The blobfish, known as 'Mr. Blobby,' was named New Zealand's fish of the year in a competition held by an environmental nonprofit group. Despite being considered the world's ugliest animal, the blobfish won the title with the support of voters. The competition aimed to educate the public about marine environments and the importance of conservation.
New Zealand's high commissioner to the U.K. lost his job over remarks about U.S. President Donald Trump at an event in London. He quoted Winston Churchill and questioned Trump's understanding of history. Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the remarks were disappointing, making the envoy's position untenable.
New Zealand's most senior diplomat to the UK was fired after questioning President Trump's understanding of history and his handling of Russia during an event at Chatham House in London. The diplomat referenced Churchill's handling of Nazi Germany and Trump's approach to Russia, leading to his dismissal by the New Zealand Foreign Minister.
Fiji's amateur soccer squad led by manager Rob Sherman aims to qualify for the 2026 World Cup by beating New Zealand in the Oceania qualifier. Despite being amateurs, Fiji's team is enthusiastic and hopes to capitalize on opportunities during the match.
A 900-pound dolphin jumped onto a fishing boat in New Zealand, causing chaos but no serious injuries. The men on the boat managed to return the dolphin safely to the ocean with the help of local conservation workers.
Three fishermen in New Zealand had a 900-pound dolphin crash-land in their boat and needed help from the conservation agency to return it to the water.
A Princess Cruises ship in New Zealand tilted due to strong winds, causing minor injuries but no structural damage. The incident lasted around 40 seconds, with items flying around and crashing sounds heard. Despite the scare, passengers like Martin Wise are not deterred from cruising.
James Cameron expresses disgust at Donald Trump's re-election, is glad about imminent New Zealand citizenship, and criticizes the current state of America. He discusses his commitment to New Zealand and upcoming 'Avatar' movies.
The owners of an island volcano in New Zealand were absolved of criminal conviction for failing to keep visitors safe after 22 tourists and local guides died in an eruption. The ruling changes laws governing New Zealand's adventure tourism industry.
Avatar director James Cameron expresses horror at the reelection of President Donald Trump and plans to seek citizenship in New Zealand. He criticizes Trump's presidency and the direction of the United States, feeling that it is hollowing out its core values. Cameron prefers the media coverage in New Zealand over the U.S. due to the constant presence of Trump in the news.
Chinese naval cruiser fired live rounds during a drill in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, prompting concern over lack of prior notice. Australia and New Zealand have been monitoring the Chinese warships. The Chinese Task Group conducted live firing exercises without proper notification, leading to a tense situation in the Asia-Pacific region.
China conducted surprise war drills near Australia and New Zealand, forcing flights to divert. Chinese naval ships appeared in the Tasman Sea without notifying Australian authorities, sparking fears of live-fire exercises. Airline pilots were warned to change flight paths. China's increased military presence in the region has raised tensions with neighboring countries.
China launched surprise war drills near Australia and New Zealand, leading to flight diversions. The live-fire exercises were not directly notified to Australian authorities, causing concern and tension in the region.
Chinese warships conducted a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea, prompting warnings to airlines flying between Australia and New Zealand. Australian authorities were not directly notified by China, causing concern among commercial pilots. All flights were able to divert safely, and there was no imminent danger to Australian or New Zealand assets.
China notified Australia of a live-fire exercise in international waters, causing airlines to divert flights. The Chinese navy conducted exercises off the New South Wales coast, with no imminent danger to Australian or New Zealand assets.
Australia warned airlines of Chinese warships potentially conducting live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, causing flight diversions, but no confirmed danger occurred. New Zealand also monitored the situation. The Chinese navy's exercise was legal and conducted in international waters.
New Zealand is concerned about the Cook Islands' prime minister traveling to China to sign agreements without proper consultation, raising national security threats due to China's growing presence in the Pacific region.
Mount Taranaki in New Zealand was recognized as a legal person with rights and responsibilities similar to a human being due to its significance to Indigenous people.
Mount Taranaki, a mountain in New Zealand considered an ancestor by Indigenous people, was recognized as a legal person granting it all the rights and responsibilities of a human being. The law acknowledges the mountain's theft from the Māori of the Taranaki region and fulfills an agreement of redress from the country's government to Indigenous people for harms perpetrated against the land since colonization.
Mount Taranaki, recognized as a legal person in New Zealand, fulfills an agreement of redress from the country's government to Indigenous people for past injustices. The law grants the mountain all the rights and responsibilities of a human being.
New Zealand's Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont, was recognized as a legal person with all the rights and responsibilities of a human being, fulfilling an agreement of redress from the country's government to Indigenous people for historical wrongs. The law passed grants the mountain legal personality named Te Kāhui Tupua, with a newly created entity as its 'face and voice.'
The New Zealand government plans to ban greyhound racing by 2026 due to high rates of injuries and deaths among racing dogs, despite industry efforts to improve welfare. Animal welfare groups support the decision.
Three mountain climbers, two from the U.S. and one from Canada, missing for five days on New Zealand's tallest peak, Aoraki, are believed to have died in a fall. Their bodies were not found but items believed to belong to them were retrieved from the slopes.
