As the Virat Kohli &amp; Co. prepares to face New Zealand in a very crucial contest on Sunday (October 31) in the ongoing T20 World Cup, they have been warned by the opponent's pace spearhead Trent Boult. The bowler is plotting to replicate something similar to what Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi did to wreck India's top-order during the Indo-Pak match that India lost by 10 wickets.&nbsp;

Boult has said he has seen how Shaheen swung the ball as he told the reporters on Sunday (October 30) that the way Shaheen bowled was "amazing" and he can mirror that.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-virat-kohli-slams-spineless-people-for-abusing-shami-calls-it-lowest-level-of-human-form-425291">T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form'</a>

During the presser, Boult also said, "There's quality batsmen in that Indian lineup and early wickets are definitely the focus for us as a bowling group. Hopefully, from my point of view, it swings around a little bit and I can mirror what Shaheen did the other night."

In the India vs Pakistan match, Afridi dismissed Rohit Sharma for a golden duck with a searing, swinging delivery and, in his next over, bowled the other opener, KL Rahul, to set up Pakistan's victory in the Group II blockbuster in Dubai.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/sport-can-live-without-pakistans-cricket-jihad-thank-you-425065">Sport can live without Pakistan's cricket Jihad, thank you</a>

New Zealand are also smarting from their defeat by Pakistan and need a win against Kohli's "Men in Blue" to revive their campaign. Talking about the match, Boult said, "There's always a lot of excitement that comes with playing India."

"We've probably enjoyed some success over the last few years in these ICC tournaments but it definitely doesn't mean that we're going to treat them lightly or anything like that. It's a big game for both teams. I'm sure both are looking forward to putting on a good show," added the 32-year-old.&nbsp;

As the Virat Kohli & Co. prepares to face New Zealand in a very crucial contest on Sunday (October 31) in the ongoing T20 World Cup, they have been warned by the opponent's pace spearhead Trent Boult.

As the Virat Kohli & Co. prepares to face New Zealand in a very crucial contest on Sunday (October 31) in the ongoing T20 World Cup, they have been warned by the opponent's pace spearhead Trent Boult. The bowler is plotting to replicate something similar to what Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi did to wreck India's top-order during the Indo-Pak match that India lost by 10 wickets. Boult has said he has seen how Shaheen swung the ball as he told the reporters on Sunday (October 30) that the way Shaheen bowled was "amazing" and he can mirror that. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form' During the presser, Boult also said, "There's quality batsmen in that Indian lineup and early wickets are definitely the focus for us as a bowling group. Hopefully, from my point of view, it swings around a little bit and I can mirror what Shaheen did the other night." In the India vs Pakistan match, Afridi dismissed Rohit Sharma for a golden duck with a searing, swinging delivery and, in his next over, bowled the other opener, KL Rahul, to set up Pakistan's victory in the Group II blockbuster in Dubai. ALSO READ | Sport can live without Pakistan's cricket Jihad, thank you New Zealand are also smarting from their defeat by Pakistan and need a win against Kohli's "Men in Blue" to revive their campaign. Talking about the match, Boult said, "There's always a lot of excitement that comes with playing India." "We've probably enjoyed some success over the last few years in these ICC tournaments but it definitely doesn't mean that we're going to treat them lightly or anything like that. It's a big game for both teams. I'm sure both are looking forward to putting on a good show," added the 32-year-old.

T20 World Cup: New Zealand's Trent Boult plotting to 'mirror' Shaheen Afridi's spell against India

Captain Virat Kohli slammed the "spineless people" who attacked India's star pacer Mohammed Shami's religion after Men In Blue's loss to Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India were off to a poor start in the T20 World Cup campaign as they lost their opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24 by 10 wickets as Pak skipper Babar Azam led by example to beat India in a World Cup showdown for the first time ever.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/sport-can-live-without-pakistans-cricket-jihad-thank-you-425065">Sport can live without Pakistan's cricket Jihad, thank you</a>

Shami, who emerged as the most expensive bowler, leaking 43 runs in 3.5 overs, was subjected to online abuse as soon as the match ended, people&nbsp;on Instagram and Twitter passed derogatory statements about him and his religion.&nbsp;

Now, the Indian skipper has reacted strongly against the troll and online abuses, as he said, "There is a good reason why we are playing on the field and not some bunch of spineless people on social media that have no courage to actually speak to any individual in person."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-decoding-pakistan-cricket-404-not-found-425180">T20 WC: Decoding Pakistan cricket: 404 not found</a>

During the press conference on Saturday (October 30), he also said, "This is the lowest level of human form, attacking someone over religion is the most pathetic thing human being can do."

"Never thought of discriminating on basis of religion. That is a very sacred thing. Our brotherhood and friendship can't be shaken... And these things can't infiltrate. I give credit to people who understand us," he added," Kohli added.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-imad-wasims-special-message-for-new-zealand-cricket-team-as-he-mentions-the-cancelled-tour-424548">Imad Wasim's 'special message' for New Zealand cricket team as he mentions the cancelled tour</a>

On the other hand, Shami is "looking forward" to the next game of ICC Men's T20 World Cup against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 31).&nbsp;

Ahead of the crucial game against Kane Williamson's side, Shami shared an image on his official social media handle, captioning it as: "Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mshami11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mshami11</a> <a href="https://t.co/BelhDORBRo">pic.twitter.com/BelhDORBRo</a>
— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) <a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11/status/1453710599960018954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Captain Virat Kohli slammed the "spineless people" who attacked India's star pacer Mohammed Shami's religion after Men In Blue's loss to Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman.

Captain Virat Kohli slammed the "spineless people" who attacked India's star pacer Mohammed Shami's religion after Men In Blue's loss to Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman. India were off to a poor start in the T20 World Cup campaign as they lost their opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24 by 10 wickets as Pak skipper Babar Azam led by example to beat India in a World Cup showdown for the first time ever. ALSO READ | Sport can live without Pakistan's cricket Jihad, thank you Shami, who emerged as the most expensive bowler, leaking 43 runs in 3.5 overs, was subjected to online abuse as soon as the match ended, people on Instagram and Twitter passed derogatory statements about him and his religion. Now, the Indian skipper has reacted strongly against the troll and online abuses, as he said, "There is a good reason why we are playing on the field and not some bunch of spineless people on social media that have no courage to actually speak to any individual in person." ALSO READ | T20 WC: Decoding Pakistan cricket: 404 not found During the press conference on Saturday (October 30), he also said, "This is the lowest level of human form, attacking someone over religion is the most pathetic thing human being can do." "Never thought of discriminating on basis of religion. That is a very sacred thing. Our brotherhood and friendship can't be shaken... And these things can't infiltrate. I give credit to people who understand us," he added," Kohli added. WATCH | Imad Wasim's 'special message' for New Zealand cricket team as he mentions the cancelled tour On the other hand, Shami is "looking forward" to the next game of ICC Men's T20 World Cup against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 31). Ahead of the crucial game against Kane Williamson's side, Shami shared an image on his official social media handle, captioning it as: "Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ." Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ. #TeamIndia #mshami11 pic.twitter.com/BelhDORBRo — Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) October 28, 2021 ×

T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form'

Tonga's Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, in a radio address, confirmed that the first case of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), has been reported in the island nation since the pandemic began last year.&nbsp;

As per the local media reports, a traveller from New Zealand has been tested positive. The infected person was among 215 passengers who arrived from the city of Christchurch. The news was confirmed on Friday and the media reports stated that the infected person is currently in a MIQ facility in Tonga.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-vows-to-defend-uk-interests-in-french-fishing-row-425166">Boris Johnson vows to defend UK interests in French fishing row</a>

Tongan PM has urged people to use the weekend to prepare for a potential lockdown next week, local media reported.&nbsp;

"The reason the lockdown won't happen this weekend is because I have been advised that the virus will take more than three days to develop in someone who catches it before they become contagious. We should use this time to get ready in case more people are confirmed they have the virus," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-decries-frances-seizure-of-fishing-boat-as-post-brexit-row-deepens-425168">UK decries France's seizure of fishing boat as post-Brexit row deepens</a>

On the other hand, New Zealand's Ministry of Health stated: "The case returned a negative pre-departure test before leaving New Zealand. They are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and had their second dose on 15 October."

"They were tested in routine Day 0 testing yesterday and returned a positive result today. The Ministry, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is working with officials in Tonga to confirm the case. There will be further updates on this tomorrow," the statement added.&nbsp;

Tonga's Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, in a radio address, confirmed that the first case of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), has been reported in the island nation since the pandemic began last year.

Tonga's Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, in a radio address, confirmed that the first case of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), has been reported in the island nation since the pandemic began last year. As per the local media reports, a traveller from New Zealand has been tested positive. The infected person was among 215 passengers who arrived from the city of Christchurch. The news was confirmed on Friday and the media reports stated that the infected person is currently in a MIQ facility in Tonga. ALSO READ | Boris Johnson vows to defend UK interests in French fishing row Tongan PM has urged people to use the weekend to prepare for a potential lockdown next week, local media reported. "The reason the lockdown won't happen this weekend is because I have been advised that the virus will take more than three days to develop in someone who catches it before they become contagious. We should use this time to get ready in case more people are confirmed they have the virus," he said. ALSO READ | UK decries France's seizure of fishing boat as post-Brexit row deepens On the other hand, New Zealand's Ministry of Health stated: "The case returned a negative pre-departure test before leaving New Zealand. They are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and had their second dose on 15 October." "They were tested in routine Day 0 testing yesterday and returned a positive result today. The Ministry, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is working with officials in Tonga to confirm the case. There will be further updates on this tomorrow," the statement added.

Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case, PM urges people to prepare for potential lockdown

India's star pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-is-pakistan-behind-mohammad-shamis-targeted-trolling-after-indias-10-wicket-loss-to-pakistan-424622">Mohammad Shami</a> is "looking forward" to the next game of ICC Men's T20 World Cup against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 31). The tournament favourites India, were off to a poor start as they lost to their arch-rivals Pakistan by 10 wickets as Pak skipper Babar Azam led by example to beat India in a World Cup showdown for the first time ever.&nbsp;

For Pakistan, pacer Shaheen Afridi's (3-31) effort restricted India to a modest 151-7. Babar and opening partner Mohammad Rizwan then returned to overwhelm the target with 13 balls to spare and register Pakistan's maiden win against India in a World Cup in their 13th attempt.&nbsp;

Ahead of the crucial game against Kane Williamson's side, Shami shared an image on his official social media handle, captioning it as: "Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-auction-hardik-pandya-unlikely-to-be-retained-by-mumbai-indians-reports-424836">IPL auction: Hardik Pandya unlikely to be retained by Mumbai Indians - Reports</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mshami11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mshami11</a> <a href="https://t.co/BelhDORBRo">pic.twitter.com/BelhDORBRo</a>
— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) <a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11/status/1453710599960018954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-be-retained-by-srh-david-warner-looking-for-fresh-start-to-put-his-name-in-ipl-2022-auction-424812">'Won’t be retained by SRH' - David Warner looking for 'fresh start', to put his name in IPL 2022 auction</a>

Mohammad Shami found himself at the centre of controversy as an orchestrated disinformation campaign against him was launched after India's defeat to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Shami was subjected to online abuse as soon as the match ended, fans on Instagram and Twitter passed derogatory statements on Shami. But some media reports have highlighted that the troll and online abuses were created and circulated in Pakistan as a majority of posts were unverified by Pakistani handlers.&nbsp;

The posts and messages were appeared to target India's image globally as they were meant to weaken the spirit of sports. From legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to Virender Sehwag to Yuzvendra Chahal, past and present Indian cricketers condemned the targetting of Shami's religious identity by social media trolls.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mentor-ms-dhoni-and-billion-cheers-jersey-why-indias-t20-world-cup-2021-campaign-will-be-remembered-forever-422991">Mentor MS Dhoni and Billion Cheers Jersey: Why India's T20 World Cup 2021 campaign will be remembered forever</a>

India's star pacer Mohammad Shami is "looking forward" to the next game of ICC Men's T20 World Cup against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 31).

India's star pacer Mohammad Shami is "looking forward" to the next game of ICC Men's T20 World Cup against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 31). The tournament favourites India, were off to a poor start as they lost to their arch-rivals Pakistan by 10 wickets as Pak skipper Babar Azam led by example to beat India in a World Cup showdown for the first time ever. For Pakistan, pacer Shaheen Afridi's (3-31) effort restricted India to a modest 151-7. Babar and opening partner Mohammad Rizwan then returned to overwhelm the target with 13 balls to spare and register Pakistan's maiden win against India in a World Cup in their 13th attempt. Ahead of the crucial game against Kane Williamson's side, Shami shared an image on his official social media handle, captioning it as: "Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ." ALSO READ | IPL auction: Hardik Pandya unlikely to be retained by Mumbai Indians - Reports Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ. #TeamIndia #mshami11 pic.twitter.com/BelhDORBRo — Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) October 28, 2021 × ALSO READ | 'Won’t be retained by SRH' - David Warner looking for 'fresh start', to put his name in IPL 2022 auction Mohammad Shami found himself at the centre of controversy as an orchestrated disinformation campaign against him was launched after India's defeat to Pakistan. Shami was subjected to online abuse as soon as the match ended, fans on Instagram and Twitter passed derogatory statements on Shami. But some media reports have highlighted that the troll and online abuses were created and circulated in Pakistan as a majority of posts were unverified by Pakistani handlers. The posts and messages were appeared to target India's image globally as they were meant to weaken the spirit of sports. From legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to Virender Sehwag to Yuzvendra Chahal, past and present Indian cricketers condemned the targetting of Shami's religious identity by social media trolls. IN PICS | Mentor MS Dhoni and Billion Cheers Jersey: Why India's T20 World Cup 2021 campaign will be remembered forever

Mohammad Shami 'looking forward' to next game against New Zealand, shares image from training session

After India suffered a 10-wicket loss to the arch-rivals Pakistan in their first match of the T20 World Cup, the former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has suggested changes that the Indian skipper Virat Kohli can make in the upcoming crunch clash against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31).&nbsp;

In their campaign opener on October 24, India faced a humiliating defeat against Pakistan after Pak skipper Babar Azam led his team from the front to hand the team a historic win. Chasing 152 to win, Mohammad Rizwan (79) and Babar (68) put on a remarkable show as Pakistan reached their target with 13 balls to spare. Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi set up victory with figures of 3-31 that kept their opponents to 151-7 despite a valiant 57 from skipper Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ishan-for-rohit-virat-kohli-snaps-at-reporters-query-after-indias-10-wicket-loss-to-pakistan-423686">Watch: Ishan for Rohit? Virat Kohli snaps at reporter's query after India's 10-wicket loss to Pakistan</a>

Now, Gavaskar has suggested that Ishan Kishan can be considered as&nbsp;a replacement for&nbsp;India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who&nbsp;is not bowling due to injury. The former player then suggested that Shardul Thakur should be added in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.&nbsp;

"If Hardik Pandya is not bowling – due to that shoulder injury he sustained in the match against Pakistan – Ishan Kishan has been in brilliant form so I will surely consider him ahead of Pandya," Gavaskar said on Sports Tak.&nbsp;

"And perhaps, you can think of Shardul Thakur in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But otherwise, if you make too many changes, then you will show the opposition that you have panicked," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-ajay-jadeja-disappointed-with-kohlis-remarks-post-pakistan-clash-says-it-shows-indias-approach-424768">T20 WC: Ajay Jadeja 'disappointed' with Kohli's remarks post Pakistan clash, says 'It shows India's approach'</a>

Pandya had injured his shoulder while batting during the match against Pakistan. In the second innings, Ishan Kishan came in as a substitute fielder. "Hardik Pandya was hit on his right shoulder while batting. He has now gone for scans," PTI had reported citing a BCCI's media team.

Ahead of the Pakistan clash, Hardik had mentioned, "The back is fine, it was jittery, but I won't be bowling for now. I want to be able to bowl eventually, closer to the knockouts."

After India suffered a 10-wicket loss to the arch-rivals Pakistan in their first match of the T20 World Cup, the former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has suggested changes that the Indian skipper Virat Kohli can make in the upcoming crunch clash against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31).

After India suffered a 10-wicket loss to the arch-rivals Pakistan in their first match of the T20 World Cup, the former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has suggested changes that the Indian skipper Virat Kohli can make in the upcoming crunch clash against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31). In their campaign opener on October 24, India faced a humiliating defeat against Pakistan after Pak skipper Babar Azam led his team from the front to hand the team a historic win. Chasing 152 to win, Mohammad Rizwan (79) and Babar (68) put on a remarkable show as Pakistan reached their target with 13 balls to spare. Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi set up victory with figures of 3-31 that kept their opponents to 151-7 despite a valiant 57 from skipper Virat Kohli. ALSO READ | Watch: Ishan for Rohit? Virat Kohli snaps at reporter's query after India's 10-wicket loss to Pakistan Now, Gavaskar has suggested that Ishan Kishan can be considered as a replacement for India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is not bowling due to injury. The former player then suggested that Shardul Thakur should be added in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. "If Hardik Pandya is not bowling – due to that shoulder injury he sustained in the match against Pakistan – Ishan Kishan has been in brilliant form so I will surely consider him ahead of Pandya," Gavaskar said on Sports Tak. "And perhaps, you can think of Shardul Thakur in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But otherwise, if you make too many changes, then you will show the opposition that you have panicked," he added. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Ajay Jadeja 'disappointed' with Kohli's remarks post Pakistan clash, says 'It shows India's approach' Pandya had injured his shoulder while batting during the match against Pakistan. In the second innings, Ishan Kishan came in as a substitute fielder. "Hardik Pandya was hit on his right shoulder while batting. He has now gone for scans," PTI had reported citing a BCCI's media team. Ahead of the Pakistan clash, Hardik had mentioned, "The back is fine, it was jittery, but I won't be bowling for now. I want to be able to bowl eventually, closer to the knockouts."

T20 WC: Gavaskar names replacements for Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar for crunch clash against New Zealand

There are chances that the New Zealand cricket team might face India in a crunch T20 clash on Sunday (October 31) without experienced Martin Guptill. The star opener injured his toe during their clash against Pakistan that The Blackcaps lost by five wickets in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman.&nbsp;

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Guptill was not feeling comfortable after he took a blow to the big toe from a Pak pacer Haris Rauf delivery just before he was dismissed for 17 runs.&nbsp;

"Guptill was looking in a little bit of discomfort at the end of the match and the next 24 to 48 hours will be decisive," Stead told reporters after the match.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/were-you-safe-in-uae-shoaib-akhtar-takes-a-dig-at-new-zealand-after-pakistan-clash-in-t20-wc-424402">Were you safe in UAE? Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at New Zealand after Pakistan clash in T20 WC</a>

"We'll see how he scrubs up overnight. He looked in a little bit of discomfort at the end of the game and it might take 24 to 48 hours to see how he goes."&nbsp;

In case it happens, Guptill absence can be a massive blow to the team after paceman Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the tournament with a calf muscle tear.&nbsp;

Stead said he had been disappointed that the International Cricket Council's Technical Committee had not approved Adam Milne as Ferguson's replacement in time to play the Pakistan match.

"We tried pretty hard today to get across the line with the ICC our replacement player, but it wasn't to be," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-shoaib-akhtar-walks-out-of-tv-show-as-anchor-labels-him-rude-issues-statement-on-twitter-watch-424363">T20 WC: Shoaib Akhtar walks out of TV show as anchor labels him 'rude', issues statement on Twitter - WATCH</a>

"That was really disappointing for us because Adam Milne is someone who's waiting in the wings as a like-for-like replacement. We'll seek clarification on that decision of theirs."

Talking about the match against Pakistan, Stead said, "You would imagine that Pakistan are now the hot favourites in our group to be the number one seed and the rest of us are fighting it out for the next spot, which makes the India game pretty critical."&nbsp;

"You sometimes have to lose one to find out the important things for you. If we can go and beat India then we certainly put ourselves back on the right track."&nbsp;

There are chances that the New Zealand cricket team might face India in a crunch T20 clash on Sunday (October 31) without experienced Martin Guptill. The star opener injured his toe during their clash against Pakistan that The Blackcaps lost by five wickets in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman.

There are chances that the New Zealand cricket team might face India in a crunch T20 clash on Sunday (October 31) without experienced Martin Guptill. The star opener injured his toe during their clash against Pakistan that The Blackcaps lost by five wickets in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Guptill was not feeling comfortable after he took a blow to the big toe from a Pak pacer Haris Rauf delivery just before he was dismissed for 17 runs. "Guptill was looking in a little bit of discomfort at the end of the match and the next 24 to 48 hours will be decisive," Stead told reporters after the match. ALSO READ | Were you safe in UAE? Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at New Zealand after Pakistan clash in T20 WC "We'll see how he scrubs up overnight. He looked in a little bit of discomfort at the end of the game and it might take 24 to 48 hours to see how he goes." In case it happens, Guptill absence can be a massive blow to the team after paceman Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the tournament with a calf muscle tear. Stead said he had been disappointed that the International Cricket Council's Technical Committee had not approved Adam Milne as Ferguson's replacement in time to play the Pakistan match. "We tried pretty hard today to get across the line with the ICC our replacement player, but it wasn't to be," he added. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Shoaib Akhtar walks out of TV show as anchor labels him 'rude', issues statement on Twitter - WATCH "That was really disappointing for us because Adam Milne is someone who's waiting in the wings as a like-for-like replacement. We'll seek clarification on that decision of theirs." Talking about the match against Pakistan, Stead said, "You would imagine that Pakistan are now the hot favourites in our group to be the number one seed and the rest of us are fighting it out for the next spot, which makes the India game pretty critical." "You sometimes have to lose one to find out the important things for you. If we can go and beat India then we certainly put ourselves back on the right track."

