New Zealand batsman Colin Munro has communicated his disappointment after missing out on a spot in the Kiwis' 15-member squad for the ICC T20 World Cup, which is to be played in the UAE and Oman in the not-so-distant future.&nbsp;

Colin Munro, who last played for the Black Caps in 2020 against India, as of late turned up in the Pakistan Super League and is right now playing in The Hundred. He posted a story on Instagram, communicating his sentiments alongside a list of the T20 World Cup squad.

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“Extremely gutted to miss out on this, was definitely a goal of mine that I wanted to tick off. Looks like I may have played my last game for Black Caps, not by choice,” he wrote.
<img alt="Colin Munro's Instagram story " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ced46f9d-dc1a-497c-b1da-f9a3ee81d669" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%20121.PNG" />
In the meantime, New Zealand likewise left out veteran batsman Ross Taylor and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme from the squad for the marquee tournament that is beginning on October 17.&nbsp;

New Zealand's 15-member squad for World Cup: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee&nbsp;

Colin Munro has represented New Zealand in 65 T20Is, accumulating 1724 runs at a strike-pace of 156.44, including three centuries.

New Zealand batsman Colin Munro has communicated his disappointment after missing out on a spot in the Kiwis' 15-member squad for the ICC T20 World Cup, which is to be played in the UAE and Oman in the not-so-distant future.

New Zealand batsman Colin Munro has communicated his disappointment after missing out on a spot in the Kiwis' 15-member squad for the ICC T20 World Cup, which is to be played in the UAE and Oman in the not-so-distant future. Colin Munro, who last played for the Black Caps in 2020 against India, as of late turned up in the Pakistan Super League and is right now playing in The Hundred. He posted a story on Instagram, communicating his sentiments alongside a list of the T20 World Cup squad. ALSO READ: Cricket: Shakib stars as Bangladesh skittle out Australia for 62 in T20 series triumph “Extremely gutted to miss out on this, was definitely a goal of mine that I wanted to tick off. Looks like I may have played my last game for Black Caps, not by choice,” he wrote. In the meantime, New Zealand likewise left out veteran batsman Ross Taylor and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme from the squad for the marquee tournament that is beginning on October 17. New Zealand's 15-member squad for World Cup: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee Colin Munro has represented New Zealand in 65 T20Is, accumulating 1724 runs at a strike-pace of 156.44, including three centuries.

Cricket: 'Extremely gutted,' says Colin Munro after missing out on New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad

New Zealand has hailed its athletes for an "incredible" Tokyo Games as the country of five million burnished its reputation for punching above its weight with a record medals haul.

New Zealand claimed seven golds, six silvers and seven bronzes to finish 13th on the medal table, edging countries including South Korea (16) and Spain (22).

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"There were some incredible performances," New Zealand chef de mission Robert Waddell told TVNZ on Monday.

"We have really enjoyed how the team has come together.

"I think partly because of the fact that we haven't had family and friends ... over here with us, it has been a really tight-knit team feeling and we've all drawn a lot of inspiration from each other's success."

New Zealand's tally was boosted by canoe sprint sensation https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/canoe-sprint-hungarys-csizmadia-briton-heath-ease-into-final-2021-08-05 Lisa Carrington, who became the country's most decorated Olympian with a three-gold haul at Tokyo, while claiming her third successive kayak single 200 metres title after Rio and London.

New Zealand's traditional strengths delivered, with rowing producing three golds and two silvers, the women's rugby sevens team dominating to win gold and the men taking silver.

But Waddell was thrilled by unexpected minor medals in boxing and trampoline.

"All those medals were across 11 different sports which is a great thing for New Zealand because it's not just one sport that's delivering," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-2020-british-team-hail-miracle-of-tokyo-after-big-medals-haul-404031" hreflang="en">Olympics 2020: British team hail 'miracle of Tokyo' after big medals haul</a>

"What Dylan Schmidt did in trampolining, what David Nyika did in boxing, those show a pathway for other young kids in New Zealand who might be able to follow in those footsteps and achieve at the same sort of level."

Following on from victory over cricket powerhouse India in the inaugural World Test Championship final in June, the Olympic haul continues New Zealand's track record of doing more with less.

"We're very collaborative," said Waddell. "We work together well and we're big enough that we can do that but not so big that we're clumsy."

New Zealand has hailed its athletes for an "incredible" Tokyo Games as the country of five million burnished its reputation for punching above its weight with a record medals haul.

New Zealand has hailed its athletes for an "incredible" Tokyo Games as the country of five million burnished its reputation for punching above its weight with a record medals haul. New Zealand claimed seven golds, six silvers and seven bronzes to finish 13th on the medal table, edging countries including South Korea (16) and Spain (22). ALSO READ: Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals "There were some incredible performances," New Zealand chef de mission Robert Waddell told TVNZ on Monday. "We have really enjoyed how the team has come together. "I think partly because of the fact that we haven't had family and friends ... over here with us, it has been a really tight-knit team feeling and we've all drawn a lot of inspiration from each other's success." New Zealand's tally was boosted by canoe sprint sensation https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/canoe-sprint-hungarys-csizmadia-briton-heath-ease-into-final-2021-08-05 Lisa Carrington, who became the country's most decorated Olympian with a three-gold haul at Tokyo, while claiming her third successive kayak single 200 metres title after Rio and London. New Zealand's traditional strengths delivered, with rowing producing three golds and two silvers, the women's rugby sevens team dominating to win gold and the men taking silver. But Waddell was thrilled by unexpected minor medals in boxing and trampoline. "All those medals were across 11 different sports which is a great thing for New Zealand because it's not just one sport that's delivering," he said. ALSO READ: Olympics 2020: British team hail 'miracle of Tokyo' after big medals haul "What Dylan Schmidt did in trampolining, what David Nyika did in boxing, those show a pathway for other young kids in New Zealand who might be able to follow in those footsteps and achieve at the same sort of level." Following on from victory over cricket powerhouse India in the inaugural World Test Championship final in June, the Olympic haul continues New Zealand's track record of doing more with less. "We're very collaborative," said Waddell. "We work together well and we're big enough that we can do that but not so big that we're clumsy."

Tokyo Olympics: New Zealand hails 'incredible' Games after record medals haul

The people of New Zealand are mourning as the production of country's cheapest sparkling wines has come to an end.&nbsp;

The death knell has sounded for the $10-a-bottle Bernadino spumante, colloquially known as “Bernadino spewmante”, “Bernie” or “the best party plonk”.

Lion New Zealand, the liquor company that owns and distributes Bernadino, told that it was stopping production due to rising costs.

A spokesperson was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "The sparkling wine category is very competitive and with costs rising, unfortunately, it has become commercially unviable to continue its production at this time".

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Usually priced between $10 and $12, and with a mid-range alcohol content of 9.5 per cent, Bernadino has long been a popular coming of age drink for young Kiwis, and equally enjoyed by older drinkers.

South City Liquorland store took to its official Facebook handle and announced its demise.&nbsp;

Duty manager Conner Bray was quoted by Stuff as saying, "We were sitting in our group chat last night saying ‘this is getting out of hand – it's at 400 comments’ and then someone only an hour later said ‘it’s at 2000 comments".

The people of New Zealand are mourning as the production of country's cheapest sparkling wines has come to an end. The death knell has sounded for the $10-a-bottle Bernadino spumante, colloquially known as “Bernadino spewmante”, “Bernie” or “the best party plonk”.

The people of New Zealand are mourning as the production of country's cheapest sparkling wines has come to an end. The death knell has sounded for the $10-a-bottle Bernadino spumante, colloquially known as “Bernadino spewmante”, “Bernie” or “the best party plonk”. Lion New Zealand, the liquor company that owns and distributes Bernadino, told that it was stopping production due to rising costs. A spokesperson was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "The sparkling wine category is very competitive and with costs rising, unfortunately, it has become commercially unviable to continue its production at this time". Also read | Bill Gates regrets meeting convicted sex offender Epstein Usually priced between $10 and $12, and with a mid-range alcohol content of 9.5 per cent, Bernadino has long been a popular coming of age drink for young Kiwis, and equally enjoyed by older drinkers. South City Liquorland store took to its official Facebook handle and announced its demise. Duty manager Conner Bray was quoted by Stuff as saying, "We were sitting in our group chat last night saying ‘this is getting out of hand – it's at 400 comments’ and then someone only an hour later said ‘it’s at 2000 comments".

End of an era for Bernadino sparkling wine, here is all you need to know

New Zealand`s Human Rights Commission on Monday launched an inquiry into the country`s housing crisis as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market, leaving many people homeless. 
 
Property prices in New Zealand have soared by the most among OECD nations in the past 12 months, rising about 30%, as investors cashed in on historically low interest rates and cheap access to capital under the government`s pandemic-inspired stimulus spending. 
 
Successive governments have failed to solve the housing crisis and for many people, especially young people, the goal of an affordable home has become more remote, New Zealand`s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt said in a statement. 
 
"The housing crisis in Aotearoa is also a human rights crisis encompassing homeownership, market renting, state housing and homelessness," Hunt said, using the country`s indigenous Maori name. 
 
"It is having a punishing impact especially on the most marginalised in our communities," he said. 
 
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, Leilani Farha, said in her report published in June that there is a persistent lack of affordable housing in New Zealand, and consecutive governments have failed to ensure that the housing market meets the needs of the entire population, particularly those who have low incomes. 
 
Soaring prices and rents have forced families into emergency housing, with the government housing many in motels as there are not enough state homes available. 
 
Under pressure Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched a raft of measures this year to tax investors and discourage speculators. But these have had only a marginal impact. 
 
The rising inequality inflamed by the housing crisis is arguably the biggest political challenge facing Ardern`s centre-left Labour-led government. The 41-year-old`s popularity soared with her response to the pandemic that kept nationwide cases to barely 2,500 and led to an emphatic election win last year. 
 
But her support has been slipping with the latest Newshub-Reid Research Poll on Sunday showing Labour`s support fell to 43%, down almost 10 points since the last poll in May, while the main opposition National Party`s support inched up to almost 29%. Support for Ardern as the prime minister also declined but she was still well ahead of her rivals. 
 
Ardern defended her government`s record on housing saying it was pulling every lever to ensure everyone gets a warm, dry home. 
 
“When I look at the record of what we’ve done, 8,000 houses to date, 18,000 on the cards. We are scaling up as quickly as we can," Ardern told state broadcaster TVNZ in a interview after the inquiry was announced.

New Zealand`s Human Rights Commission on Monday launched an inquiry into the country`s housing crisis as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market, leaving many people homeless.

New Zealand`s Human Rights Commission on Monday launched an inquiry into the country`s housing crisis as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market, leaving many people homeless. Property prices in New Zealand have soared by the most among OECD nations in the past 12 months, rising about 30%, as investors cashed in on historically low interest rates and cheap access to capital under the government`s pandemic-inspired stimulus spending. Successive governments have failed to solve the housing crisis and for many people, especially young people, the goal of an affordable home has become more remote, New Zealand`s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt said in a statement. "The housing crisis in Aotearoa is also a human rights crisis encompassing homeownership, market renting, state housing and homelessness," Hunt said, using the country`s indigenous Maori name. "It is having a punishing impact especially on the most marginalised in our communities," he said. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, Leilani Farha, said in her report published in June that there is a persistent lack of affordable housing in New Zealand, and consecutive governments have failed to ensure that the housing market meets the needs of the entire population, particularly those who have low incomes. Soaring prices and rents have forced families into emergency housing, with the government housing many in motels as there are not enough state homes available. Under pressure Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched a raft of measures this year to tax investors and discourage speculators. But these have had only a marginal impact. The rising inequality inflamed by the housing crisis is arguably the biggest political challenge facing Ardern`s centre-left Labour-led government. The 41-year-old`s popularity soared with her response to the pandemic that kept nationwide cases to barely 2,500 and led to an emphatic election win last year. But her support has been slipping with the latest Newshub-Reid Research Poll on Sunday showing Labour`s support fell to 43%, down almost 10 points since the last poll in May, while the main opposition National Party`s support inched up to almost 29%. Support for Ardern as the prime minister also declined but she was still well ahead of her rivals. Ardern defended her government`s record on housing saying it was pulling every lever to ensure everyone gets a warm, dry home. “When I look at the record of what we’ve done, 8,000 houses to date, 18,000 on the cards. We are scaling up as quickly as we can," Ardern told state broadcaster TVNZ in a interview after the inquiry was announced.

