back of his waterfront section, close to where Veitch was located, was "unusual".

"I saw a couple of cops go over to this guy, and it was strange, because you don't often see the police drive their vehicles on to the beach," he said.

The Coromandel rescue drama is the second time in four months Veitch has required hospital admission.

In September, Sunday News revealed how Veitch drove from Auckland to a lonely bush area at Mangawhai, north of Auckland, where he attempted to take his own life.

Police were forced to smash into his car to free him and he was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital where he remained for two days.

The Mangawhai incident came two weeks after Veitch was charged with seven offences of violence against his former partner, Kristin Dunne-Powell.

Veitch is accused of six counts of assault on a female and one of injuring Dunne-Powell with reckless disregard.

The alleged incidents, which cost him his high-profile TV and radio jobs, took place between March 2002 and January 2006.

Outside court shortly after being charged, Veitch said he would fight to "clear my name".

"There are two sides to every story and I guarantee that will come out in the end," Veitch told reporters.

Veitch has not commented on the September incident and was last night unavailable for comment.

But during an interview with his former TVNZ colleague Paul Holmes, Veitch revealed he was "struggling .... in the darkest period I think I've ever had.

"It has been an hour-by-hour survival proposition."

When contacted Dunne-Powell told Sunday News she had heard nothing of Veitch's Pauanui holiday.

"No, I haven't heard anything, we haven't had contact since 2006," she said.

Regarding his wellbeing she responded: "I don't want to comment on that ... but thanks for the call and I will talk to you again soon."

Veitch will next appear in Auckland District Court on April 1 for a depositions hearing when the public is likely to hear Dunne-Powell's version of events for the first time.

Veitch's PR agent, Glenda Hughes, said the "dragged-out nature" of his case and the intense media interest had escalated the pressure on him.

"It is always difficult when you are operating in a vacuum and are unable to defend yourself publicly.

"The pressure he has been under has been relentless and anyone who has to deal with these trying circumstances is likely to struggle. Those close to Tony have ongoing concerns for his wellbeing and continue to support him during this difficult time."

- © Fairfax NZ News