T20 World Cup: Martin Guptill doubtful starter for India clash? New Zealand's coach gives update

Bats have already got a bad name in times of the pandemic. The coronavirus that rattled the world and even made major lifestyle changes for everyone allegedly originated from wet markets in China and bats were the agency.

But even after all the bad publicity, bats may win an award of a sort in New Zealand. The race is on for 'Bird of the year' and if an independent conservation organisation in the country is to be believed, bats are well in front.

“It’s winning overall, yeah,” said Forest and Bird spokesperson Laura Keown. “Actually, when you look at the number one and number two rankings, it’s not winning by a little. It’s winning by quite a lot.”

The spokesperson was quoted by The Guardian.

The competition to select bird of the year takes place annually and has been going on for 16 years. Keown said that bat had been given an entry into the fray this year to raise awareness about its status as endangered species.

The specific species of bats in the race is called pekapeka-tou-roa, or long-tailed bat. This one of New Zealand's only land-based mammals that are native to the country.

The bat has found a powerful endorsement that is likely helping it lead the race for bird of the year. New Zealand's environment ministry has recently declared that it was backing the bat's candidacy in the race.

Bats have already got a bad name in times of the pandemic. The coronavirus that rattled the world and even made major lifestyle changes for everyone allegedly originated from wet markets in China and bats were the agency.

Bats have already got a bad name in times of the pandemic. The coronavirus that rattled the world and even made major lifestyle changes for everyone allegedly originated from wet markets in China and bats were the agency. But even after all the bad publicity, bats may win an award of a sort in New Zealand. The race is on for 'Bird of the year' and if an independent conservation organisation in the country is to be believed, bats are well in front. “It’s winning overall, yeah,” said Forest and Bird spokesperson Laura Keown. “Actually, when you look at the number one and number two rankings, it’s not winning by a little. It’s winning by quite a lot.” The spokesperson was quoted by The Guardian. The competition to select bird of the year takes place annually and has been going on for 16 years. Keown said that bat had been given an entry into the fray this year to raise awareness about its status as endangered species. The specific species of bats in the race is called pekapeka-tou-roa, or long-tailed bat. This one of New Zealand's only land-based mammals that are native to the country. The bat has found a powerful endorsement that is likely helping it lead the race for bird of the year. New Zealand's environment ministry has recently declared that it was backing the bat's candidacy in the race.

Amid global pandemic, bats lead race for 'bird of the year' in New Zealand

New Zealand reported 104 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, including the first community case of the virus in the country's South Island in nearly a year, health officials said.

Most of the new infections were reported in Auckland, New Zealand`s largest city that has been under a strict lockdown for more than two months. Looser restrictions are in place in most of the rest of the country of 5 million.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-daily-covid-19-cases-fall-some-classrooms-to-reopen-422243">New Zealand's daily COVID-19 cases fall, some classrooms to reopen</a>

The risks of a further spread from the case reported in Blenheim, in the north east of the South Island, remained low, health officials said, with the person likely in the late stage of infection.

So far, initial case interviews have identified a small number of close contacts, who have been contacted and are currently isolating with tests arranged," the health ministry said in a statement.

On Friday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that New Zealand will end its strict lockdown measures and restore more freedoms only when 90 per cent&nbsp;of its eligible population is fully vaccinated. As of Saturday, 70 per cent&nbsp;of those eligible were fully inoculated.

Once the poster child for stamping out COVID-19, New Zealand has been unable to beat an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19&nbsp;centred in Auckland, forcing Ardern to abandon her elimination strategy and switch to living with the virus.

The number of cases in the current outbreak reached 2,492 and New Zealand has recorded 28 coronavirus-related deaths so far in the pandemic.

New Zealand reported 104 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, including the first community case of the virus in the country's South Island in nearly a year, health officials said.

New Zealand reported 104 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, including the first community case of the virus in the country's South Island in nearly a year, health officials said. Most of the new infections were reported in Auckland, New Zealand`s largest city that has been under a strict lockdown for more than two months. Looser restrictions are in place in most of the rest of the country of 5 million. Also Read | New Zealand's daily COVID-19 cases fall, some classrooms to reopen The risks of a further spread from the case reported in Blenheim, in the north east of the South Island, remained low, health officials said, with the person likely in the late stage of infection. So far, initial case interviews have identified a small number of close contacts, who have been contacted and are currently isolating with tests arranged," the health ministry said in a statement. On Friday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that New Zealand will end its strict lockdown measures and restore more freedoms only when 90 per cent of its eligible population is fully vaccinated. As of Saturday, 70 per cent of those eligible were fully inoculated. Once the poster child for stamping out COVID-19, New Zealand has been unable to beat an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 centred in Auckland, forcing Ardern to abandon her elimination strategy and switch to living with the virus. The number of cases in the current outbreak reached 2,492 and New Zealand has recorded 28 coronavirus-related deaths so far in the pandemic.

New Zealand's coronavirus outbreak spreads to South Island

New Zealand - the country which has been praised internationally for its COVID-19 response has revised its pandemic strategy. It has now set a 90 percent vaccination target.

New Zealand revises its pandemic strategy

Incumbent rulers are often hated by citizens in most countries but New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been an exception so far. From working even when pregnant to successfully managing&nbsp;pandemic situation in the country, she is often hailed as an ideal political leader.

She is in news again for continuing her live speech even when an earthquake interrupted the proceedings. She paused briefly, but then continued her address to the nation on coronavirus.

Wellington and nearby areas were shaken by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake with the epicentre 35 km (21.75 miles) south-west of Taumarunui in central North Island, according to Geonet. While the shaking was felt widely there were no reports of damages or injuries. The U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude at 5.6.

Ardern briefly grabbed her podium when the shaking began, smiled, and told a reporter asking a question: "Sorry, a slight distraction ... would you mind repeating that question?"

She told reporters at the end of the event that Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, who was also on the stage, was not entirely convinced it was an earthquake and wondered if it was just strong wind blowing.

New Zealand often experiences weak to medium intensity earthquakes as it lies on the seismically active "Ring of Fire", a 40,000-km (24,855-mile) arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean.

The city of Christchurch is still recovering from a 6.3 magnitude quake in 2011 that killed 185 people.

In 2016, a 7.8 magnitude tremor hit the South Island town of Kaikoura, killing two and causing billions of dollars worth of damage, including in the capital Wellington, which is on North Island.

(With inputs from agencies)

Incumbent rulers are often hated by citizens in most countries but New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been an exception so far. From working even when pregnant to successfully managing pandemic situation in the country, she is often hailed as an ideal political leader.

Incumbent rulers are often hated by citizens in most countries but New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been an exception so far. From working even when pregnant to successfully managing pandemic situation in the country, she is often hailed as an ideal political leader. She is in news again for continuing her live speech even when an earthquake interrupted the proceedings. She paused briefly, but then continued her address to the nation on coronavirus. Wellington and nearby areas were shaken by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake with the epicentre 35 km (21.75 miles) south-west of Taumarunui in central North Island, according to Geonet. While the shaking was felt widely there were no reports of damages or injuries. The U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude at 5.6. Ardern briefly grabbed her podium when the shaking began, smiled, and told a reporter asking a question: "Sorry, a slight distraction ... would you mind repeating that question?" She told reporters at the end of the event that Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, who was also on the stage, was not entirely convinced it was an earthquake and wondered if it was just strong wind blowing. New Zealand often experiences weak to medium intensity earthquakes as it lies on the seismically active "Ring of Fire", a 40,000-km (24,855-mile) arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean. The city of Christchurch is still recovering from a 6.3 magnitude quake in 2011 that killed 185 people. In 2016, a 7.8 magnitude tremor hit the South Island town of Kaikoura, killing two and causing billions of dollars worth of damage, including in the capital Wellington, which is on North Island. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern continues live speech even after earthquake

Dame Cindy Karo, New Zealand's first indigenous Maori woman to be named Governor-General, was formally sworn in into largely ceremonial role in parliament on Thursday. She pledged to reach out to migrants and marginalised citizens.

Dame Cindy said she was proud of her dual Maori and British heritage.

In New Zealand, a former British colony, The Governor-general carries out constitutional and ceremonial duties on behalf of the British monarch, who remains the country's official head of state.

"Communities develop resilience when people feel connected, have a sense of belonging, and have a place to stand," Dame Cindy said in a speech at the ceremony.

"I will connect to new migrants and former refugees, and celebrate the many diverse cultures and religions gifted to our nation by those who have chosen to make New Zealand their home," she said.

Maori account for 17 per cent of New Zealand's population. Many members of the community are still disadvantaged socially and economically.

Maori are over-represented in statistics for criminal justice and health problems, and the majority of children ending in state care are from the community. Thousands of Maori hit the streets in 2019 demanding social justice and land rights.

Dame Cindy has had a career in academics and held leadership roles at several New Zealand universities. She holds a PhD in Social Policy and an MBA (Exec) in Business Administration from the University of Auckland and Massey University, and was the first in her family to achieve a university qualification.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern welcomed Dame Cindy's appointment in a speech at the swearing-in ceremony.

"I know as the first Maori women to hold this role you are mindful that your opportunity here also provides inspiration that reaches far and wide for many from all walks of life," said Ardern.

The PM appointed the country's most diverse parliament after she secured a second term as Prime Minister last year, including a high number of women among legislators.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dame Cindy Karo, New Zealand's first indigenous Maori woman to be named Governor-General, was formally sworn in into largely ceremonial role in parliament on Thursday.