New Zealand human rights commission launches inquiry into housing crisis

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern&nbsp;issued a sombre state apology to the Pacific community for deportations and prosecutions caused by racially targeted raids in the 1970s.

New Zealand saw many raids between 1974 and 1976.&nbsp;These raids were usually conducted first thing in the morning, hence the name "Dawn raids."&nbsp;The raids were a part of a government clampdown on workers, from the Pacific, who overstayed their visas.

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A formal apology was delivered by Ardern, who expressed her regret about the raids in which Pacific communities were racially targeted and&nbsp;suffered.&nbsp;Speaking to the hundreds of people gathered there, Ardern said that to this day Pacific people continue to experience "the scars" of those raids.&nbsp;

"Today, I stand on behalf of the New Zealand government to offer a formal and unreserved apology to Pacific communities for the discriminatory implementation of the immigration laws of the 1970s that led to the events of the Dawn Raids," she said.

In addition to a formal apology, Ardern's government will provide academic and vocational scholarships worth NZ$2.1 million ($1.5 million) to Pacific communities, as well as leadership scholarships worth $1 million to youths from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Tuvalu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-introduces-bill-to-outlaw-lgbt-conversion-therapy-401615">New Zealand introduces bill to outlaw LGBT conversion therapy</a>

Members of parliament and ministers draped a mat over Ardern during the Ifoga ceremony on Sunday, a traditional Samoan ceremony where people ask for forgiveness or receive forgiveness. Members of the Pacific community then removed the mat from Ardern.

Arden stressed that the government expresses its regret, remorse, and sorrow for the Dawn Raids and random police checks that occurred, adding that "there were no reported raids on any homes of people who were not Pacific; no raids or random stops were exacted towards European people."

(With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern issued a sombre state apology to the Pacific community for deportations and prosecutions caused by racially targeted raids in the 1970s.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern issued a sombre state apology to the Pacific community for deportations and prosecutions caused by racially targeted raids in the 1970s. New Zealand saw many raids between 1974 and 1976. These raids were usually conducted first thing in the morning, hence the name "Dawn raids." The raids were a part of a government clampdown on workers, from the Pacific, who overstayed their visas. Also read | New Zealand will not follow UK's 'live with Covid' policy: Jacinda Ardern A formal apology was delivered by Ardern, who expressed her regret about the raids in which Pacific communities were racially targeted and suffered. Speaking to the hundreds of people gathered there, Ardern said that to this day Pacific people continue to experience "the scars" of those raids. "Today, I stand on behalf of the New Zealand government to offer a formal and unreserved apology to Pacific communities for the discriminatory implementation of the immigration laws of the 1970s that led to the events of the Dawn Raids," she said. In addition to a formal apology, Ardern's government will provide academic and vocational scholarships worth NZ$2.1 million ($1.5 million) to Pacific communities, as well as leadership scholarships worth $1 million to youths from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Tuvalu. Also read | New Zealand introduces bill to outlaw LGBT conversion therapy Members of parliament and ministers draped a mat over Ardern during the Ifoga ceremony on Sunday, a traditional Samoan ceremony where people ask for forgiveness or receive forgiveness. Members of the Pacific community then removed the mat from Ardern. Arden stressed that the government expresses its regret, remorse, and sorrow for the Dawn Raids and random police checks that occurred, adding that "there were no reported raids on any homes of people who were not Pacific; no raids or random stops were exacted towards European people." (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand's Ardern apologises to Pacific community for 1970s 'dawn' immigration raids

New Zealand introduced on Friday legislation that proposes up to five years in prison for practices intended to change a person`s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, known as LGBT conversion therapy. 
 
The proposed measures were aimed at ending such practices, which do not work, are widely discredited, and cause harm, Justice Minister Kris Faafoi said in a statement. 
 
"Conversion practices have no place in modern New Zealand. They are based on the false belief that any person`s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is broken and in need of fixing," Faafoi said. 
 
"Health professionals, religious leaders and human rights advocates here and overseas have spoken out against these practices as harmful and having the potential to perpetuate prejudice, discrimination and abuse towards members of rainbow communities," he added. 
 
Under the newly proposed bill, anyone performing conversion practices on person younger than 18, or on someone with impaired decision-making capacity, would be subject to up to 3 years imprisonment. 
 
Conversion practices that cause serious harm would carry a sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment. 
 
The government said that the bill does not address general expression of religious beliefs or principles about sexuality and gender. 
 
Laws against conversion therapy have been gaining momentum around the world, including in countries such as Canada, Britain and Australia. 
 
The United States does not have a federal ban on conversion therapy, but several U.S. states, including California, Colorado, New York, Washington and Utah, prohibit the practice to some degree. The American Medical Association has condemned the practice as "harmful and ineffective". 
 
Aimed at changing a person`s sexual orientation or gender identity, conversion therapy can include talk therapy, hypnosis, electric shocks and fasting. In extreme cases, exorcism and "corrective rape" for lesbians, have been documented. 
 
Ending conversion therapy was one New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern`s campaign promises when she was elected for a second term last year.

New Zealand introduced on Friday legislation that proposes up to five years in prison for practices intended to change a person`s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, known as LGBT conversion therapy.

New Zealand introduced on Friday legislation that proposes up to five years in prison for practices intended to change a person`s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, known as LGBT conversion therapy. The proposed measures were aimed at ending such practices, which do not work, are widely discredited, and cause harm, Justice Minister Kris Faafoi said in a statement. "Conversion practices have no place in modern New Zealand. They are based on the false belief that any person`s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is broken and in need of fixing," Faafoi said. "Health professionals, religious leaders and human rights advocates here and overseas have spoken out against these practices as harmful and having the potential to perpetuate prejudice, discrimination and abuse towards members of rainbow communities," he added. Under the newly proposed bill, anyone performing conversion practices on person younger than 18, or on someone with impaired decision-making capacity, would be subject to up to 3 years imprisonment. Conversion practices that cause serious harm would carry a sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment. The government said that the bill does not address general expression of religious beliefs or principles about sexuality and gender. Laws against conversion therapy have been gaining momentum around the world, including in countries such as Canada, Britain and Australia. The United States does not have a federal ban on conversion therapy, but several U.S. states, including California, Colorado, New York, Washington and Utah, prohibit the practice to some degree. The American Medical Association has condemned the practice as "harmful and ineffective". Aimed at changing a person`s sexual orientation or gender identity, conversion therapy can include talk therapy, hypnosis, electric shocks and fasting. In extreme cases, exorcism and "corrective rape" for lesbians, have been documented. Ending conversion therapy was one New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern`s campaign promises when she was elected for a second term last year.

New Zealand introduces bill to outlaw LGBT conversion therapy

Best places to survive amid global societal collapse

In a recent development, a new study has revealed that New Zealand, Iceland, the UK, Tasmania and Ireland are the places best suited to survive a global collapse of society.

As per the researchers, human civilisation was “in a perilous state” because of the highly interconnected and energy-intensive society and the environmental damage that has been caused.

Published in the journal Sustainability, the study read, “The globe-spanning, energy-intensive industrial civilisation that characterises the modern era represents an anomalous situation when it is considered against the majority of human history.”

In a bid to assess which nations would be most resilient to a collapse, countries were ranked as per their ability to grow food for their population, protect their borders from unwanted mass migration, and maintain an electrical grid and some manufacturing ability.&nbsp;

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When the conclusion was made, it was observed that the islands in temperate regions and mostly with low population densities came out on top.

As per the researchers, the study highlights the factors that nations need to improve so that they are able to increase resilience.&nbsp;

Prof Aled Jones, at the Global Sustainability Institute, at Anglia Ruskin University, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "We weren’t surprised New Zealand was on our list". He added, "We chose that you had to be able to protect borders and places had to be temperate. So with hindsight it’s quite obvious that large islands with complex societies on them already [make up the list]".

“We were quite surprised the UK came out strongly. It is densely populated, has traditionally outsourced manufacturing, hasn’t been the quickest to develop renewable technology, and only produces 50 per cent of its own food at the moment. But it has the potential to withstand shocks.”

In a recent development, a new study has revealed that New Zealand, Iceland, the UK, Tasmania and Ireland are the places best suited to survive a global collapse of society.

In a recent development, a new study has revealed that New Zealand, Iceland, the UK, Tasmania and Ireland are the places best suited to survive a global collapse of society. As per the researchers, human civilisation was “in a perilous state” because of the highly interconnected and energy-intensive society and the environmental damage that has been caused. Published in the journal Sustainability, the study read, “The globe-spanning, energy-intensive industrial civilisation that characterises the modern era represents an anomalous situation when it is considered against the majority of human history.” In a bid to assess which nations would be most resilient to a collapse, countries were ranked as per their ability to grow food for their population, protect their borders from unwanted mass migration, and maintain an electrical grid and some manufacturing ability. Also read | Samsung reports surge in profit on pandemic-led demand for chips When the conclusion was made, it was observed that the islands in temperate regions and mostly with low population densities came out on top. As per the researchers, the study highlights the factors that nations need to improve so that they are able to increase resilience. Prof Aled Jones, at the Global Sustainability Institute, at Anglia Ruskin University, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "We weren’t surprised New Zealand was on our list". He added, "We chose that you had to be able to protect borders and places had to be temperate. So with hindsight it’s quite obvious that large islands with complex societies on them already [make up the list]". “We were quite surprised the UK came out strongly. It is densely populated, has traditionally outsourced manufacturing, hasn’t been the quickest to develop renewable technology, and only produces 50 per cent of its own food at the moment. But it has the potential to withstand shocks.”

Here is a list of the best places to survive amid a global societal collapse

Toa, the baby&nbsp;orca&nbsp;who captured hearts after he was found stranded in New Zealand waters, has lost his fight for survival, conservationists confirmed Saturday.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;killer whale, less than 2.5 metres (eight feet) long and believed to be four to six months old, became front-page news when he washed ashore near the capital Wellington after becoming separated from his pod nearly two weeks ago.

He was unweaned, and hundreds of people volunteered to assist with round-the-clock care as he was unable to survive alone in the ocean.&nbsp;

Conservationists, who named the&nbsp;orca&nbsp;Toa -- Maori for "warrior" -- housed him in a makeshift pen at the seaside suburb of Plimmerton, where he was fed via a special teat every four hours while an air and sea search was mounted to find his mother.&nbsp;

Whale Rescue, an organisation that had been helping care for Toa, posted on social media that his condition rapidly deteriorated on Friday night.