Three climbers from the U.S. and Canada are presumed dead after going missing on New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, while attempting to summit via Zurbriggen Ridge. Search efforts have been hampered by poor weather, with authorities finding items believed to belong to the climbers and concluding that they likely fell.
Over 30 pilot whales stranded on a beach in New Zealand were safely returned to the ocean with the help of conservation workers and residents.
More than 30 pilot whales stranded on a beach in New Zealand were safely returned to the ocean after conservation workers and residents helped refloat them. Four whales died. New Zealand is a whale stranding hotspot.
More than 30 pilot whales stranded on a beach in New Zealand were safely returned to the ocean with the help of conservation workers and residents after four of them died. New Zealand is a whale stranding hotspot, and pilot whales are prolific stranders.
Thousands gather in Ngāruawāhia to pay final respects to New Zealand's Māori king, Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, who died recently. His daughter ascends to the throne as the new queen, marking a new era of Māori leadership in New Zealand.
New Zealand's Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII passed away at age 69 after heart surgery. He succeeded his mother as Maori monarch in 2006. The role is ceremonial and not hereditary. The King Movement aims to unite indigenous tribes against colonialism.
A charity in New Zealand unknowingly distributed candies filled with a lethal dose of methamphetamine, leading to hospitalizations. The candies were donated by a member of the public and disguised as innocent goods.
A charity in Auckland, New Zealand unknowingly distributed candies filled with methamphetamine in food parcels, leading to three people being treated in the hospital.
A New Zealand charity unknowingly distributed candies containing lethal levels of methamphetamine, prompting hospitalizations and warnings to avoid Rinda brand pineapple candies. The incident was likely a smuggling attempt gone wrong.
Charity in Auckland, New Zealand unknowingly distributes candies filled with potentially lethal doses of methamphetamine in food parcels donated by a member of the public. Three people hospitalized but later discharged. Authorities suspect it was an importation scheme gone awry.
Record numbers of people are leaving New Zealand due to high unemployment, interest rates, and slow economic growth. Many are moving to Australia for better work opportunities and living conditions.
TikTok creator Megan Homme encourages solo vacations for the autonomy and safety they offer, highlighting safe international destinations like Iceland, Tokyo, Wellington, New Zealand, Stockholm, and Singapore.
New Zealand is scrapping a scheme to price gas emissions from livestock, known as the 'burp and fart tax,' initiated by the previous left-wing government. The ruling conservative coalition is introducing new legislation to remove the agriculture sector from the emissions pricing plan due to farmer pressure.
A New Zealand man was fined for trying to 'body slam' an orca swimming next to his boat, in what officials called 'stupid' and 'extremely irresponsible' behavior.
A man in New Zealand jumped from a boat to touch or body-slam an orca, as shown in a video shared by authorities.
The jawbone of a deceased sperm whale washed ashore in New Zealand was illegally removed with a chainsaw and stolen, causing outrage among the indigenous Māori people who consider whale bones as prized treasures. This incident is part of a series of disrespectful actions towards the sacred ancestors of indigenous Polynesians.
Rapper Macklemore expresses solidarity with anti-Israel protesters and condemns Israel’s military campaign against Hamas terrorists during a concert in New Zealand. He performs a pro-Palestinian song and leads a chant for “free, free Palestine”, criticizing Joe Biden in the process.
Learn about New Zealand's scenic beauty, travel tips, and cultural experiences. Discover why it is a popular travel destination and how to plan your trip for an unforgettable experience.
Chinese state-sponsored hackers attacked computer systems used by the New Zealand Parliament in 2021, accessing some data but nothing strategic. GCSB attributed the attack to China’s Ministry of State Security and hacker group APT40. New Zealand condemned China's cyber-espionage but stopped short of sanctions.
New Zealand accuses China of malicious cyber activity linked to Chinese state actors, echoing similar claims made by the U.S. and U.K. Australian officials also condemn China's alleged cyber attacks. China denies these accusations and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based claims and cybersecurity cooperation.
New Zealand bans disposable e-cigarettes and raises penalties for selling to minors following concerns over youth vaping rates. Georgia mom shares story of son having a stroke after smoking fentanyl-laced vape.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discusses trade and economic ties with New Zealand, addressing climate change. Also, meetings with New Zealand counterpart and Prime Minister. Later to visit Australia to discuss detained Australian Yang Hengjun and trade tariffs.
50 people were injured by a 'strong movement' on a LATAM Airlines plane traveling from Australia to New Zealand. Canadian passenger Brian Jokat recalled the terrifying experience.
A deadly avalanche in Japan buried six people, killing one man and one woman who were skiing, and injuring a third person. The skiers were confirmed to be from New Zealand.
New Zealand will repeal a law banning tobacco sales for future generations, with the toughest anti-tobacco rules in the world set to be scrapped, drawing criticism for the potential impact on health outcomes.
New Zealand is set to repeal a law banning tobacco sales for future generations, which would have implemented tough anti-tobacco rules. The decision has been criticized for ignoring health research and potentially harming vulnerable populations.