Dame Cindy Karo, New Zealand's first indigenous Maori woman to be named Governor-General, was formally sworn in into largely ceremonial role in parliament on Thursday. She pledged to reach out to migrants and marginalised citizens. Dame Cindy said she was proud of her dual Maori and British heritage. In New Zealand, a former British colony, The Governor-general carries out constitutional and ceremonial duties on behalf of the British monarch, who remains the country's official head of state. "Communities develop resilience when people feel connected, have a sense of belonging, and have a place to stand," Dame Cindy said in a speech at the ceremony. "I will connect to new migrants and former refugees, and celebrate the many diverse cultures and religions gifted to our nation by those who have chosen to make New Zealand their home," she said. Maori account for 17 per cent of New Zealand's population. Many members of the community are still disadvantaged socially and economically. Maori are over-represented in statistics for criminal justice and health problems, and the majority of children ending in state care are from the community. Thousands of Maori hit the streets in 2019 demanding social justice and land rights. Dame Cindy has had a career in academics and held leadership roles at several New Zealand universities. She holds a PhD in Social Policy and an MBA (Exec) in Business Administration from the University of Auckland and Massey University, and was the first in her family to achieve a university qualification. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern welcomed Dame Cindy's appointment in a speech at the swearing-in ceremony. "I know as the first Maori women to hold this role you are mindful that your opportunity here also provides inspiration that reaches far and wide for many from all walks of life," said Ardern. The PM appointed the country's most diverse parliament after she secured a second term as Prime Minister last year, including a high number of women among legislators. (With inputs from agencies)

First Maori woman to become New Zealand's Governor-general sworn in

Daily COVID-19 cases in New Zealand fell on Wednesday after a record jump the day before, with most infections still in Auckland as the Delta variant of the coronavirus continues to affect the country's biggest city.

Authorities reported 60 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, of which 56 were in Auckland, taking the total number of cases in the current outbreak to 2,158. There have been 28 deaths in total since the pandemic began and 43 people are currently hospitalised because of the virus.

New Zealand had stayed largely virus-free for most of the pandemic until the Delta outbreak in mid-August that has spread across Auckland and neighbouring regions, prompting tight restrictions on some 1.7 million Aucklanders that were extended further this week.

Authorities have warned that infections are likely to trend higher until vaccination rates gather more pace. Some 67 per cent&nbsp;of the population is now fully vaccinated, while 85 per cent&nbsp;have received at least one dose.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/smoking-marijuana-may-increase-risk-of-breakthrough-covid-19-infection-study-420190">Smoking, marijuana may increase risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infection: Study</a>

Auckland has now been locked down for more than two months, though New Zealand's total cumulative load of 4,854 confirmed cases is far lower than many comparable countries.

The government has shifted to a strategy of living with COVID-19, and education minister Chris Hipkins on Wednesday said senior secondary school students in some areas would return to classrooms from next Tuesday.

"This is a complex issue requiring difficult trade-offs between improving education and increasing potential health risks for children and young people," Hipkins said at a news conference.

Daily COVID-19 cases in New Zealand fell on Wednesday after a record jump the day before, with most infections still in Auckland as the Delta variant of the coronavirus continues to affect the country's biggest city.

Daily COVID-19 cases in New Zealand fell on Wednesday after a record jump the day before, with most infections still in Auckland as the Delta variant of the coronavirus continues to affect the country's biggest city. Authorities reported 60 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, of which 56 were in Auckland, taking the total number of cases in the current outbreak to 2,158. There have been 28 deaths in total since the pandemic began and 43 people are currently hospitalised because of the virus. New Zealand had stayed largely virus-free for most of the pandemic until the Delta outbreak in mid-August that has spread across Auckland and neighbouring regions, prompting tight restrictions on some 1.7 million Aucklanders that were extended further this week. Authorities have warned that infections are likely to trend higher until vaccination rates gather more pace. Some 67 per cent of the population is now fully vaccinated, while 85 per cent have received at least one dose. Also Read | Smoking, marijuana may increase risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infection: Study Auckland has now been locked down for more than two months, though New Zealand's total cumulative load of 4,854 confirmed cases is far lower than many comparable countries. The government has shifted to a strategy of living with COVID-19, and education minister Chris Hipkins on Wednesday said senior secondary school students in some areas would return to classrooms from next Tuesday. "This is a complex issue requiring difficult trade-offs between improving education and increasing potential health risks for children and young people," Hipkins said at a news conference.

New Zealand's daily COVID-19 cases fall, some classrooms to reopen

New Zealand recorded its highest number of daily coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic on Tuesday as a Delta-variant outbreak that dashed the nation's "Covid Zero" hopes&nbsp;showed no signs of easing.

Health authorities announced 94 new virus cases, exceeding the previous daily record of 89 set in April last year during the first wave of Covid-19 infections.

While case numbers remain low by most international standards, they have been steadily growing since the highly transmissible Delta variant was first found in New Zealand in mid-August.

The outbreak, centred on Auckland, has forced Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to drop her core policy goal of eliminating the virus in favour of ramping up vaccination efforts.

The centre-left leader is set to unveil a new strategy on Friday that will allow for greater freedoms once vaccination targets have been reached.

Around two-thirds of the eligible population have now been fully inoculated.

"We know that vaccinations are already making a significant difference to the outbreak in Auckland, but so too are people following the rules," Ardern told reporters.

Before the arrival of Delta, New Zealand won widespread praise for its hardline approach, which involved strict lockdowns, rigorous contact tracing and tight border restrictions.

The measures paid off, with just 28 deaths in a population of five million and domestic life near normal for long periods.

But Ardern has conceded Delta was a "game-changer", spreading at a rate too fast for contract-tracers to keep up.

New Zealand recorded its highest number of daily coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic on Tuesday as a Delta-variant outbreak that dashed the nation's "Covid Zero" hopes showed no signs of easing.

New Zealand recorded its highest number of daily coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic on Tuesday as a Delta-variant outbreak that dashed the nation's "Covid Zero" hopes showed no signs of easing. Health authorities announced 94 new virus cases, exceeding the previous daily record of 89 set in April last year during the first wave of Covid-19 infections. While case numbers remain low by most international standards, they have been steadily growing since the highly transmissible Delta variant was first found in New Zealand in mid-August. The outbreak, centred on Auckland, has forced Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to drop her core policy goal of eliminating the virus in favour of ramping up vaccination efforts. The centre-left leader is set to unveil a new strategy on Friday that will allow for greater freedoms once vaccination targets have been reached. Around two-thirds of the eligible population have now been fully inoculated. "We know that vaccinations are already making a significant difference to the outbreak in Auckland, but so too are people following the rules," Ardern told reporters. Before the arrival of Delta, New Zealand won widespread praise for its hardline approach, which involved strict lockdowns, rigorous contact tracing and tight border restrictions. The measures paid off, with just 28 deaths in a population of five million and domestic life near normal for long periods. But Ardern has conceded Delta was a "game-changer", spreading at a rate too fast for contract-tracers to keep up.

New Zealand Covid cases hit record despite vaccination push

New Zealand’s famous wizard is about to quit from his position and responsibilities of ‘wizard-ery’ as the officials have asked him to leave.<o:p></o:p>

The 88-year-old, also known as Ian Brackenbury Channell, has been very popular with locals as well as tourists. However, now, nearly after 40 years after the city of Christchurch requested the Wizard to stay, he has now been asked to leave.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/first-world-problems-us-army-general-trolled-for-complaining-about-french-manicure-421301">US Army General trolled for complaining about French manicure</a></o:p>

He was usually seen addressing crowds in city centres, making predictions about matches, commenting on politicians and more. With a long beard black robe and his signature pointy hat, he also led campaigns to save the traditional red public phone booths.<o:p></o:p>

The Wizard was also flown to Australia to perform his famous rain dance.<o:p></o:p>

Channell had faced threats of being arrested if he continued with his 'wizard-ry'. He faced immense backlash from authorities and attitude of hesitancy from locals when he had arrived in Christchurch in 1974. However, 10 years later, when he threatened to leave, the council officials had begged him to stay and continue his duties.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-woman-enjoys-her-drink-as-people-around-her-get-into-violent-fight-421382">Watch: Woman enjoys her drink as people around her get into violent fight</a></o:p>

However, it is now time for him to take off his pointy hat, the officials have concluded. "It is a difficult decision to end this contract," the Christchurch City Council assistant chief executive Lynn McClelland said. The council is grateful for the valuable and special contribution The Wizard made to our city's cultural life, and he will forever be a part of our history."<o:p></o:p>

Channell has welcomed this change and has peacefully accepted the council’s decision. "This was a welcome change of attitude by the city council after years of ill-concealed hostility," Channell said.<o:p></o:p>

He was promoted from being "Wizard of Christchurch"&nbsp;to "Wizard of New Zealand" in 1990. Now, as his services are being terminated, his annual income of $11,300 (NZ$16,000) has also stopped.<o:p></o:p>

New Zealand’s famous wizard is about to quit from his position and responsibilities of ‘wizard-ery’ as the officials have asked him to leave. The 88-year-old, also known as Ian Brackenbury Channell, has been very popular with locals as well as tourists.

New Zealand’s famous wizard is about to quit from his position and responsibilities of ‘wizard-ery’ as the officials have asked him to leave. The 88-year-old, also known as Ian Brackenbury Channell, has been very popular with locals as well as tourists. However, now, nearly after 40 years after the city of Christchurch requested the Wizard to stay, he has now been asked to leave. Also read | US Army General trolled for complaining about French manicure He was usually seen addressing crowds in city centres, making predictions about matches, commenting on politicians and more. With a long beard black robe and his signature pointy hat, he also led campaigns to save the traditional red public phone booths. The Wizard was also flown to Australia to perform his famous rain dance. Channell had faced threats of being arrested if he continued with his 'wizard-ry'. He faced immense backlash from authorities and attitude of hesitancy from locals when he had arrived in Christchurch in 1974. However, 10 years later, when he threatened to leave, the council officials had begged him to stay and continue his duties. Also read | Watch: Woman enjoys her drink as people around her get into violent fight However, it is now time for him to take off his pointy hat, the officials have concluded. "It is a difficult decision to end this contract," the Christchurch City Council assistant chief executive Lynn McClelland said. The council is grateful for the valuable and special contribution The Wizard made to our city's cultural life, and he will forever be a part of our history." Channell has welcomed this change and has peacefully accepted the council’s decision. "This was a welcome change of attitude by the city council after years of ill-concealed hostility," Channell said. He was promoted from being "Wizard of Christchurch" to "Wizard of New Zealand" in 1990. Now, as his services are being terminated, his annual income of $11,300 (NZ$16,000) has also stopped.

No more spells? Wizard of New Zealand asked to leave post

Chennai Super Kings' IPL-winning head coach Stephen Fleming on Saturday joined the New Zealand camp for a short stint to help the Kiwis prepare themselves for the T20 World Cup.

Fleming, a former New Zealand captain, joined the national team camp a day after guiding CSK to their fourth Indian Premier League title triumph here. They beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs in the final on Friday night.

"Fresh from the @IPL Final - it's great to have @ChennaiIPL winning coach @SPFleming7 joining us for a few days ahead of the start of the @T20WorldCup #T20WorldCup," the BLACKCAPS tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Fresh from the <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPL</a> Final - it’s great to have <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> winning coach <a href="https://twitter.com/SPFleming7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SPFleming7</a> joining us for a few days ahead of the start of the <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/O0tmGwdaxL">pic.twitter.com/O0tmGwdaxL</a>
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1449293882739539970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

New Zealand will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan in the Super 12 stage at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 26.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahul-dravid-set-to-replace-ravi-shastri-as-team-indias-new-head-coach-after-t20-world-cup-2021-421166">Rahul Dravid set to replace Ravi Shastri as team India's new head coach after T20 World Cup 2021</a>

New Zealand will play India three days later at the Dubai International Stadium.