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"Vets on site rushed to his aid but were unable to save him," the statement said.&nbsp;

Department of Conservation marine species manager Ian Angus said they were aware that the longer Toa was in captivity and away from his mother, the more likely it was his health would deteriorate.&nbsp;

"Toa passed quickly, surrounded by love with his last days made as comfortable as possible," Angus said.&nbsp;

"Throughout this amazing effort, we've all been united in wanting to do the best for Toa. Finding and reuniting him with his pod was still our goal as we headed into the weekend.&nbsp;

"This calf had captured hearts, and no one wanted to believe that he didn't have a fighting chance."&nbsp;

Despite being known as killer whales, orcas are actually the largest species of dolphin, with males growing up to nine metres.

Recognisable by their distinctive black and white markings, they are listed as critically endangered in New Zealand, where their population is estimated at 150-200.&nbsp;

Pods of orcas are relatively common in Wellington Harbour, where they have been observed hunting stingrays.

Toa, the baby orca who captured hearts after he was found stranded in New Zealand waters, has lost his fight for survival, conservationists confirmed Saturday. The killer whale, less than 2.

Toa, the baby orca who captured hearts after he was found stranded in New Zealand waters, has lost his fight for survival, conservationists confirmed Saturday. The killer whale, less than 2.5 metres (eight feet) long and believed to be four to six months old, became front-page news when he washed ashore near the capital Wellington after becoming separated from his pod nearly two weeks ago. He was unweaned, and hundreds of people volunteered to assist with round-the-clock care as he was unable to survive alone in the ocean. Conservationists, who named the orca Toa -- Maori for "warrior" -- housed him in a makeshift pen at the seaside suburb of Plimmerton, where he was fed via a special teat every four hours while an air and sea search was mounted to find his mother. Whale Rescue, an organisation that had been helping care for Toa, posted on social media that his condition rapidly deteriorated on Friday night. Also read | Stonehenge could lose world heritage status, here is why "Vets on site rushed to his aid but were unable to save him," the statement said. Department of Conservation marine species manager Ian Angus said they were aware that the longer Toa was in captivity and away from his mother, the more likely it was his health would deteriorate. "Toa passed quickly, surrounded by love with his last days made as comfortable as possible," Angus said. "Throughout this amazing effort, we've all been united in wanting to do the best for Toa. Finding and reuniting him with his pod was still our goal as we headed into the weekend. "This calf had captured hearts, and no one wanted to believe that he didn't have a fighting chance." Despite being known as killer whales, orcas are actually the largest species of dolphin, with males growing up to nine metres. Recognisable by their distinctive black and white markings, they are listed as critically endangered in New Zealand, where their population is estimated at 150-200. Pods of orcas are relatively common in Wellington Harbour, where they have been observed hunting stingrays.

Baby orca dies in New Zealand after fruitless search for mother

New Zealand is shutting down the quarantine free travel bubble with Australia for a period of two months as COVID-19 cases surge in Sydney.&nbsp;

The country had already paused travel with the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

At a press briefing on Friday, prime minister Jacinda Ardern said because of the Delta variant there was “greater risk now … than when we opened the travel bubble”. She further added, "Covid has changed and so must we".

The government “remains committed” to the travel bubble and hoped it would reopen at some stage.&nbsp;

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Sydney's fast-growing COVID-19 outbreak has become a "national emergency," said state leaders as Australia's largest city reported another record number of new infections.

"We have an obligation on behalf of the nation to contain the virus," said New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian. "There is no doubt that the numbers are not going in the right direction."&nbsp;

With the virus "spreading everywhere" and half the country's 25 million people currently in lockdown, Berejiklian said the government must "refocus" its glacial vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

Just 12 per cent of Australians have been fully vaccinated.

New Zealand is shutting down the quarantine free travel bubble with Australia for a period of two months as COVID-19 cases surge in Sydney. The country had already paused travel with the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

New Zealand is shutting down the quarantine free travel bubble with Australia for a period of two months as COVID-19 cases surge in Sydney. The country had already paused travel with the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. At a press briefing on Friday, prime minister Jacinda Ardern said because of the Delta variant there was “greater risk now … than when we opened the travel bubble”. She further added, "Covid has changed and so must we". The government “remains committed” to the travel bubble and hoped it would reopen at some stage. Also read | Sydney outbreak a 'national emergency' as COVID-19 cases surge Sydney's fast-growing COVID-19 outbreak has become a "national emergency," said state leaders as Australia's largest city reported another record number of new infections. "We have an obligation on behalf of the nation to contain the virus," said New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian. "There is no doubt that the numbers are not going in the right direction." With the virus "spreading everywhere" and half the country's 25 million people currently in lockdown, Berejiklian said the government must "refocus" its glacial vaccine rollout. Just 12 per cent of Australians have been fully vaccinated.

New Zealand shuts Australia travel bubble as COVID-19 cases surge

Defending champions Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;World Cup in England on Thursday, citing player welfare and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in a massive blow for the sport's global showpiece.

The Australian&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;Commission (ARLC) and New Zealand&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;(NZRL) said they had repeated a request to organisers to postpone the Oct&nbsp;23-Nov&nbsp;27 event until 2022 to "minimise risk of players contracting COVID-19".

"The decision to withdraw from the RLWC2021 comes after considering the risk of COVID-19 infection in the United Kingdom, the worsening environment in Australia and the time a majority of NRL (National&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League) players will spend away from home under strict biosecurity conditions prior to the World Cup," they said in a joint statement.

Rugby&nbsp;Football&nbsp;League&nbsp;(RFL) chairman Simon Johnson called the withdrawals "a selfish, parochial and cowardly decision".

"Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;World Cup organizers have bent over backward to offer every assurance to the Australians and the Kiwis," Johnson told the BBC. "We are very unhappy with this decision and we are not prepared to take it lying down."

World Cup Organisers said they were informed about the withdrawals at "very short notice" and would continue discussions with stakeholders to agree on the best way forward.

"RLWC2021 note the disappointing statement made by the ARLC and NZRL which may have wide-ranging implications for international&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League," organizers said in a statement.

COVID-19 infections are increasing in the UK, with 47,114 new ones reported on average each day. The UK has recorded 5.5 million confirmed cases and 128,896 total deaths, according to a Reuters tally.

Australia is also battling outbreaks of COVID-19 albeit on a much smaller scale. Around 13 million people, or half the country's population, are under strict lockdown.

Australia's "Kangaroos" have dominated the World Cup, winning eight out of the last nine editions dating back to the 1970s.

New Zealand, whose top players also compete in the NRL, won the 2008 World Cup hosted by Australia.

<h2>HOTEL QUARANTINE</h2>

Australian and New Zealand media had reported that both nations had cold feet about sending teams to England.

Most NRL players are already living away from home, with the&nbsp;league&nbsp;moving teams to northern Queensland state to escape COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns further south.

"They would then be required to remain under (COVID) protocols and away from home for the duration of the tournament before again quarantining on return to Australia," ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said.

"This is too much to ask our players and officials to do."

NZRL boss Greg Peters said the safety staff and players could not be guaranteed."There are stark differences between how the pandemic is being managed in the UK compared to Australasia and recent developments have highlighted how quickly things can change," he said.

Australia has sent more than 400 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics and a large squad of cricketers to the Caribbean for a tour of the West Indies in recent weeks.

England recently hosted the final of soccer's European Championship at Wembley, as well as hundreds of tennis players at Wimbledon and golfers at the British Open.

With over two-thirds of adults having received two vaccine shots, England ended COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on Monday.

Defending champions Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the Rugby League World Cup in England on Thursday, citing player welfare and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in a massive blow for the sport's global showpiece.

Defending champions Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the Rugby League World Cup in England on Thursday, citing player welfare and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in a massive blow for the sport's global showpiece. The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) said they had repeated a request to organisers to postpone the Oct 23-Nov 27 event until 2022 to "minimise risk of players contracting COVID-19". "The decision to withdraw from the RLWC2021 comes after considering the risk of COVID-19 infection in the United Kingdom, the worsening environment in Australia and the time a majority of NRL (National Rugby League) players will spend away from home under strict biosecurity conditions prior to the World Cup," they said in a joint statement. Rugby Football League (RFL) chairman Simon Johnson called the withdrawals "a selfish, parochial and cowardly decision". "Rugby League World Cup organizers have bent over backward to offer every assurance to the Australians and the Kiwis," Johnson told the BBC. "We are very unhappy with this decision and we are not prepared to take it lying down." World Cup Organisers said they were informed about the withdrawals at "very short notice" and would continue discussions with stakeholders to agree on the best way forward. "RLWC2021 note the disappointing statement made by the ARLC and NZRL which may have wide-ranging implications for international Rugby League," organizers said in a statement. COVID-19 infections are increasing in the UK, with 47,114 new ones reported on average each day. The UK has recorded 5.5 million confirmed cases and 128,896 total deaths, according to a Reuters tally. Australia is also battling outbreaks of COVID-19 albeit on a much smaller scale. Around 13 million people, or half the country's population, are under strict lockdown. Australia's "Kangaroos" have dominated the World Cup, winning eight out of the last nine editions dating back to the 1970s. New Zealand, whose top players also compete in the NRL, won the 2008 World Cup hosted by Australia. HOTEL QUARANTINE Australian and New Zealand media had reported that both nations had cold feet about sending teams to England. Most NRL players are already living away from home, with the league moving teams to northern Queensland state to escape COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns further south. "They would then be required to remain under (COVID) protocols and away from home for the duration of the tournament before again quarantining on return to Australia," ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said. "This is too much to ask our players and officials to do." NZRL boss Greg Peters said the safety staff and players could not be guaranteed."There are stark differences between how the pandemic is being managed in the UK compared to Australasia and recent developments have highlighted how quickly things can change," he said. Australia has sent more than 400 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics and a large squad of cricketers to the Caribbean for a tour of the West Indies in recent weeks. England recently hosted the final of soccer's European Championship at Wembley, as well as hundreds of tennis players at Wimbledon and golfers at the British Open. With over two-thirds of adults having received two vaccine shots, England ended COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on Monday.

Australia, New Zealand withdraw from Rugby League World Cup citing Covid concerns

New Zealand's team said on Saturday they were helping weightlifter Laurel Hubbard cope with the "huge focus" as she prepares to become the first transgender&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;athlete.

Hubbard, who was born male but transitioned to female in her 30s, has sparked debate with her selection, which came after she met the qualification criteria for transgender competitors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-weightlifter-selected-as-first-transgender-olympian-393005">New Zealand weightlifter selected as first transgender Olympian</a>

"We are working really closely with Laurel, as we do with any athlete, but particularly because of the huge focus on her," New Zealand&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Committee communications director Ashley Abbott said.

"To look at what is going to be best for her in terms of interaction with the media. So, of course, there's limits and things like that."

Hubbard became eligible to lift as a woman after proving her testosterone levels were below the threshold required by the International&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Committee. She will contest the women's +87kg category in Tokyo.

IOC rules state a trans woman can compete provided her testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per litre.

But critics say Hubbard has numerous physical advantages from growing up male that makes her presence in the competition unfair for female-born athletes.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-picks-first-transgender-athlete-for-olympics-392958/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hubbard, an intensely private person who avoids the media, also competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia's Gold Coast, where she suffered a career-threatening injury.

"We will continue to work with her and make sure she is supported at all times and has got an understanding about what the environment might be like," Abbott said.

"It's certainly something we have considered."

New Zealand's team said on Saturday they were helping weightlifter Laurel Hubbard cope with the "huge focus" as she prepares to become the first transgender Olympic athlete.