Besides Afghanistan, there will be two qualifiers from Round 1 in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage.

Australia, England, South Africa and the West Indies along with two qualifiers will form Group 1 in Super 12s.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/maybe-i-am-not-that-famous-when-a-newspaper-got-rahul-dravids-name-wrong-after-his-century-421037">'Maybe I am not that famous': When a newspaper got Rahul Dravid's name wrong after his century</a>

The T20 World Cup will start in the UAE and Oman on Sunday with the final scheduled to be held here on on November 14.&nbsp;

Chennai Super Kings' IPL-winning head coach Stephen Fleming on Saturday joined the New Zealand camp for a short stint to help the Kiwis prepare themselves for the T20 World Cup.

Chennai Super Kings' IPL-winning head coach Stephen Fleming on Saturday joined the New Zealand camp for a short stint to help the Kiwis prepare themselves for the T20 World Cup. Fleming, a former New Zealand captain, joined the national team camp a day after guiding CSK to their fourth Indian Premier League title triumph here. They beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs in the final on Friday night. "Fresh from the @IPL Final - it's great to have @ChennaiIPL winning coach @SPFleming7 joining us for a few days ahead of the start of the @T20WorldCup #T20WorldCup," the BLACKCAPS tweeted. Fresh from the @IPL Final - it’s great to have @ChennaiIPL winning coach @SPFleming7 joining us for a few days ahead of the start of the @T20WorldCup #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/O0tmGwdaxL — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 16, 2021 × New Zealand will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan in the Super 12 stage at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 26. ALSO READ: Rahul Dravid set to replace Ravi Shastri as team India's new head coach after T20 World Cup 2021 New Zealand will play India three days later at the Dubai International Stadium. Besides Afghanistan, there will be two qualifiers from Round 1 in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage. Australia, England, South Africa and the West Indies along with two qualifiers will form Group 1 in Super 12s. Also Read: 'Maybe I am not that famous': When a newspaper got Rahul Dravid's name wrong after his century The T20 World Cup will start in the UAE and Oman on Sunday with the final scheduled to be held here on on November 14.

Four-time IPL-winning CSK coach Stephen Fleming joins New Zealand camp ahead of T20 World Cup 2021

New Zealand announced Monday a sweeping "no jab, no job" policy for most healthcare workers and teachers to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"We can't leave anything to chance so that's why we are making it mandatory," said COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins, who is also the education minister.

Doctors, nurses and other frontline health workers must be double-jabbed by December 1 while everyone working in the education sector who has contact with students must have their two doses by January 1.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-drops-its-covid-19-elimination-plan-as-delta-persists-418063">New Zealand drops its COVID-19 elimination plan as Delta persists</a>

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners backed mandatory vaccinations with president Samantha Murton describing it as a "bold, but necessary call" to make.

Secondary schools will also be required to keep a register to show the vaccination status of students.

"Vaccination remains our strongest and most effective tool to protect against infection and disease," Hipkins said.&nbsp;

The order includes home-based educators and parents volunteering at schools, but no decision has been made on whether vaccination will be mandatory in the tertiary education sector.

Before the arrival of the Delta variant in August, New Zealand had won widespread praise for its Covid elimination policy, which had largely protected the country from the pandemic.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-racing-for-profits-keeps-covid-vaccine-out-of-reach-of-poor-419518">Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor</a>

Residents enjoyed a near-normal domestic life alongside tight restrictions on international borders.&nbsp;

However, the "Covid Zero" strategy fell apart when Delta was detected in Auckland, New Zealand's most populated region, and has since spread to the surrounding Northland and Waikato provinces.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the highly transmissible Delta variant had proved a "game-changer" that could not be eliminated.

New Zealand announced Monday a sweeping "no jab, no job" policy for most healthcare workers and teachers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "We can't leave anything to chance so that's why we are making it mandatory," said COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins, who is also the education minister.

New Zealand announced Monday a sweeping "no jab, no job" policy for most healthcare workers and teachers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "We can't leave anything to chance so that's why we are making it mandatory," said COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins, who is also the education minister. Doctors, nurses and other frontline health workers must be double-jabbed by December 1 while everyone working in the education sector who has contact with students must have their two doses by January 1. Also Read | New Zealand drops its COVID-19 elimination plan as Delta persists The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners backed mandatory vaccinations with president Samantha Murton describing it as a "bold, but necessary call" to make. Secondary schools will also be required to keep a register to show the vaccination status of students. "Vaccination remains our strongest and most effective tool to protect against infection and disease," Hipkins said. The order includes home-based educators and parents volunteering at schools, but no decision has been made on whether vaccination will be mandatory in the tertiary education sector. Before the arrival of the Delta variant in August, New Zealand had won widespread praise for its Covid elimination policy, which had largely protected the country from the pandemic. Also Read | Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor Residents enjoyed a near-normal domestic life alongside tight restrictions on international borders. However, the "Covid Zero" strategy fell apart when Delta was detected in Auckland, New Zealand's most populated region, and has since spread to the surrounding Northland and Waikato provinces. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the highly transmissible Delta variant had proved a "game-changer" that could not be eliminated.

New Zealand health workers, teachers told 'no jab, no job'

With the outbreak of delta variants, the prime minister of New Zealand urged people to get vaccinated to fight against the coronavirus. Watch this report for more details.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern urges people to get vaccinated

New Zealand on Monday abandoned its strategy of eliminating coronavirus, easing some COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in its biggest city Auckland, and will instead look to live with the virus while controlling its spread.

The Pacific nation was among just a handful of countries to bring COVID-19 cases down to zero last year and largely stayed virus-free until an outbreak of the highly infections Delta variant in mid-August frustrated efforts to stamp out transmission.

"With this outbreak and Delta the return to zero is incredibly difficult," Ardern told a news conference.

"This is a change in approach we were always going to make over time. Our Delta outbreak has accelerated this transition. Vaccines will support it," she said.

Health authorities reported 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, taking the total number in the current outbreak to 1,357. The majority of the cases are in Auckland, which has been in lockdown for nearly 50 days.

Amid mounting pressure, Ardern has said her strategy was never to have zero cases, but to aggressively stamp out the virus. She said strict lockdowns will end once 90% of the eligible population is vaccinated.

"It`s clear that a long period of heavy restrictions has not got us to zero cases. But its ok elimination was important because we didn`t have vaccinations. Now we do. So we can begin to change the way we do things," she said.

People in Auckland will be able to leave their homes to connect with loved ones outdoors from Wednesday, with a limit of 10 people.

Early childhood education will return and people can also move around for recreation, but retail, hospitality and offices will still remain shut.

Ardern said remaining restrictions in Auckland will be eased in phases.

New Zealand on Monday abandoned its strategy of eliminating coronavirus, easing some COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in its biggest city Auckland, and will instead look to live with the virus while controlling its spread.

New Zealand on Monday abandoned its strategy of eliminating coronavirus, easing some COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in its biggest city Auckland, and will instead look to live with the virus while controlling its spread. The Pacific nation was among just a handful of countries to bring COVID-19 cases down to zero last year and largely stayed virus-free until an outbreak of the highly infections Delta variant in mid-August frustrated efforts to stamp out transmission. "With this outbreak and Delta the return to zero is incredibly difficult," Ardern told a news conference. "This is a change in approach we were always going to make over time. Our Delta outbreak has accelerated this transition. Vaccines will support it," she said. Health authorities reported 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, taking the total number in the current outbreak to 1,357. The majority of the cases are in Auckland, which has been in lockdown for nearly 50 days. Amid mounting pressure, Ardern has said her strategy was never to have zero cases, but to aggressively stamp out the virus. She said strict lockdowns will end once 90% of the eligible population is vaccinated. "It`s clear that a long period of heavy restrictions has not got us to zero cases. But its ok elimination was important because we didn`t have vaccinations. Now we do. So we can begin to change the way we do things," she said. People in Auckland will be able to leave their homes to connect with loved ones outdoors from Wednesday, with a limit of 10 people. Early childhood education will return and people can also move around for recreation, but retail, hospitality and offices will still remain shut. Ardern said remaining restrictions in Auckland will be eased in phases.

New Zealand drops its COVID-19 elimination plan as Delta persists

New Zealand’s opposition leader Judith Collins has hit out at the US and UK over China, saying their failure to adopt free trade agreements was “foolish” and increased Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific.

Collins blames US & UK for growing Chinese influence

New Zealand announced Sunday tighter border restrictions, as new cases of COVID-19 emerged in areas previously free of the coronavirus.

"We are introducing the requirement for air travellers aged 17 and over, who are not New Zealand citizens, to be fully vaccinated to enter New Zealand," COVID-19 response minister Christ Hipkins said.

The national flag carrier Air New Zealand also announced it was introducing a "no jab, no fly" policy for passengers on all international flights from February 1.

The country has been hugely successful at containing the virus - reporting just 27 deaths in a population of five million -- thanks to tight border controls and lockdowns, allowing pre-pandemic life to mostly resume.

But the upped border restrictions come as Hamilton city and neighbouring Raglan town were put into a five-day lockdown, with only essential movement permitted, after two people tested positive.

The cases are not believed to be connected to the latest outbreak in Auckland, 160 kilometres away.

The city of two million has been in lockdown for nearly seven weeks as officials grapple with an outbreak of the highly transmissible Delta variant that has so far infected 1,320 people.

About 2,000 people attended an anti-lockdown rally in Auckland over the weekend, with Jacinda Ardern describing the demonstration as "a complete slap in the face" for people who had been abiding by the strict rules banning public gatherings.&nbsp;

"It was illegal and also it was morally wrong," the prime minister said.

New Zealand is pursuing a "Covid zero" elimination strategy.

It had been free of community transmission for six months before the latest Auckland outbreak.

New Zealand announced Sunday tighter border restrictions, as new cases of COVID-19 emerged in areas previously free of the coronavirus. "We are introducing the requirement for air travellers aged 17 and over, who are not New Zealand citizens, to be fully vaccinated to enter New Zealand," COVID-19 response minister Christ Hipkins said.