New Zealand's team said on Saturday they were helping weightlifter Laurel Hubbard cope with the "huge focus" as she prepares to become the first transgender Olympic athlete. Hubbard, who was born male but transitioned to female in her 30s, has sparked debate with her selection, which came after she met the qualification criteria for transgender competitors. Also read | New Zealand weightlifter selected as first transgender Olympian "We are working really closely with Laurel, as we do with any athlete, but particularly because of the huge focus on her," New Zealand Olympic Committee communications director Ashley Abbott said. "To look at what is going to be best for her in terms of interaction with the media. So, of course, there's limits and things like that." Hubbard became eligible to lift as a woman after proving her testosterone levels were below the threshold required by the International Olympic Committee. She will contest the women's +87kg category in Tokyo. IOC rules state a trans woman can compete provided her testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per litre. But critics say Hubbard has numerous physical advantages from growing up male that makes her presence in the competition unfair for female-born athletes. Hubbard, an intensely private person who avoids the media, also competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia's Gold Coast, where she suffered a career-threatening injury. "We will continue to work with her and make sure she is supported at all times and has got an understanding about what the environment might be like," Abbott said. "It's certainly something we have considered."

New Zealand say 'huge focus' on trans trailblazer at Tokyo Olympics

Farmers in New Zealand drove tractors in major cities on Friday (July 16) to demand relaxation&nbsp;of environmental policies and climate changeg regulations they say are hurting their businesses.

Demonstrations that took place nationwide were called "Howl of A Protest". The protests saw farmers on busy motorways with their tractors, pick up trucks and other farm vehicles. This caused traffic jams in major cities including Auckland.

Many residents showed solidarity with the farmers by holding placards as the vehicles drove past on the 
streets.

Protesters have asked the government to relax new regulations on managing waterways and ease some of the Covid-19 border controls to allow more seasonal overseas workers into the country as the industry faces acute labor shortages.

They are also demanding the scrapping of what has been dubbed the "Ute tax" - a new government package subsidizing cleaner electric cars while increasing fees on large petrol and diesel vehicles widely used by farmers and tradespeople.

(With inputs from agencies)

Farmers in New Zealand drove tractors in major cities on Friday (July 16) to demand relaxation of environmental policies and climate changeg regulations they say are hurting their businesses.

Farmers in New Zealand drove tractors in major cities on Friday (July 16) to demand relaxation of environmental policies and climate changeg regulations they say are hurting their businesses. Demonstrations that took place nationwide were called "Howl of A Protest". The protests saw farmers on busy motorways with their tractors, pick up trucks and other farm vehicles. This caused traffic jams in major cities including Auckland. Many residents showed solidarity with the farmers by holding placards as the vehicles drove past on the streets. Protesters have asked the government to relax new regulations on managing waterways and ease some of the Covid-19 border controls to allow more seasonal overseas workers into the country as the industry faces acute labor shortages. They are also demanding the scrapping of what has been dubbed the "Ute tax" - a new government package subsidizing cleaner electric cars while increasing fees on large petrol and diesel vehicles widely used by farmers and tradespeople. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand farmers protest in tractors, oppose government regulations

Fiji&nbsp;coach Vern Cotter has said his team did not wear jerseys with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccination</a> message in Saturday's 57-23 defeat by New Zealand in Dunedin because the idea had been sprung on the players late with little consultation.

News website Stuff reported the team was supposed to wear jerseys with the message "Vaccinate&nbsp;Fiji" in the clash, with the idea coming from one of their main sponsors,&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;Airways.

"That's a really complex question, and the answer is complex as well," New Zealand's Cotter was quoted as saying by Stuff when asked why the team abandoned the plan.

"We really haven't got the full answer. It was sprung on the players quite late in the piece, and there wasn't a lot of exchange and consultation.

"As you can imagine, it's a delicate subject for some, so it was probably better to just have a clean jersey at this stage, and spend some time on how we best want to communicate on this matter and how comfortable the players are in communicating it."

A spokesman for&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;Airways said that the decision was disappointing, Stuff reported.

"We had given up our (advertising) space (on the jersey) to push an important, life-saving message to support the efforts of&nbsp;Fijian front-liners battling the current <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID outbreak</a>," the spokesman was quoted as saying.

"We defer to&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;Rugby to address the issue."

COVID-19 infections in&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;have risen in recent weeks, with an average of 609 new infections reported each day according to a Reuters tally. The South Pacific island nation of less than 900,000 people has recorded over 9,500 cases and 49 novel coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began.

Fiji&nbsp;will take on the All Blacks again in Hamilton next Saturday.

Fiji coach Vern Cotter has said his team did not wear jerseys with a COVID-19 vaccination message in Saturday's 57-23 defeat by New Zealand in Dunedin because the idea had been sprung on the players late with little consultation.

Fiji coach Vern Cotter has said his team did not wear jerseys with a COVID-19 vaccination message in Saturday's 57-23 defeat by New Zealand in Dunedin because the idea had been sprung on the players late with little consultation. News website Stuff reported the team was supposed to wear jerseys with the message "Vaccinate Fiji" in the clash, with the idea coming from one of their main sponsors, Fiji Airways. "That's a really complex question, and the answer is complex as well," New Zealand's Cotter was quoted as saying by Stuff when asked why the team abandoned the plan. "We really haven't got the full answer. It was sprung on the players quite late in the piece, and there wasn't a lot of exchange and consultation. "As you can imagine, it's a delicate subject for some, so it was probably better to just have a clean jersey at this stage, and spend some time on how we best want to communicate on this matter and how comfortable the players are in communicating it." A spokesman for Fiji Airways said that the decision was disappointing, Stuff reported. "We had given up our (advertising) space (on the jersey) to push an important, life-saving message to support the efforts of Fijian front-liners battling the current COVID outbreak," the spokesman was quoted as saying. "We defer to Fiji Rugby to address the issue." COVID-19 infections in Fiji have risen in recent weeks, with an average of 609 new infections reported each day according to a Reuters tally. The South Pacific island nation of less than 900,000 people has recorded over 9,500 cases and 49 novel coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began. Fiji will take on the All Blacks again in Hamilton next Saturday.

Rugby: Fiji dropped 'vaccinate' jerseys over lack of consultation, says coach

India restricted the entry of New Zealand YouTuber Karl Edward Rice, also known as Karl Rock after he was found indulging in several visa violations, which includes participating in the anti-CAA protests in the country and also hurting religious sentiments through his YouTube video.

India restricted the entry of New Zealand YouTuber Karl Edward Rice, also known as Karl Rock after he was found indulging in several visa violations, which includes participating in the anti-CAA protests in the country and also hurting religious sentiments through his YouTube video. He was blacklisted. Ministry of home affairs officials stated that he was a "habitual offender" and in the past, he has been to various restricted areas in India, including Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir without taking permission. He made several videos. Earlier, he had a tourist visa, but it got converted to an X2 visa after his marriage to an Indian national. Under an X2 visa, foreign nationals are not supposed to indulge in business activity. However, Karl violated this as he created content on YouTube to get monetary benefits. From 2016 to 2018, he had a tourist visa. Another tourist visa was issued from 2018 to 2023. In the year 2019, he was given an X2. Also read | India hands holy relic of St. Queen Ketevan to Georgia He published the book "Indian Survival Guided", which again, is not allowed on Tourist Visa. He also visited restricted areas and covered CAA protests on Youtube which is barred on an X2 visa. One of his videos, "Do Indians eat beef? guide to eating beef in India", was seen as a major concern. MHA officials say, "Karl Edward Rice, has been restricted from entering India till next year, due to violating the terms and conditions of his visa. He was found doing business activities, on a tourist visa and also violating certain other visa conditions". On Friday, July 9, he uploaded a video in which he said "Govt of India has stopped me from returning to India" and "separating me from my wife and family". Karl is a popular YouTuber who makes videos about travel, especially in India, and speaks Hindi. Last year, he donated plasma amid the COVID-19 pandemic drawing praise from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. He is married to Manisha Malik since April 2019.

New Zealand YouTuber Karl Rock restricted from entering India over visa violations

Work-from-home has been the new normal in pandemic times. Some of us may like WFH and some of us won't. All is fine till everyone is treated fairly in corporate decisions. But how would you feel if your boss, who staunchly opposed WFH initially packed bags and moved to another country in order to work from home?

This has reportedly happened in Google. CNET reported that Urs Holzle, Senior Vice President for technical infrastructure is moving to New Zealand to work remotely.

Holzle told staff on June 29 that he will be moving to New Zealand. As per the report in CNET, Holzle had initially opposed WFH for staff who did not have a certain level of seniority in the organisation.

"After three decades in the US, my wife and I both felt it was time to consider a new location," Hölzle wrote in a company memo reviewed by CNET. "We've decided to spend a year in New Zealand and see how we like it."

The charge is reportedly denied by Google. A spokesperson has been quoted by Business Insider as saying that Holzle did not oppose WFH for junior employees.

However, Holzle's move to work remotely from a different country altogether may not go down well just when Google is planning to gradually have employees work from office.

Work-from-home has been the new normal in pandemic times. Some of us may like WFH and some of us won't. All is fine till everyone is treated fairly in corporate decisions.

Work-from-home has been the new normal in pandemic times. Some of us may like WFH and some of us won't. All is fine till everyone is treated fairly in corporate decisions. But how would you feel if your boss, who staunchly opposed WFH initially packed bags and moved to another country in order to work from home? This has reportedly happened in Google. CNET reported that Urs Holzle, Senior Vice President for technical infrastructure is moving to New Zealand to work remotely. Holzle told staff on June 29 that he will be moving to New Zealand. As per the report in CNET, Holzle had initially opposed WFH for staff who did not have a certain level of seniority in the organisation. "After three decades in the US, my wife and I both felt it was time to consider a new location," Hölzle wrote in a company memo reviewed by CNET. "We've decided to spend a year in New Zealand and see how we like it." The charge is reportedly denied by Google. A spokesperson has been quoted by Business Insider as saying that Holzle did not oppose WFH for junior employees. However, Holzle's move to work remotely from a different country altogether may not go down well just when Google is planning to gradually have employees work from office.

Senior Google executive who opposed work-from-home to move to New Zealand to work remotely: Report

Several people were injured when a hot air balloon crashed in the Queenstown area of New Zealand on Friday. Among the injured at least&nbsp;two suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital.

According to Sunrise Balloons, the hot air balloon which was carrying eleven people including the pilot had a very uneventful ride and was within the speed limit when it approached a private airstrip briefly before 10 am.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/champagne-is-french-ministers-denounce-russia-sparkling-wine-law-396989">'Champagne is French': Ministers denounce Russia 'sparkling wine' law</a>

The company says that an uncontrollable wind gust caught the balloon as it approached, which led to its basket containing the passengers colliding with a low bank.

David Baillie, operations manager at St John Ambulance says that according to medical personnel reports the injured people were spread out over an area about the length of a football field. Due to this, it took them some time to assess the situation and respond to the patients.

According to the company, the balloon basket ended up close to a driveway while the balloon fabric ended up getting draped over a powerline.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-resolve-mystery-of-why-otters-stay-warm-in-cold-surroundings-397003">Scientists resolve mystery of why otters stay warm in cold surroundings</a>

Helicopters were used to transport the severely injured passengers to Dunedin Hospital. After being treated for minor or moderate injuries, the pilot and the remaining eight passengers were released.

The owner and chief pilot of Sunrise Balloons, Hugh McLellan, expressed deep sorrow and regret over the incident and injuries sustained by the pilot and guests.

Police and aviation officials are investigating the incident and the company has temporarily halted further flights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/winchcombe-meteorite-gets-official-classification-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-396877">Winchcombe meteorite gets official classification, here is all you need to know</a>

According to the company, all the passengers are New Zealand residents as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a> had forced New Zealand's border to close more than a year ago.

Several people were injured when a hot air balloon crashed in the Queenstown area of New Zealand on Friday. Among the injured at least two suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital.

Several people were injured when a hot air balloon crashed in the Queenstown area of New Zealand on Friday. Among the injured at least two suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital. According to Sunrise Balloons, the hot air balloon which was carrying eleven people including the pilot had a very uneventful ride and was within the speed limit when it approached a private airstrip briefly before 10 am. Also read | 'Champagne is French': Ministers denounce Russia 'sparkling wine' law The company says that an uncontrollable wind gust caught the balloon as it approached, which led to its basket containing the passengers colliding with a low bank. David Baillie, operations manager at St John Ambulance says that according to medical personnel reports the injured people were spread out over an area about the length of a football field. Due to this, it took them some time to assess the situation and respond to the patients. According to the company, the balloon basket ended up close to a driveway while the balloon fabric ended up getting draped over a powerline. Also read | Scientists resolve mystery of why otters stay warm in cold surroundings Helicopters were used to transport the severely injured passengers to Dunedin Hospital. After being treated for minor or moderate injuries, the pilot and the remaining eight passengers were released. The owner and chief pilot of Sunrise Balloons, Hugh McLellan, expressed deep sorrow and regret over the incident and injuries sustained by the pilot and guests. Police and aviation officials are investigating the incident and the company has temporarily halted further flights. Also read | Winchcombe meteorite gets official classification, here is all you need to know According to the company, all the passengers are New Zealand residents as the coronavirus pandemic had forced New Zealand's border to close more than a year ago.

Hot air balloon crash injures 11 in New Zealand

New Zealand recorded its hottest June on record as temperatures continued to soar in a pattern consistent with global warming, a government scientific agency said Tuesday.

Daily temperatures averaged 10.6 Celsius (51.1 Fahrenheit) -- 1.9C above average despite a cold snap late in the month, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said.

"It's huge. There's only been 13 times since 1909 that we've had such an anomaly," NIWA scientist Chris Brandolino told public radio.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-28-with-117-missing-396088">Also read |&nbsp;Florida building collapse: Death toll rises to 28, with 117 missing</a>

"What's alarming is that over the past 10 years that's happened six times."

Brandolino said that while shorter-term factors such as warmer ocean temperatures helped heat the air over New Zealand, climate change was a constant underlying factor.

"We've had more north-easterly air flows than normal (from the Pacific), so they're coming from a warm place, and ocean temperatures are also warmer than average," he said.

"Then you throw in the background of climate change and it adds up to a record warm month for June."

New Zealand had its seventh-hottest year in 2020, which was also the seventh year in a decade that temperatures have been in the top 10 highest ever recorded.

The country's centre-left Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared a 'climate emergency' last year, saying urgent action was needed for the sake of future generations.

New Zealand has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and to generating all its energy from renewable sources by 2035.

New Zealand recorded its hottest June on record as temperatures continued to soar in a pattern consistent with global warming, a government scientific agency said Tuesday.

New Zealand recorded its hottest June on record as temperatures continued to soar in a pattern consistent with global warming, a government scientific agency said Tuesday. Daily temperatures averaged 10.6 Celsius (51.1 Fahrenheit) -- 1.9C above average despite a cold snap late in the month, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said. "It's huge. There's only been 13 times since 1909 that we've had such an anomaly," NIWA scientist Chris Brandolino told public radio. Also read | Florida building collapse: Death toll rises to 28, with 117 missing "What's alarming is that over the past 10 years that's happened six times." Brandolino said that while shorter-term factors such as warmer ocean temperatures helped heat the air over New Zealand, climate change was a constant underlying factor. "We've had more north-easterly air flows than normal (from the Pacific), so they're coming from a warm place, and ocean temperatures are also warmer than average," he said. "Then you throw in the background of climate change and it adds up to a record warm month for June." New Zealand had its seventh-hottest year in 2020, which was also the seventh year in a decade that temperatures have been in the top 10 highest ever recorded. The country's centre-left Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared a 'climate emergency' last year, saying urgent action was needed for the sake of future generations. New Zealand has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and to generating all its energy from renewable sources by 2035.

Climate change link as New Zealand records warmest June on record

The New Zealand government said it will resume quarantine-free travel with parts of Australia next week as it lifted COVID-19 curbs in Wellington on Tuesday.

New Zealand halted its "travel bubble" with Australia on Saturday as an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant took root in Sydney and several other Australian cities.

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said quarantine-free travel will resume with South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria states and the Australian Capital Territory from Monday, although authorities would continue to review the situation until then.

"The cabinet agreed that partially lifting the pause was the appropriate course of action," Hipkins told a news conference. said. "The health advice is that the spread of COVID-19 in these parts of Australia has been contained at this point," he said.

Travellers will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test pre-departure and must not have visited the blocked states and territories in recent days, Hipkins said.

The pause in travel with Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland states and the Northern Territory will be reviewed on Tuesday, he added, to allow test results to be returned and a further assessment of the situation.

The Sydney outbreak also led officials to impose social distancing restrictions in Wellington a week ago after an Australian tourist who visited the city tested positive for COVID-19 after returning home.

Hipkins said those measures will be eased from midnight on Tuesday.

New Zealand is among only a handful of countries that has contained the spread of COVID-19 within its borders. Its last community case was in February.

No new cases were reported on Tuesday. New Zealand has so far had 2,385 confirmed cases and 26 deaths linked to the virus.

The New Zealand government said it will resume quarantine-free travel with parts of Australia next week as it lifted COVID-19 curbs in Wellington on Tuesday. New Zealand halted its "travel bubble" with Australia on Saturday as an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant took root in Sydney and several other Australian cities.

The New Zealand government said it will resume quarantine-free travel with parts of Australia next week as it lifted COVID-19 curbs in Wellington on Tuesday. New Zealand halted its "travel bubble" with Australia on Saturday as an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant took root in Sydney and several other Australian cities. COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said quarantine-free travel will resume with South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria states and the Australian Capital Territory from Monday, although authorities would continue to review the situation until then. "The cabinet agreed that partially lifting the pause was the appropriate course of action," Hipkins told a news conference. said. "The health advice is that the spread of COVID-19 in these parts of Australia has been contained at this point," he said. Travellers will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test pre-departure and must not have visited the blocked states and territories in recent days, Hipkins said. The pause in travel with Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland states and the Northern Territory will be reviewed on Tuesday, he added, to allow test results to be returned and a further assessment of the situation. The Sydney outbreak also led officials to impose social distancing restrictions in Wellington a week ago after an Australian tourist who visited the city tested positive for COVID-19 after returning home. Hipkins said those measures will be eased from midnight on Tuesday. New Zealand is among only a handful of countries that has contained the spread of COVID-19 within its borders. Its last community case was in February. No new cases were reported on Tuesday. New Zealand has so far had 2,385 confirmed cases and 26 deaths linked to the virus.

New Zealand to partially restart travel 'bubble' with Australia

Jogging, gym sessions, dieting, green tea consumption, yoga: there are dozens of ways to lose weight. But keeping your jaw shut is a new ‘scientific’ way to lose weight now.

A group of New Zealand researchers have created a new weight-loss device that uses magnets to shut a person’s jaw together to keep them from chewing.

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The setting up of the new device is done by a dentist who fits magnets and locks bolts to the patient’s upper and lower molars. This allows the jaw to open only for two millimetres that restricts the patient from eating any solid food.

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Otago and UK researchers have developed a world-first weight-loss device to help fight the global obesity epidemic: an intra-oral device that restricts a person to a liquid diet. Read more: <a href="https://t.co/eLhXwipiqs">https://t.co/eLhXwipiqs</a> <a href="https://t.co/Of6v3uvVbX">pic.twitter.com/Of6v3uvVbX</a>
— University of Otago (@otago) <a href="https://twitter.com/otago/status/1409330977046945798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After getting this device, the patient is forced to consume only fluids and the patient can only breathe, speak and drink after applying this device.

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This device is a "non-invasive, reversible, economical and attractive alternative to surgical procedures," explained Lead researcher Paul Brunton, from the University of Otago's school of health sciences.

The device has been tried by seven women in the present month who lost an average of 6.36kg (14lbs) each within two weeks of trial.

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"After 24 hours, the participants indicated that they occasionally felt embarrassed, self-conscious and that life, in general, was less satisfying," a report from the researchers read. "Nevertheless, all the participants got accustomed to the device during the treatment period and were able to work effectively in their usual employment."

However, one woman did it to melting chocolate and consuming fizzy drinks while using the device.

Researchers believe this device is a "world-first weight-loss device to help fight the global obesity epidemic".

The device, however, has also faced huge criticism on social media as people believe this device is a method of torture, rather than weight loss. Some users also linked it to the method of contraption to jaw wiring of the 80s.

However, researchers have argued that the device has been approved by an ethics committee.

Jogging, gym sessions, dieting, green tea consumption, yoga: there are dozens of ways to lose weight. But keeping your jaw shut is a new ‘scientific’ way to lose weight now.

Jogging, gym sessions, dieting, green tea consumption, yoga: there are dozens of ways to lose weight. But keeping your jaw shut is a new ‘scientific’ way to lose weight now. A group of New Zealand researchers have created a new weight-loss device that uses magnets to shut a person’s jaw together to keep them from chewing. Also read | Bank accidentally deposits $50 billion in US couple's account The setting up of the new device is done by a dentist who fits magnets and locks bolts to the patient’s upper and lower molars. This allows the jaw to open only for two millimetres that restricts the patient from eating any solid food. Otago and UK researchers have developed a world-first weight-loss device to help fight the global obesity epidemic: an intra-oral device that restricts a person to a liquid diet. Read more: https://t.co/eLhXwipiqs pic.twitter.com/Of6v3uvVbX — University of Otago (@otago) June 28, 2021 × After getting this device, the patient is forced to consume only fluids and the patient can only breathe, speak and drink after applying this device. Also read | iPhone celebrates 14 years: Take a look at the journey of Apple's smartphone devices This device is a "non-invasive, reversible, economical and attractive alternative to surgical procedures," explained Lead researcher Paul Brunton, from the University of Otago's school of health sciences. The device has been tried by seven women in the present month who lost an average of 6.36kg (14lbs) each within two weeks of trial. Also read | Species of 'extinct' mouse rediscovered after 150 years in Australia "After 24 hours, the participants indicated that they occasionally felt embarrassed, self-conscious and that life, in general, was less satisfying," a report from the researchers read. "Nevertheless, all the participants got accustomed to the device during the treatment period and were able to work effectively in their usual employment." However, one woman did it to melting chocolate and consuming fizzy drinks while using the device. Researchers believe this device is a "world-first weight-loss device to help fight the global obesity epidemic". The device, however, has also faced huge criticism on social media as people believe this device is a method of torture, rather than weight loss. Some users also linked it to the method of contraption to jaw wiring of the 80s. However, researchers have argued that the device has been approved by an ethics committee.

Keep your jaw shut: New Zealand researchers' new 'weight loss' device labelled as 'torture'

Amid the rising number&nbsp;of sexual violence cases in the country, New Zealand’s children commissioner has urged authorities to take immediate actions against this "epidemic".