New Zealand announced Sunday tighter border restrictions, as new cases of COVID-19 emerged in areas previously free of the coronavirus. "We are introducing the requirement for air travellers aged 17 and over, who are not New Zealand citizens, to be fully vaccinated to enter New Zealand," COVID-19 response minister Christ Hipkins said. The national flag carrier Air New Zealand also announced it was introducing a "no jab, no fly" policy for passengers on all international flights from February 1. The country has been hugely successful at containing the virus - reporting just 27 deaths in a population of five million -- thanks to tight border controls and lockdowns, allowing pre-pandemic life to mostly resume. But the upped border restrictions come as Hamilton city and neighbouring Raglan town were put into a five-day lockdown, with only essential movement permitted, after two people tested positive. The cases are not believed to be connected to the latest outbreak in Auckland, 160 kilometres away. The city of two million has been in lockdown for nearly seven weeks as officials grapple with an outbreak of the highly transmissible Delta variant that has so far infected 1,320 people. About 2,000 people attended an anti-lockdown rally in Auckland over the weekend, with Jacinda Ardern describing the demonstration as "a complete slap in the face" for people who had been abiding by the strict rules banning public gatherings. "It was illegal and also it was morally wrong," the prime minister said. New Zealand is pursuing a "Covid zero" elimination strategy. It had been free of community transmission for six months before the latest Auckland outbreak.

New Zealand tightens travel rules as Covid spreads

New Zealand has passed a law that criminalises plotting a “terrorist” attack, tightening a legal loophole that was exposed by a violent knife attack in the country’s biggest city earlier this month. Watch this report for more details.

New Zealand tightens ‘terror’ law after ISIL-linked knife attack

A new study has found that kea, an endangered New Zealand parrot, was clever enough to use touchscreens, but was unable to rell the difference between real and virtual worlds.

Researchers at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch taught six keas to operate touchscreens. The birds were shown a series of tasks that were either entirely physical, entirely on-screen or a mixture of both.

Amalia Bastos, a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland and the study’s first author, told the Guardian that while keas were trained to use electronic devices in the past, the research showed virtual tests could be used to study the bird’s natural behaviour in the real world.

“They’re really hard to keep in captivity because they’re so intelligent, so they need to constantly be mentally enriched so that they stay mentally healthy,” said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-unearth-fossils-of-rare-eagle-species-that-lived-25-million-years-ago-416873">Scientists unearth fossils of rare Eagle species that lived 25 million years ago</a>

This requires zookeepers giving the birds fun games to play, Bastos said, but “they’re very curious and they will very quickly learn that if they spend time around humans, humans are a positive thing”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-says-ivory-billed-woodpecker-22-other-species-extinct-416877">US says ivory-billed woodpecker, 22 other species extinct</a>

Named New Zealand’s bird of the year in 2017, the kea is the world’s only alpine parrot.&nbsp;It is notorious for attacking windscreen wipers and stealing people's valuables.&nbsp;&nbsp;In one case, the parrot reportedly&nbsp;stole a Scottish man’s passport.

Also read |&nbsp;Watch: 6-month-old injured tiger rescued by forest officials&nbsp;in India's southern Tamil Nadu state

Threats to its survival include&nbsp;lead poisoning&nbsp;from housing finishings and deaths from human interactions.

Bastos said kea bred in captivity and given mental enrichment through screens, without human interaction, might be more suitable for release in the wild. “It’s really important to keep them away from human environments as much as possible,” she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has found that kea, an endangered New Zealand parrot, was clever enough to use touchscreens, but was unable to rell the difference between real and virtual worlds.

A new study has found that kea, an endangered New Zealand parrot, was clever enough to use touchscreens, but was unable to rell the difference between real and virtual worlds. Researchers at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch taught six keas to operate touchscreens. The birds were shown a series of tasks that were either entirely physical, entirely on-screen or a mixture of both. Amalia Bastos, a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland and the study’s first author, told the Guardian that while keas were trained to use electronic devices in the past, the research showed virtual tests could be used to study the bird’s natural behaviour in the real world. “They’re really hard to keep in captivity because they’re so intelligent, so they need to constantly be mentally enriched so that they stay mentally healthy,” said. Also read | Scientists unearth fossils of rare Eagle species that lived 25 million years ago This requires zookeepers giving the birds fun games to play, Bastos said, but “they’re very curious and they will very quickly learn that if they spend time around humans, humans are a positive thing”. Also read | US says ivory-billed woodpecker, 22 other species extinct Named New Zealand’s bird of the year in 2017, the kea is the world’s only alpine parrot. It is notorious for attacking windscreen wipers and stealing people's valuables. In one case, the parrot reportedly stole a Scottish man’s passport. Also read | Watch: 6-month-old injured tiger rescued by forest officials in India's southern Tamil Nadu state Threats to its survival include lead poisoning from housing finishings and deaths from human interactions. Bastos said kea bred in captivity and given mental enrichment through screens, without human interaction, might be more suitable for release in the wild. “It’s really important to keep them away from human environments as much as possible,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand’s kea parrots trained to use touchscreens, but can’t tell difference between real and virtual world

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's first speech at UNGA after AUKUS, she highlights the need to focus on climate change as it is the biggest threat to the world, listen in for more.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's first speech at 76th UNGA summit | WION-USA Direct

Overseas New Zealanders who are now trying to return home are facing a queue of tens of thousands of people as the country reopens bookings to cross the border.

New Zealand's borders have been strictly controlled since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic – only citizens, permanent residents and a handful of essential workers can enter.&nbsp;

Also, all of them must make a booking to spend two weeks in government-controlled quarantine (MIQ). The demand for these spaces has been increasing drastically.

As per reports by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment &nbsp;31,800 people were in the queue on Monday, and 5,364 of them secured vouchers for rooms.

The vouchers were released at 9am and all were gone within two and a half hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-fissure-opens-in-canary-islands-volcano-414630">Also read |&nbsp;New fissure opens in Canary Islands volcano</a>

The joint head of MIQ, Megan Main, in a statement said, "I know many thousands of people missed out on vouchers in today’s release."

She added, "I want to reassure people that there are still several thousand vouchers still to be released through to the end of the year. They will get other chances. There will be another large release of a few thousand vouchers early next week and there may also be another smaller one later this week.” 
New Zealand struggles to battle the Delta variant outbreak.&nbsp;

A level 4 lockdown has managed to reduce daily case numbers to about 11-24 a day but has not yet eliminated community transmission completely.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland, the centre of the outbreak, would move out of its level 4 lockdown into level 3 restrictions.

This will allow socially distanced services like takeaway food, at midnight on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The rest of the country is at level 2, no longer in lockdown, but with some restrictions on gathering size and mask-wearing.

New Zealand reported 14 new cases on Tuesday.&nbsp;

There are now 1,085 cases in the outbreak, 790 of which have recovered.

Overseas New Zealanders who are now trying to return home are facing a queue of tens of thousands of people as the country reopens bookings to cross the border. New Zealand's borders have been strictly controlled since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic – only citizens, permanent residents and a handful of essential workers can enter.

Overseas New Zealanders who are now trying to return home are facing a queue of tens of thousands of people as the country reopens bookings to cross the border. New Zealand's borders have been strictly controlled since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic – only citizens, permanent residents and a handful of essential workers can enter. Also, all of them must make a booking to spend two weeks in government-controlled quarantine (MIQ). The demand for these spaces has been increasing drastically. As per reports by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment 31,800 people were in the queue on Monday, and 5,364 of them secured vouchers for rooms. The vouchers were released at 9am and all were gone within two and a half hours. Also read | New fissure opens in Canary Islands volcano The joint head of MIQ, Megan Main, in a statement said, "I know many thousands of people missed out on vouchers in today’s release." She added, "I want to reassure people that there are still several thousand vouchers still to be released through to the end of the year. They will get other chances. There will be another large release of a few thousand vouchers early next week and there may also be another smaller one later this week.” New Zealand struggles to battle the Delta variant outbreak. A level 4 lockdown has managed to reduce daily case numbers to about 11-24 a day but has not yet eliminated community transmission completely. Meanwhile, on Monday, Prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland, the centre of the outbreak, would move out of its level 4 lockdown into level 3 restrictions. This will allow socially distanced services like takeaway food, at midnight on Tuesday. The rest of the country is at level 2, no longer in lockdown, but with some restrictions on gathering size and mask-wearing. New Zealand reported 14 new cases on Tuesday. There are now 1,085 cases in the outbreak, 790 of which have recovered.

Frustration for New Zealand returnees as COVID-19 quarantine waiting list hits 30,000

Mitchell McClenaghan responded to the Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez's taunt for the New Zealand players after the tour was abandoned. The 35-year-old Kiwi pacer asked Hafeez to not blame the players as they "acted on the advice" they received.&nbsp;

After the tour got cancelled, Pakistani cricketers expressed their frustration and disappointment, among them was Mohammad Hafeez. He posted an image of the NZ cricketers, who were at the airport and wrote, "Thanks to the secutity of pakistan forces to make arrangements to @BLACKCAPS to reach at airport Safe &amp; Sound. Wonder same route &amp; same security but no threat today???"&nbsp;

In a now-deleted tweet, McClenaghan wrote, "Come now bro. This has a bad taste to it... Don't blame the players or the organisation... blame our government. They have only acted on the advice they have received. I'm absolutely certain these young men - all wanting to prove themselves wanted to play. they had no choice."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-an-unfortunate-scenario-ramiz-raja-urges-pakistan-cricketers-to-channelise-anger-into-performance-414035">'It's an unfortunate scenario': Ramiz Raja urges Pakistan cricketers to channelise anger into performance</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thanks to the secutity of pakistan forces to make arrangements to <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BLACKCAPS</a> to reach at airport Safe &amp; Sound. Wonder same route &amp; same security but no threat today??? <a href="https://t.co/mwxq6AFjyT">pic.twitter.com/mwxq6AFjyT</a>
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) <a href="https://twitter.com/MHafeez22/status/1439226198194745344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<img alt="Mitchell McClenaghan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f34f1087-3b08-4127-bef1-d0ecca831871" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mitchell%20McClenaghan.PNG" />

The New Zealand cricket team arrived in Dubai after leaving Islamabad on a charter flight on September 18 as New Zealand was warned of a "specific, credible threat" against its team.&nbsp;

The official New Zealand cricket website has informed that the contingent of 34 players and support staff are in Dubai and undergoing their 24-hour period of self-isolation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-pakistans-image-takes-a-nosedive-whats-next-for-the-cricket-crazy-nation-under-pm-imran-khan-414029">As Pakistan's image takes a nosedive, what's next for the cricket-crazy nation under PM Imran Khan?</a>

Some cricketers will fly back home and the rest will remain in the UAE and join New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad, ahead of that tournament commencing on October 17.&nbsp;

Pakistan and New Zealand were supposed to play on September 17 first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series.&nbsp;

Mitchell McClenaghan responded to the Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez's taunt for the New Zealand players after the tour was abandoned. The 35-year-old Kiwi pacer asked Hafeez to not blame the players as they "acted on the advice" they received.