The concern has come after an "incredibly disturbing" survey revealed that out of 700 school girls at least 20 claimed they had been raped and half of the girls said they has been sexually harassed.

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"Sadly, this survey is the latest in a growing body of evidence about the extent of sexual violence against girls and LGBTQ+ teenagers in Aotearoa. It’s time for New Zealand to admit this is an epidemic, and it needs a national epidemic-level response," Andrew Becroft, Children’s Commissioner said in a statement.

This survey revealed that a lot of girls go through the horrors of sexual harassment inside the school premises and also outdoors. It has uncovered a culture of abuse outside school too, which has grown in the past years.

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"We need to make sure we’re supporting those in the education environment – these are really hard issues to deal with and I don’t think any education provider should feel left alone in dealing with some of these issues," said New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.

Many girls claimed they had been harassed on more than one occasion and 20 students described getting raped by individuals or groups.

"I am sorry to say this is not a surprise. I think adults are likely to find it more shocking than we do," Amiria Tikao, schools head girl said in a statement.

Amid the rising number of sexual violence cases in the country, New Zealand’s children commissioner has urged authorities to take immediate actions against this "epidemic".

Amid the rising number of sexual violence cases in the country, New Zealand’s children commissioner has urged authorities to take immediate actions against this "epidemic". The concern has come after an "incredibly disturbing" survey revealed that out of 700 school girls at least 20 claimed they had been raped and half of the girls said they has been sexually harassed. Also read | Trudeau says Canada must 'learn from our past' after school graves found "Sadly, this survey is the latest in a growing body of evidence about the extent of sexual violence against girls and LGBTQ+ teenagers in Aotearoa. It’s time for New Zealand to admit this is an epidemic, and it needs a national epidemic-level response," Andrew Becroft, Children’s Commissioner said in a statement. This survey revealed that a lot of girls go through the horrors of sexual harassment inside the school premises and also outdoors. It has uncovered a culture of abuse outside school too, which has grown in the past years. Also read | New York: Rape victim paid $7 million as 'settlement' by Airbnb "We need to make sure we’re supporting those in the education environment – these are really hard issues to deal with and I don’t think any education provider should feel left alone in dealing with some of these issues," said New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. Many girls claimed they had been harassed on more than one occasion and 20 students described getting raped by individuals or groups. "I am sorry to say this is not a surprise. I think adults are likely to find it more shocking than we do," Amiria Tikao, schools head girl said in a statement.

Growing 'epidemic' of sexual violence in New Zealand: Children’s commissioner

New Zealand players received&nbsp;a fantastic welcome when they landed home with the ICC World Test Championship mace. WTC-winning pacer Neil Wagner has given a piece of knowledge into New Zealand's extraordinary excursion back home, loaded with thrilled fans, welcoming traditions authorities, and even cops anxious to click an image with the celebrated Test mace.&nbsp;

The new Zealand crew, their skipper Kane Williamson and a couple of different players who remained back in England for The Hundred - landed in New Zealand on Saturday. They will presently go through a 14-day compulsory quarantine period prior to joining with their families.&nbsp;

Neil Wagner insightfully discussed how their celebrations have been influenced by the COVID-19 conventions. He, in any case, added that the responses of New Zealanders in England subsequent to seeing the mace, their good tidings and glad countenances, compensated for everything solely.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-tim-paine-eats-humble-pie-after-predicting-indias-easy-win-in-wtc-final-394089" hreflang="en">Cricket: Tim Paine eats 'humble pie' after predicting India's easy win in WTC Final</a>

In conversation with a New Zealand-based site, he said:&nbsp;"It's still hard to put into words, to be fair. It still feels unreal. Everything is socially distanced, so you can't even really shake their hands, and we had the mace, everyone wanted to take a photo, you can't even do that, or we couldn't pass it on. It's a bit of a shame but it's part of the world we live in at the moment. It was quite nice to see some Kiwis walk past and see what it means to them, albeit in the distance waving away, and saying congratulations, it means a lot to all the boys."

"I don't think I've ever walked into customs and got greeted the way we did. Everyone was just straight away congratulations, pretty happy, grabbed our passports and all they wanted to ask was, Where's the mace, where's the mace? Seeing even police officers stopping wanting to have a photo from a distance with it was nice to see the smiles on everyone's faces" - he added.

Neil Wagner himself assumed a vital part in New Zealand's noteworthy WTC crusade. The aggressive pacer got three wickets as the Black Caps beat India by eight wickets in the last at Southampton.&nbsp;

Neil Wagner likewise discussed how he and his colleagues alternated with the WTC mace on the plane before at long last giving it to BJ Watling for the following fourteen days. Neil Wagner said:&nbsp;

"We shared the mace around on the plane and throughout the whole night while celebrating, everybody had their turn to carry it around and make full use of that. And then on the plane, Ross Taylor got me to hand over the mace to BJ Watling, he's going to take care of it for the next two weeks in isolation."

BJ Watling closed draperies on his 14-year-long worldwide vocation following the WTC final, having represented his country in 108 matches across all formats.&nbsp;

"I think it's a fitting way for him to send his career off, it's been an amazing career for us, the role he's played for a number of years now, just the whole person he is and heart and soul of the team. He epitomizes everything we are about as a team, the team-first attitude, being a guy that scraps and fights for everything, he's led that all the way from the start. He'll be sorely missed in this team," he added.

New Zealand players received a fantastic welcome when they landed home with the ICC World Test Championship mace. WTC-winning pacer Neil Wagner has given a piece of knowledge into New Zealand's extraordinary excursion back home, loaded with thrilled fans, welcoming traditions authorities, and even cops anxious to click an image with the celebrated Test mace.

New Zealand players received a fantastic welcome when they landed home with the ICC World Test Championship mace. WTC-winning pacer Neil Wagner has given a piece of knowledge into New Zealand's extraordinary excursion back home, loaded with thrilled fans, welcoming traditions authorities, and even cops anxious to click an image with the celebrated Test mace. The new Zealand crew, their skipper Kane Williamson and a couple of different players who remained back in England for The Hundred - landed in New Zealand on Saturday. They will presently go through a 14-day compulsory quarantine period prior to joining with their families. Neil Wagner insightfully discussed how their celebrations have been influenced by the COVID-19 conventions. He, in any case, added that the responses of New Zealanders in England subsequent to seeing the mace, their good tidings and glad countenances, compensated for everything solely. ALSO READ: Cricket: Tim Paine eats 'humble pie' after predicting India's easy win in WTC Final In conversation with a New Zealand-based site, he said: "It's still hard to put into words, to be fair. It still feels unreal. Everything is socially distanced, so you can't even really shake their hands, and we had the mace, everyone wanted to take a photo, you can't even do that, or we couldn't pass it on. It's a bit of a shame but it's part of the world we live in at the moment. It was quite nice to see some Kiwis walk past and see what it means to them, albeit in the distance waving away, and saying congratulations, it means a lot to all the boys." "I don't think I've ever walked into customs and got greeted the way we did. Everyone was just straight away congratulations, pretty happy, grabbed our passports and all they wanted to ask was, Where's the mace, where's the mace? Seeing even police officers stopping wanting to have a photo from a distance with it was nice to see the smiles on everyone's faces" - he added. Neil Wagner himself assumed a vital part in New Zealand's noteworthy WTC crusade. The aggressive pacer got three wickets as the Black Caps beat India by eight wickets in the last at Southampton. Neil Wagner likewise discussed how he and his colleagues alternated with the WTC mace on the plane before at long last giving it to BJ Watling for the following fourteen days. Neil Wagner said: "We shared the mace around on the plane and throughout the whole night while celebrating, everybody had their turn to carry it around and make full use of that. And then on the plane, Ross Taylor got me to hand over the mace to BJ Watling, he's going to take care of it for the next two weeks in isolation." BJ Watling closed draperies on his 14-year-long worldwide vocation following the WTC final, having represented his country in 108 matches across all formats. "I think it's a fitting way for him to send his career off, it's been an amazing career for us, the role he's played for a number of years now, just the whole person he is and heart and soul of the team. He epitomizes everything we are about as a team, the team-first attitude, being a guy that scraps and fights for everything, he's led that all the way from the start. He'll be sorely missed in this team," he added.

Cricket: Police asked 'Where is the mace?' Neil Wagner describes trip back to New Zealand

New Zealand announced a three-day suspension of its quarantine-free travel arrangement with Australia on Saturday, with Wellington citing "multiple" outbreaks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> in the neighbouring country.

The announcement comes as a two-week lockdown begins in Sydney to contain a rapidly spreading outbreak of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta coronavirus variant</a>.&nbsp;

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More than 80 cases have been reported so far in Australia's largest city, while a handful of community cases have also been recorded in the Northern Territory, Victoria and Queensland in recent days.

"But given the high level of transmissibility of what appears to be the Delta variant, and the fact that there are now multiple community clusters (in Australia), it is the right thing to do to keep COVID-19 out of New Zealand," said New Zealand's COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins.

Hipkins said he understood the inconvenience the pause would cause and added that New Zealand remained committed to quarantine-free travel with Australia.&nbsp;

He added that the suspension would give officials time to consider measures "to make the bubble safer, such as pre-departure testing for all flights" between the two countries.

New Zealand has previously paused the bubble arrangement five times with individual states but this is the first time it has put a blanket halt to quarantine-free travel from all of Australia.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/australia-and-new-zealand">Both countries</a> have been among the world's most successful in containing COVID-19. New Zealand has recorded just 26 COVID-19 deaths in a population of five million, and Australia has had fewer than 1,000 deaths in a population of 25 million.&nbsp;

The trans-Tasman travel bubble opened in mid-April, more than a year after both countries closed their international borders due to the pandemic. It has been hailed as a major milestone in restarting the global travel industry.

New Zealand announced a three-day suspension of its quarantine-free travel arrangement with Australia on Saturday, with Wellington citing "multiple" outbreaks of COVID-19 in the neighbouring country.

New Zealand announced a three-day suspension of its quarantine-free travel arrangement with Australia on Saturday, with Wellington citing "multiple" outbreaks of COVID-19 in the neighbouring country. The announcement comes as a two-week lockdown begins in Sydney to contain a rapidly spreading outbreak of the Delta coronavirus variant. Also read | Sydney flags broader lockdown as Delta variant cases swell More than 80 cases have been reported so far in Australia's largest city, while a handful of community cases have also been recorded in the Northern Territory, Victoria and Queensland in recent days. "But given the high level of transmissibility of what appears to be the Delta variant, and the fact that there are now multiple community clusters (in Australia), it is the right thing to do to keep COVID-19 out of New Zealand," said New Zealand's COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins. Hipkins said he understood the inconvenience the pause would cause and added that New Zealand remained committed to quarantine-free travel with Australia. He added that the suspension would give officials time to consider measures "to make the bubble safer, such as pre-departure testing for all flights" between the two countries. New Zealand has previously paused the bubble arrangement five times with individual states but this is the first time it has put a blanket halt to quarantine-free travel from all of Australia. Also read | New Zealand-Australia travel bubble faces disruption due to fresh Covid cases Both countries have been among the world's most successful in containing COVID-19. New Zealand has recorded just 26 COVID-19 deaths in a population of five million, and Australia has had fewer than 1,000 deaths in a population of 25 million. The trans-Tasman travel bubble opened in mid-April, more than a year after both countries closed their international borders due to the pandemic. It has been hailed as a major milestone in restarting the global travel industry.

New Zealand suspends travel bubble with Australia

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;said on Friday that it plans to strengthen its hate speech laws, and increase penalties for inciting hatred and discrimination, in response to the attack by a white supremacist in Christchurch two years ago that killed 51 Muslims.

The move comes after a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch attack on March 15, 2019, recommended changes to hate speech and hate crime laws, which it said were weak deterrents for people targeting religious and other minority groups with hate.

New&nbsp;Zealand's hate speech laws have resulted in just one prosecution and two civil claims so far, the Royal Commission had noted.

"Protecting our right to freedom of expression while balancing that right with protections against ‘hate speech’ is something that requires careful consideration and a wide range of input,” Justice Minister Kris Faafoi said at a press conference.

The government proposed&nbsp;new&nbsp;criminal offences for hate speech that it said would be clearer and more effective.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-delta-variant-is-infecting-vaccinated-people-says-israel-393811">Also Read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel</a>

Under the proposal a person who "intentionally stirs up, maintains or normalises hatred" would break the law if they did so by being threatening, abusive or insulting, including by inciting violence, the government said.

Punishment for such offences would be increased to a maximum of three years in prison or a fine of up to NZ$50,000. Currently, the punishment is up to NZ$7,000 or three months in jail.

It also proposed provisions that would protect trans, gender diverse and intersex people from discrimination. Current laws only target speech that "excite hostility" against a person or group on the grounds of their colour, race or ethnicity.

The proposals are now open for public consultation.

Australian Brenton Tarrant killed 51 people and injured dozens when he opened fire on Muslim worshippers in two mosques in Christchurch, shortly after releasing a racist manifesto online, and streamed the shootings live on Facebook.

With support across the political spectrum,&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;swiftly banned the sale of the high-capacity semi-automatic weapons Tarrant used. But changes to hate speech laws have been more contentious as some political parties said it would impede free speech.

"The government’s proposed hate speech laws are a huge win for cancel culture and will create an even more divided society,”&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's smaller ACT Party leader David Seymour said in a statement.

New Zealand said on Friday that it plans to strengthen its hate speech laws, and increase penalties for inciting hatred and discrimination, in response to the attack by a white supremacist in Christchurch two years ago that killed 51 Muslims.

New Zealand said on Friday that it plans to strengthen its hate speech laws, and increase penalties for inciting hatred and discrimination, in response to the attack by a white supremacist in Christchurch two years ago that killed 51 Muslims. The move comes after a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch attack on March 15, 2019, recommended changes to hate speech and hate crime laws, which it said were weak deterrents for people targeting religious and other minority groups with hate. New Zealand's hate speech laws have resulted in just one prosecution and two civil claims so far, the Royal Commission had noted. "Protecting our right to freedom of expression while balancing that right with protections against ‘hate speech’ is something that requires careful consideration and a wide range of input,” Justice Minister Kris Faafoi said at a press conference. The government proposed new criminal offences for hate speech that it said would be clearer and more effective. Also Read | COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel Under the proposal a person who "intentionally stirs up, maintains or normalises hatred" would break the law if they did so by being threatening, abusive or insulting, including by inciting violence, the government said. Punishment for such offences would be increased to a maximum of three years in prison or a fine of up to NZ$50,000. Currently, the punishment is up to NZ$7,000 or three months in jail. It also proposed provisions that would protect trans, gender diverse and intersex people from discrimination. Current laws only target speech that "excite hostility" against a person or group on the grounds of their colour, race or ethnicity. The proposals are now open for public consultation. Australian Brenton Tarrant killed 51 people and injured dozens when he opened fire on Muslim worshippers in two mosques in Christchurch, shortly after releasing a racist manifesto online, and streamed the shootings live on Facebook. With support across the political spectrum, New Zealand swiftly banned the sale of the high-capacity semi-automatic weapons Tarrant used. But changes to hate speech laws have been more contentious as some political parties said it would impede free speech. "The government’s proposed hate speech laws are a huge win for cancel culture and will create an even more divided society,” New Zealand's smaller ACT Party leader David Seymour said in a statement.

New Zealand plans stronger hate speech laws in response to Christchurch attack

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000. <o:p></o:p>

The Black Caps, who ended up as the runners-up in 2019 World Cup, continued to build on the improvement in the longest format and enjoyed a brilliant World Test Championship cycle, especially at home. <o:p></o:p>

In a match dominated more by the bowlers, the New Zealand pace quarter stood up with Kyle Jamieson shining the brightest with a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. While Jamieson picked up seven wickets, Tim Southee and Trent Boult ended up with five wickets each. Neil Wagner’s wicket column might show just three wickets, they were crucial to strengthen New Zealand’s stronghold in the match.

<o:p><img alt="Kyle Jamieson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fcd847ca-8044-400d-9534-dc9e66affd3b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9CX6J8.jpg" /></o:p>

New Zealand, after inviting India to bat first, had a tough opening hour with Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill stomping their authority early. However, Wagner and Jamieson turned it around. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli stitched a partnership, albeit slow, India steadily found them in a better place. A Trent Boult special in-swinger got rid of Pujara, followed by the quick dismissal of Kohli at 44.&nbsp;

<o:p></o:p>

Ajinkya Rahane, who looked the best out of any Indian batters, had a brain-fade moment and miscued a regular pull shot for his dismissal.<o:p></o:p>

Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin added 15 and 22 respectively by playing counter-attack cricket but India’s tail failed to wag. The Virat Kohli-led outfit was bundled out for 217. <o:p></o:p>

New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham gave a solid start to the Kiwis with 54 and 30 respectively. Kane Williamson played the captain’s knock of 49 at a time the middle-order collapsed. The all-rounders and tail come to the rescue and added crucial runs at the end. Jamieson scored 21, Southee 30, breaking six-hitting records.<o:p></o:p>

Mohammed Shami stood out from the Indian pack with four wickets, including breathtaking spells of bowling. Ishant capped it up with three while Ashwin ended up with two. Jasprit Bumrah’s off form would bother India a bit but one can expect a bowler of Bumrah’s caliber to go through it for long.

<o:p><img alt="WTC Final - AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0c1a42e-7c78-4814-a138-85e8c31c113e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9CY49P.jpg" /></o:p>

After rain delays, India’s batting cracked in the second innings with Jamieson running it past the Indian batting unit. Only Pant with a topsy-turvy 41-run knock stood out, while Rohit Sharma saw off the new ball well with 81-ball 30. <o:p></o:p>

New Zealand started their chase cautiously with both left-handed openers failing victims to Ashwin’s intelligence. A couple of dropped catches by Pujara and Bumrah hurt them Williamson, 52 not-out, Taylor, 47 not-out, guided New Zealand to a win for ages. The winners of inaugural ICC World Test Championship, New Zealand.<o:p></o:p>

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. New Zealand's two most experienced batters – Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – guided the Kiwis to their first ICC trophy since 2000. The Black Caps, who ended up as the runners-up in 2019 World Cup, continued to build on the improvement in the longest format and enjoyed a brilliant World Test Championship cycle, especially at home. In a match dominated more by the bowlers, the New Zealand pace quarter stood up with Kyle Jamieson shining the brightest with a five-wicket haul in an ICC final. While Jamieson picked up seven wickets, Tim Southee and Trent Boult ended up with five wickets each. Neil Wagner’s wicket column might show just three wickets, they were crucial to strengthen New Zealand’s stronghold in the match. New Zealand, after inviting India to bat first, had a tough opening hour with Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill stomping their authority early. However, Wagner and Jamieson turned it around. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli stitched a partnership, albeit slow, India steadily found them in a better place. A Trent Boult special in-swinger got rid of Pujara, followed by the quick dismissal of Kohli at 44. Ajinkya Rahane, who looked the best out of any Indian batters, had a brain-fade moment and miscued a regular pull shot for his dismissal. Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin added 15 and 22 respectively by playing counter-attack cricket but India’s tail failed to wag. The Virat Kohli-led outfit was bundled out for 217. New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham gave a solid start to the Kiwis with 54 and 30 respectively. Kane Williamson played the captain’s knock of 49 at a time the middle-order collapsed. The all-rounders and tail come to the rescue and added crucial runs at the end. Jamieson scored 21, Southee 30, breaking six-hitting records. Mohammed Shami stood out from the Indian pack with four wickets, including breathtaking spells of bowling. Ishant capped it up with three while Ashwin ended up with two. Jasprit Bumrah’s off form would bother India a bit but one can expect a bowler of Bumrah’s caliber to go through it for long. After rain delays, India’s batting cracked in the second innings with Jamieson running it past the Indian batting unit. Only Pant with a topsy-turvy 41-run knock stood out, while Rohit Sharma saw off the new ball well with 81-ball 30. New Zealand started their chase cautiously with both left-handed openers failing victims to Ashwin’s intelligence. A couple of dropped catches by Pujara and Bumrah hurt them Williamson, 52 not-out, Taylor, 47 not-out, guided New Zealand to a win for ages. The winners of inaugural ICC World Test Championship, New Zealand.

New Zealand defeat India by 8 wickets to win ICC World Test Championship

New Zealand, who ended up as the runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup, finally tasted a win in the finals of an ICC tournament since 2000 as they won the World Test Championship final against India at Rose Bowl on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-we-are-not-too-bothered-by-this-result-says-virat-kohli-393565" hreflang="en">WTC Final- 'We are not too bothered by this result', says Virat Kohli</a>

"It's a special feeling. It's nice to get one under the belt. I'd like to thank Virat and the Indian team. The heart that our team showed was commendable. It's the first time we have come away with a world title, and the 22 players who played a big part in getting across the line deserve all the appreciation," winning captain Kane Williamson said after the match.

New Zealand suffered a heartbreak couple of years ago when they took on England in the 2019 World Cup final. However, they redeemed themselves after dominating the Indian side in Southampton.&nbsp;

"This will be remembered for a long time. We don't always have all the stars, and we saw that in this match. We saw so much heart and commitment. We know how strong the Indian side is, in all conditions."

"It's a fickle game, in a one-off final. It ebbed and flowed, no one really had the upper hand for six days, and I'm happy we're on the right side of it. It was certainly tough going in the first innings. The lower order played with more freedom and got us a lead that gave us an edge," Williamson added.

"Ross is obviously very experienced and calm in these situations and it was great to be with him right there at the end. BJ Watling - I don't know if he's retiring any more actually (jokes). He's a scrappy player, so this is a fitting end to a fantastic career for BJ Watling."

New Zealand, who ended up as the runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup, finally tasted a win in the finals of an ICC tournament since 2000 as they won the World Test Championship final against India at Rose Bowl on Wednesday.

New Zealand, who ended up as the runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup, finally tasted a win in the finals of an ICC tournament since 2000 as they won the World Test Championship final against India at Rose Bowl on Wednesday. ALSO READ: WTC Final- 'We are not too bothered by this result', says Virat Kohli "It's a special feeling. It's nice to get one under the belt. I'd like to thank Virat and the Indian team. The heart that our team showed was commendable. It's the first time we have come away with a world title, and the 22 players who played a big part in getting across the line deserve all the appreciation," winning captain Kane Williamson said after the match. New Zealand suffered a heartbreak couple of years ago when they took on England in the 2019 World Cup final. However, they redeemed themselves after dominating the Indian side in Southampton. "This will be remembered for a long time. We don't always have all the stars, and we saw that in this match. We saw so much heart and commitment. We know how strong the Indian side is, in all conditions." "It's a fickle game, in a one-off final. It ebbed and flowed, no one really had the upper hand for six days, and I'm happy we're on the right side of it. It was certainly tough going in the first innings. The lower order played with more freedom and got us a lead that gave us an edge," Williamson added. "Ross is obviously very experienced and calm in these situations and it was great to be with him right there at the end. BJ Watling - I don't know if he's retiring any more actually (jokes). He's a scrappy player, so this is a fitting end to a fantastic career for BJ Watling."