Mitchell McClenaghan responded to the Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez's taunt for the New Zealand players after the tour was abandoned. The 35-year-old Kiwi pacer asked Hafeez to not blame the players as they "acted on the advice" they received. After the tour got cancelled, Pakistani cricketers expressed their frustration and disappointment, among them was Mohammad Hafeez. He posted an image of the NZ cricketers, who were at the airport and wrote, "Thanks to the secutity of pakistan forces to make arrangements to @BLACKCAPS to reach at airport Safe & Sound. Wonder same route & same security but no threat today???" In a now-deleted tweet, McClenaghan wrote, "Come now bro. This has a bad taste to it... Don't blame the players or the organisation... blame our government. They have only acted on the advice they have received. I'm absolutely certain these young men - all wanting to prove themselves wanted to play. they had no choice." ALSO READ | 'It's an unfortunate scenario': Ramiz Raja urges Pakistan cricketers to channelise anger into performance Thanks to the secutity of pakistan forces to make arrangements to @BLACKCAPS to reach at airport Safe & Sound. Wonder same route & same security but no threat today??? pic.twitter.com/mwxq6AFjyT — Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 18, 2021 × The New Zealand cricket team arrived in Dubai after leaving Islamabad on a charter flight on September 18 as New Zealand was warned of a "specific, credible threat" against its team. The official New Zealand cricket website has informed that the contingent of 34 players and support staff are in Dubai and undergoing their 24-hour period of self-isolation. ALSO READ | As Pakistan's image takes a nosedive, what's next for the cricket-crazy nation under PM Imran Khan? Some cricketers will fly back home and the rest will remain in the UAE and join New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad, ahead of that tournament commencing on October 17. Pakistan and New Zealand were supposed to play on September 17 first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series.

'Don't blame the players...Blame government': Mitchell McClenaghan to Mohammed Hafeez

After abandoning the Pakistan tour, the New Zealand cricket team arrived in Dubai after leaving Islamabad on a charter flight on September 18 as New Zealand was warned of a "specific, credible threat" against its team.&nbsp;

Pakistan and New Zealand were supposed to play on September 17 first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series.&nbsp;

New Zealand had abandoned the limited-overs tour on the day it was supposed to begin in Rawalpindi citing a&nbsp;government security alert.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-an-unfortunate-scenario-ramiz-raja-urges-pakistan-cricketers-to-channelise-anger-into-performance-414035">'It's an unfortunate scenario': Ramiz Raja urges Pakistan cricketers to channelise anger into performance</a>

Now, the official New Zealand cricket website has informed that the contingent of 34 players and support staff are in Dubai and undergoing their 24-hour period of self-isolation.&nbsp;

Some cricketers will fly back home and the rest will remain in the UAE and join New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad, ahead of that tournament commencing on October 17.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The BLACKCAPS have arrived in Dubai after leaving Islamabad on a charter flight last night (New Zealand time). 
 
The players and support staff are now settling into their Dubai hotel and undergoing a 24-hour self-isolation. 
 
More information ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/ksZBWLGLrT">https://t.co/ksZBWLGLrT</a> <a href="https://t.co/UBrwwiSQiR">pic.twitter.com/UBrwwiSQiR</a>
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1439352019337334793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-pakistans-image-takes-a-nosedive-whats-next-for-the-cricket-crazy-nation-under-pm-imran-khan-414029">As Pakistan's image takes a nosedive, what's next for the cricket-crazy nation under PM Imran Khan?</a>

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for organising a safe departure of the New Zealand team.&nbsp;

He said, "We appreciate this has been a terribly difficult time for the PCB and wish to pass on our sincere thanks to chief executive Wasim Khan and his team for their professionalism and care. What I can say is that we were advised this was a specific and credible threat against the team."

"Everything changed on Friday. The advice changed, the threat level changed and, as a consequence, we took the only responsible course of action possible. Unfortunately, given the advice we'd received, there was no way we could stay in the country," White added.&nbsp;

Top teams have largely shunned Pakistan following an attack by Islamist militants on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009 that killed six policemen and two civilians.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-zealand-abandon-pakistan-tour-8-instances-when-sporting-events-got-affected-on-security-grounds-203590#2021-new-zealand-tour-of-pakistan-(cricket)-413772">New Zealand abandon Pakistan tour: 8 instances when sporting events got affected on security grounds</a>

However, the South Asian country has been putting efforts to stage international tournaments at home. Pakistan have only hosted South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe since the 2009 attacks.&nbsp;

Even Prime Minister Imran Khan's telephone discussion with New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern could not save the tour and prevent a major blow to Pakistan's hopes of hosting top international teams.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Ardern said NZC "made the right decision" to pull out of the tour. "You will understand why we are not in a position to give further information as to the nature of the intelligence, other than to say, it was a direct threat, and it was a credible threat," she told reporters on Sunday.&nbsp;

In the aftermath, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja called New Zealand's decision of cancelling the tour "an unfortunate scenario" but was also confident that Pakistan know how to overcome such crises. He also suggested the Pakistan team to channelise "frustration and anger" towards their performance ahead of the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After abandoning the Pakistan tour, the New Zealand cricket team arrived in Dubai after leaving Islamabad on a charter flight on September 18 as New Zealand was warned of a "specific, credible threat" against its team.

After abandoning the Pakistan tour, the New Zealand cricket team arrived in Dubai after leaving Islamabad on a charter flight on September 18 as New Zealand was warned of a "specific, credible threat" against its team. Pakistan and New Zealand were supposed to play on September 17 first of three ODIs in Rawalpindi, before moving to Lahore for a five-match T20 series. New Zealand had abandoned the limited-overs tour on the day it was supposed to begin in Rawalpindi citing a government security alert. ALSO READ | 'It's an unfortunate scenario': Ramiz Raja urges Pakistan cricketers to channelise anger into performance Now, the official New Zealand cricket website has informed that the contingent of 34 players and support staff are in Dubai and undergoing their 24-hour period of self-isolation. Some cricketers will fly back home and the rest will remain in the UAE and join New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad, ahead of that tournament commencing on October 17. The BLACKCAPS have arrived in Dubai after leaving Islamabad on a charter flight last night (New Zealand time). The players and support staff are now settling into their Dubai hotel and undergoing a 24-hour self-isolation. More information ⬇️https://t.co/ksZBWLGLrT pic.twitter.com/UBrwwiSQiR — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 18, 2021 × ALSO READ | As Pakistan's image takes a nosedive, what's next for the cricket-crazy nation under PM Imran Khan? New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for organising a safe departure of the New Zealand team. He said, "We appreciate this has been a terribly difficult time for the PCB and wish to pass on our sincere thanks to chief executive Wasim Khan and his team for their professionalism and care. What I can say is that we were advised this was a specific and credible threat against the team." "Everything changed on Friday. The advice changed, the threat level changed and, as a consequence, we took the only responsible course of action possible. Unfortunately, given the advice we'd received, there was no way we could stay in the country," White added. Top teams have largely shunned Pakistan following an attack by Islamist militants on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009 that killed six policemen and two civilians. IN PICS | New Zealand abandon Pakistan tour: 8 instances when sporting events got affected on security grounds However, the South Asian country has been putting efforts to stage international tournaments at home. Pakistan have only hosted South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe since the 2009 attacks. Even Prime Minister Imran Khan's telephone discussion with New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern could not save the tour and prevent a major blow to Pakistan's hopes of hosting top international teams. Prime Minister Ardern said NZC "made the right decision" to pull out of the tour. "You will understand why we are not in a position to give further information as to the nature of the intelligence, other than to say, it was a direct threat, and it was a credible threat," she told reporters on Sunday. In the aftermath, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja called New Zealand's decision of cancelling the tour "an unfortunate scenario" but was also confident that Pakistan know how to overcome such crises. He also suggested the Pakistan team to channelise "frustration and anger" towards their performance ahead of the T20 World Cup. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand players reach Dubai after leaving Islamabad on a charter flight

The New Zealand cricket team has embarrassed Pakistan by abandoning their tour at the last minute. Pak's cricket fraternity is livid, Shoaib Akhtar says, 'New Zealand just killed Pakistan cricket'. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: New Zealand abandons Pak cricket tour

A lucky group of schoolkids in New Zealand found fossils of a unique species of giant penguins in 2006. Hamilton Junior Naturalist Club's field trip led to the students discovering fossilised remains of the penguin's torso, arms and legs.

Scientists from Massey University have now examined and formally described the find. &nbsp;

"The penguin is similar to the Kairuku giant penguins first described from Otago but has much longer legs, which the researchers used to name the penguin waewaeroa – Te reo Māori for 'long legs'," explained zoologist Daniel Thomas from Massey University. He was quoted by Sciencealert.

Scientists say that long legs must have made these penguins taller than other penguins.

The ancient continent of Zealandia of which New Zealand forms a part has been associated with 10 ancient giant penguins. This includes 60-million-year-old, 1.6-meter-tall Crossvallia waiparensis discovered in 2019, and 30-million-year-old Kairuku waitaki.

A lucky group of schoolkids in New Zealand found fossils of a unique species of giant penguins in 2006. Hamilton Junior Naturalist Club's field trip led to the students discovering fossilised remains of the penguin's torso, arms and legs.

A lucky group of schoolkids in New Zealand found fossils of a unique species of giant penguins in 2006. Hamilton Junior Naturalist Club's field trip led to the students discovering fossilised remains of the penguin's torso, arms and legs. Scientists from Massey University have now examined and formally described the find. "The penguin is similar to the Kairuku giant penguins first described from Otago but has much longer legs, which the researchers used to name the penguin waewaeroa – Te reo Māori for 'long legs'," explained zoologist Daniel Thomas from Massey University. He was quoted by Sciencealert. Scientists say that long legs must have made these penguins taller than other penguins. The ancient continent of Zealandia of which New Zealand forms a part has been associated with 10 ancient giant penguins. This includes 60-million-year-old, 1.6-meter-tall Crossvallia waiparensis discovered in 2019, and 30-million-year-old Kairuku waitaki.

New Zealand: Giant Penguin fossil found by schoolkids gets classified

New Zealand Cricket team (NZC) have abandoned their historic tour of Pakistan, on security grounds,&nbsp;just before the tour opener could get underway on Friday (September 17). The visitors have cancelled the tour and are set to return back home.&nbsp;

As per the board's official release, the tour has been called off due to a security alert. For the unversed, the Black Caps had arrived in Pakistan for a limited-overs tour, comprising three ODIs and five T20Is, after a long gap of 18 years. Their last international tour to the Asian country was in December 2003.&nbsp;

"The security officials with the NZ team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Govt of Pakistan throughout their stay here. PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and the world over will be disappointed by this last-minute withdrawal," the NZC board's official statement read.

Following the tour cancellation, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has expressed his concerns for Pakistan cricket, who were now slowly getting on its feet with regard to hosting games on home soil. He&nbsp;tweeted saying, "NZ has canceled their tour to Pakistan hours before the start of the first match…citing security concerns. This might have serious consequences on the future tours to Pakistan. England-Australia and NZ (again) slated to travel to Pak in the next 12 months."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NZ has canceled their tour to Pakistan hours before the start of the first match…citing security concerns. This might have serious consequences on the future tours to Pakistan. England-Australia and NZ (again) slated to travel to Pak in the next 12 months. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakvNZ</a>
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1438802725471358976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

New Zealand were set to play three ODIs and five T20Is versus Babar Azam &amp; Co. before the T20 World Cup. However, the tour cancellation at the last minute has put PCB under the scanner.

PCB's official statement read, "Earlier today, the New Zealand cricket board informed us that they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series. PCB and Govt of Pakistan made fool proof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the NZ cricket board of the same. The Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed her that we have one of the best Intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team. The security officials with the NZ team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Govt of Pakistan throughout their stay here. PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute withdrawal."

It remains to be seen what the future holds like for NZ's tour of Pakistan. Will it be rescheduled later? For now, times are bleak for Pakistan cricket and their ardent fans.

New Zealand Cricket team (NZC) have abandoned their historic tour of Pakistan, on security grounds, just before the tour opener could get underway on Friday (September 17).

New Zealand Cricket team (NZC) have abandoned their historic tour of Pakistan, on security grounds, just before the tour opener could get underway on Friday (September 17). The visitors have cancelled the tour and are set to return back home. As per the board's official release, the tour has been called off due to a security alert. For the unversed, the Black Caps had arrived in Pakistan for a limited-overs tour, comprising three ODIs and five T20Is, after a long gap of 18 years. Their last international tour to the Asian country was in December 2003. "The security officials with the NZ team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Govt of Pakistan throughout their stay here. PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and the world over will be disappointed by this last-minute withdrawal," the NZC board's official statement read. Following the tour cancellation, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has expressed his concerns for Pakistan cricket, who were now slowly getting on its feet with regard to hosting games on home soil. He tweeted saying, "NZ has canceled their tour to Pakistan hours before the start of the first match…citing security concerns. This might have serious consequences on the future tours to Pakistan. England-Australia and NZ (again) slated to travel to Pak in the next 12 months." NZ has canceled their tour to Pakistan hours before the start of the first match…citing security concerns. This might have serious consequences on the future tours to Pakistan. England-Australia and NZ (again) slated to travel to Pak in the next 12 months. #PakvNZ — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 17, 2021 × New Zealand were set to play three ODIs and five T20Is versus Babar Azam & Co. before the T20 World Cup. However, the tour cancellation at the last minute has put PCB under the scanner. PCB's official statement read, "Earlier today, the New Zealand cricket board informed us that they had been alerted to some security alert and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series. PCB and Govt of Pakistan made fool proof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the NZ cricket board of the same. The Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed her that we have one of the best Intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team. The security officials with the NZ team have been satisfied with security arrangements made by the Govt of Pakistan throughout their stay here. PCB is willing to continue the scheduled matches. However, cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute withdrawal." It remains to be seen what the future holds like for NZ's tour of Pakistan. Will it be rescheduled later? For now, times are bleak for Pakistan cricket and their ardent fans.

Aakash Chopra fears 'serious consequences' ahead for Pakistan as NZ abandon tour on security grounds

New Zealand will delay the reopening of its trans-Tasman travel bubble, as case numbers in Australia rise and numbers in New Zealand continue to drop.

Deputy prime minister Grant Robertson on Friday confirmed that while the pause in quarantine-free travel had been due to expire next week, it would now be extended for at least a further 8 weeks.&nbsp;

New South Wales announced 1,284 new cases and 12 deaths, and Victoria announced 510 new cases.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africa-covid-19-jab-shortfall-could-take-world-back-to-square-one-says-who-413652">Also read |&nbsp;Africa COVID-19 jab shortfall could take world 'back to square one', says WHO</a>

Meanwhile, New Zealand reported 11 new cases in the country, all based in Auckland.

COVID-19 response minister Chris Hipkins was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "protecting New Zealand from any possible further spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19 is our absolute priority. We have made great progress to contain our current outbreak and are working hard to ease restrictions next week. Reopening quarantine-free travel with Australia at this point could put those gains at risk.”

Not only this but New Zealand hit a new milestone in its vaccine rollout as more than 3 million people have had their first dose, which is 69 per cent of the eligible population. Just over 35 per cent of the eligible population is now fully vaccinated.

New Zealand will delay the reopening of its trans-Tasman travel bubble, as case numbers in Australia rise and numbers in New Zealand continue to drop. Deputy prime minister Grant Robertson on Friday confirmed that while the pause in quarantine-free travel had been due to expire next week, it would now be extended for at least a further 8 weeks.

New Zealand will delay the reopening of its trans-Tasman travel bubble, as case numbers in Australia rise and numbers in New Zealand continue to drop. Deputy prime minister Grant Robertson on Friday confirmed that while the pause in quarantine-free travel had been due to expire next week, it would now be extended for at least a further 8 weeks. New South Wales announced 1,284 new cases and 12 deaths, and Victoria announced 510 new cases. Also read | Africa COVID-19 jab shortfall could take world 'back to square one', says WHO Meanwhile, New Zealand reported 11 new cases in the country, all based in Auckland. COVID-19 response minister Chris Hipkins was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "protecting New Zealand from any possible further spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19 is our absolute priority. We have made great progress to contain our current outbreak and are working hard to ease restrictions next week. Reopening quarantine-free travel with Australia at this point could put those gains at risk.” Not only this but New Zealand hit a new milestone in its vaccine rollout as more than 3 million people have had their first dose, which is 69 per cent of the eligible population. Just over 35 per cent of the eligible population is now fully vaccinated.

New Zealand extends Australia travel bubble pause

New Zealand is on its way to become the land of conquering impossible, and adding another feather to this cap of victories is its new record against conversion practices.

More than 100,000 people have lent support to ban LGBTQ conversion practices in New Zealand, which is more than any other legislation.

Till now, the government has received nearly 106,7000 submissions for the bill and more are still pouring in with every passing day.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-warns-hospitals-to-not-let-covid-patients-have-sex-with-visitors-411852">New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern warns hospitals to not let Covid patients have sex with visitors</a>

"We've already made history with this movement and we're not even done,"&nbsp;said Shaneel Lal, an activist and organiser in the movement to ban conversion practices. "People really and truly care about this because in 2021 it is not appropriate to erase queer identities."

This bill will make conversion practices a crime. If this is passed, nobody can force or even attempt to make someone change their sexuality or gender identity.

New Zealand locals have made a record in sending these submissions, which are even more than the previous End of Life euthanasia bill that had record of nearly 40,000 submissions, local media reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacinda-ardern-calls-new-zealand-stabbing-terrorist-attack-suspect-shot-dead-410375">Jacinda Ardern calls New Zealand stabbing 'terrorist attack'; suspect shot dead</a>

However, the submissions have not yet been processed, so it is still not clear as to how many people have supported the ban and how many have opposed it.

The LGBTQ community of New Zealand is happy and hopeful that the torturing practice will soon be put to an end by criminalising it.

"People are feeling very anxious and nervous, and for me it is important to ensure that our community is safe within the process – while I was excited to see the number of submissions, I was also nervous and anxious, what this may mean for our community," Lal said.

New Zealand is on its way to become the land of conquering impossible, and adding another feather to this cap of victories is its new record against conversion practices.

New Zealand is on its way to become the land of conquering impossible, and adding another feather to this cap of victories is its new record against conversion practices. More than 100,000 people have lent support to ban LGBTQ conversion practices in New Zealand, which is more than any other legislation. Till now, the government has received nearly 106,7000 submissions for the bill and more are still pouring in with every passing day. Also read | New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern warns hospitals to not let Covid patients have sex with visitors "We've already made history with this movement and we're not even done," said Shaneel Lal, an activist and organiser in the movement to ban conversion practices. "People really and truly care about this because in 2021 it is not appropriate to erase queer identities." This bill will make conversion practices a crime. If this is passed, nobody can force or even attempt to make someone change their sexuality or gender identity. New Zealand locals have made a record in sending these submissions, which are even more than the previous End of Life euthanasia bill that had record of nearly 40,000 submissions, local media reported. Also read | Jacinda Ardern calls New Zealand stabbing 'terrorist attack'; suspect shot dead However, the submissions have not yet been processed, so it is still not clear as to how many people have supported the ban and how many have opposed it. The LGBTQ community of New Zealand is happy and hopeful that the torturing practice will soon be put to an end by criminalising it. "People are feeling very anxious and nervous, and for me it is important to ensure that our community is safe within the process – while I was excited to see the number of submissions, I was also nervous and anxious, what this may mean for our community," Lal said.

New Zealand locals send record 100,000 submissions to ban LGBT conversion practices

new-zealand

New Zealand, News on New Zealand, stories on New Zealand, articles on New Zealand, New Zealand stories at Wion, New Zealand news, New Zealand latest news

new zealand

T20 World Cup: New Zealand's Trent Boult plotting to 'mirror' Shaheen Afridi's spell against India

T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form'

Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case, PM urges people to prepare for potential lockdown

Mohammad Shami 'looking forward' to next game against New Zealand, shares image from training session

T20 WC: Gavaskar names replacements for Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar for crunch clash against New Zealand

T20 World Cup: Martin Guptill doubtful starter for India clash? New Zealand's coach gives update

Amid global pandemic, bats lead race for 'bird of the year' in New Zealand

New Zealand's coronavirus outbreak spreads to South Island

New Zealand revises its pandemic strategy

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern continues live speech even after earthquake

First Maori woman to become New Zealand's Governor-general sworn in

New Zealand's daily COVID-19 cases fall, some classrooms to reopen

New Zealand Covid cases hit record despite vaccination push

New Zealand Covid cases hit record despite vaccination push

No more spells? Wizard of New Zealand asked to leave post

Four-time IPL-winning CSK coach Stephen Fleming joins New Zealand camp ahead of T20 World Cup 2021

New Zealand health workers, teachers told 'no jab, no job'

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern urges people to get vaccinated

New Zealand drops its COVID-19 elimination plan as Delta persists

Collins blames US & UK for growing Chinese influence

New Zealand tightens travel rules as Covid spreads

New Zealand tightens ‘terror’ law after ISIL-linked knife attack

New Zealand’s kea parrots trained to use touchscreens, but can’t tell difference between real and virtual world

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's first speech at 76th UNGA summit | WION-USA Direct