'It's nice to get one under the belt', says Kane Williamson after winning WTC Final

New Zealand raised the COVID-19 alert level in its capital Wellington on Wednesday amid concerns that the city may have been exposed to the highly infectious Delta variant that has triggered a fresh outbreak in neighbouring Australia. 
 
Wellington will move to the country`s `Alert Level 2`, one level short of a lockdown, until midnight on Sunday as a precautionary measure to curb any potential outbreak after an Australian tourist tested positive for COVID-19 on returning to Sydney from a visit to the New Zealand capital over the weekend. 
 
"This is not a lockdown ... these are precautionary measures which will remain in place while we contact trace and test all of those we need to," New Zealand`s Covid&nbsp;response minister Chris Hipkins said at a news conference in Wellington. 
 
Under alert level 2, offices, schools and businesses can remain open but will have to maintain social distancing rules. Sport and recreation activities are allowed, subject to conditions including physical distancing, but gathering of more than 100 people will not be allowed, including at weddings, funeral and other events. 
 
With a population of 5 million people, New Zealand is among a handful of countries that have contained the spread of COVID-19 and returned to normalcy, with the last positive case due to community transmission reported about four months ago. 
 
New Zealand agreed to quarantine-free travel with neighbouring Australia earlier this year, as both nations had controlled the community spread of the coronavirus. 
 
But fresh concerns of an outbreak have emerged after the positive test for the unnamed male Australian tourist, who visited over a dozen locations including the national Te Papa museum, pubs, cafes, a bookshop and a hotel during his trip over last weekend. 
 
Passengers on flights used by the person were also asked to isolate and undergo testing. 
 
Australia`s most populous state, New South Wales (NSW) has seen its latest virus cluster swell to more than 30 cases in a week, prompting New Zealand to pause quarantine-free travel. 
 
NSW on Wednesday tightened restrictions on gatherings and movement of people in Sydney for a week amid fears the latest cluster of the highly infectious Delta variant could spur a major outbreak. 
 
Residents in seven Sydney council areas in the city`s east and inner west were banned from travelling for non-essential reasons outside those regions, while household gatherings will be limited to five guests and masks will be mandatory in all indoor locations, including offices. 
 
"We have gone from near and present danger to a very real and present danger, not just in a shopping centre but right across Sydney," NSW state Health Minister Brad Hazzard told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday. 
 
The first virus cluster in NSW in more than a month was linked to a driver who transports overseas airline crew and who visited several places, including a shopping centre in Bondi, a popular tourist hotspot. 
 
Ten new cases were reported by 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday but 13 further cases have been detected since then. 
 
Snap lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and swift contact tracing have helped both Australia and New Zealand to contain outbreaks and keep their COVID-19 numbers relatively low. 
 
Australia has reported just over 30,350 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began, while New Zealand recorded more than 2,300 confirmed cases and 26 deaths.

New Zealand raised the COVID-19 alert level in its capital Wellington on Wednesday amid concerns that the city may have been exposed to the highly infectious Delta variant that has triggered a fresh outbreak in neighbouring Australia.

New Zealand raised the COVID-19 alert level in its capital Wellington on Wednesday amid concerns that the city may have been exposed to the highly infectious Delta variant that has triggered a fresh outbreak in neighbouring Australia. Wellington will move to the country`s `Alert Level 2`, one level short of a lockdown, until midnight on Sunday as a precautionary measure to curb any potential outbreak after an Australian tourist tested positive for COVID-19 on returning to Sydney from a visit to the New Zealand capital over the weekend. "This is not a lockdown ... these are precautionary measures which will remain in place while we contact trace and test all of those we need to," New Zealand`s Covid response minister Chris Hipkins said at a news conference in Wellington. Under alert level 2, offices, schools and businesses can remain open but will have to maintain social distancing rules. Sport and recreation activities are allowed, subject to conditions including physical distancing, but gathering of more than 100 people will not be allowed, including at weddings, funeral and other events. With a population of 5 million people, New Zealand is among a handful of countries that have contained the spread of COVID-19 and returned to normalcy, with the last positive case due to community transmission reported about four months ago. New Zealand agreed to quarantine-free travel with neighbouring Australia earlier this year, as both nations had controlled the community spread of the coronavirus. But fresh concerns of an outbreak have emerged after the positive test for the unnamed male Australian tourist, who visited over a dozen locations including the national Te Papa museum, pubs, cafes, a bookshop and a hotel during his trip over last weekend. Passengers on flights used by the person were also asked to isolate and undergo testing. Australia`s most populous state, New South Wales (NSW) has seen its latest virus cluster swell to more than 30 cases in a week, prompting New Zealand to pause quarantine-free travel. NSW on Wednesday tightened restrictions on gatherings and movement of people in Sydney for a week amid fears the latest cluster of the highly infectious Delta variant could spur a major outbreak. Residents in seven Sydney council areas in the city`s east and inner west were banned from travelling for non-essential reasons outside those regions, while household gatherings will be limited to five guests and masks will be mandatory in all indoor locations, including offices. "We have gone from near and present danger to a very real and present danger, not just in a shopping centre but right across Sydney," NSW state Health Minister Brad Hazzard told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday. The first virus cluster in NSW in more than a month was linked to a driver who transports overseas airline crew and who visited several places, including a shopping centre in Bondi, a popular tourist hotspot. Ten new cases were reported by 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday but 13 further cases have been detected since then. Snap lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and swift contact tracing have helped both Australia and New Zealand to contain outbreaks and keep their COVID-19 numbers relatively low. Australia has reported just over 30,350 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began, while New Zealand recorded more than 2,300 confirmed cases and 26 deaths.

New Zealand brings back curbs in Wellington after Covid scare from Sydney visitor

New Zealand’s famous puppet pub has unveiled a new life-size puppet of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the leader feels it is "a cross between some kind of celestial being and something from Game of Thrones".

The Backbencher pub, which is located opposite the parliament house in Wellington, is famous for creating puppets of the likeness of politicians for the last 30 years. On Tuesday, the pub unveiled the second puppet of Jacinda Ardern.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ardern-says-new-zealand-mosque-attack-film-should-focus-on-muslim-community-not-her-391330">Ardern says New Zealand mosque attack film should focus on Muslim community, not her</a>

This time, her caricature has been designed to wear a chain mail dress and she is holding a scepter with a big grin on her face. The puppet this year is very different from the one which was unveiled in 2018 and showed her as a DJ.

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The puppet vs the reaction. <a href="https://t.co/9UCk3MizGB">pic.twitter.com/9UCk3MizGB</a>
— Abbey Wakefield (@Beywake) <a href="https://twitter.com/Beywake/status/1407226513343213568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I’m often asked what the most unusual thing I’m asked to do as prime minister is. Unveiling a puppet in your likeness is right up there," Ardern said after the revelation of the puppet.

<img alt="Image" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4eKeG7VkAUp7Ck?format=jpg&amp;name=large" />

The pub also unveiled puppets of National party leader Judith Collins, Act party leader David Seymour and Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick.

In addition to the puppets, the pub also introduced political-themed food dishes such as "Ardern’s fresh fish" or "Robertson’s scotch fillet".

New Zealand’s famous puppet pub has unveiled a new life-size puppet of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the leader feels it is "a cross between some kind of celestial being and something from Game of Thrones".

New Zealand’s famous puppet pub has unveiled a new life-size puppet of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the leader feels it is "a cross between some kind of celestial being and something from Game of Thrones". The Backbencher pub, which is located opposite the parliament house in Wellington, is famous for creating puppets of the likeness of politicians for the last 30 years. On Tuesday, the pub unveiled the second puppet of Jacinda Ardern. Also read | Ardern says New Zealand mosque attack film should focus on Muslim community, not her This time, her caricature has been designed to wear a chain mail dress and she is holding a scepter with a big grin on her face. The puppet this year is very different from the one which was unveiled in 2018 and showed her as a DJ. The puppet vs the reaction. pic.twitter.com/9UCk3MizGB — Abbey Wakefield (@Beywake) June 22, 2021 × "I’m often asked what the most unusual thing I’m asked to do as prime minister is. Unveiling a puppet in your likeness is right up there," Ardern said after the revelation of the puppet. The pub also unveiled puppets of National party leader Judith Collins, Act party leader David Seymour and Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick. In addition to the puppets, the pub also introduced political-themed food dishes such as "Ardern’s fresh fish" or "Robertson’s scotch fillet".

'Something from Game of Thrones': Jacinda Ardern laughs at her new puppet

43-year-old weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will create history by becoming the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics Games after New Zealand picked her for participating in the women’s team at Tokyo 2021.

New Zealand picks first transgender athlete for Olympics

Kyle Jamieson said his team is satisfied to keep things yet to be determined after India came to 146 for three on day two of the World Test Championship final on Saturday.&nbsp;

Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill showed striking application against the moving ball to share a 62-run stand.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-india-have-done-very-very-well-michael-vaughan-lauds-virat-and-cos-batting-effort-392679" hreflang="en">WTC Final- 'India have done very, very well': Michael Vaughan lauds Virat and Co.'s batting effort</a>&nbsp;

Notwithstanding, New Zealand had the option to take three wickets before terrible light carried an untimely finish to day two. The first day of the season was cleaned out.

During a post-match press conference after the end of day 2, Kyle Jamieson said:&nbsp;"It was a good day for Test cricket, the disruption probably didn't help the momentum that we had at that point of time. It was crucial to try to get balls in reasonable areas for long periods, how we did that throughout the day after they started off well was pretty pleasing, to keep things in the balance."

"There is a reason why they are one of the top teams in the world for a long period of time. For us, it was about putting the ball in the right areas and I think we were able to do that for the most part and take that confidence tomorrow" - he added.

Indian batting mentor Vikram Rathour said that a first innings score of 250 or more will place India in a battling position. After some information about his assessment, Kyle Jamieson said: "We certainly haven't spoken around a number, I think there is an opportunity to score runs as a batting unit and there is still some help with the ball moving around and seaming. The Indian batsmen have shown if you are patient, there are still runs to be had. So whether 250 is a good score, only time will tell."

Kyle Jamieson said his team was able to keep the ball in testing regions for an extensive stretch.

"You look at their lineup, you are expecting those guys to do well, they have good records and they have done special things around the world. They have put away slightly bad ball, they were able to score freely," he said.

"They certainly played well in first hours. We tried to wobble the ball a bit and keep guys engaged. It is part of our arsenal, there were no set plans how we want to operate after that first hour."&nbsp;

Kyle Jamieson was glad to see Shubman Gill not getting genuinely hurt by the bouncer bowled to him during the World Test Championship Final.&nbsp;

In the 17th over, Kyle Jamieson bowled a short delivery to Shubman Gill that smacked flush on the helmet. The physios and substitutes of the Indian cricket crew promptly raced to the middle to beware of Shubman Gill. Fortunately, the 21-year-old appeared all good, and he kept on batting in the middle.&nbsp;

"No, we didn't really talk about it too much. Obviously, I'm glad that he's okay and he continued on. It was not nice seeing someone get hurt and have the physios run on, so it was obviously good to see that he was okay and he was able to continue on."

With the New Zealand pacers' bowling pair, the Indian opening couple of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill attempted to descend the track at times.&nbsp;

"It was an interesting one, it is not something we probably expected a huge amount. My take was that, if they were walking then they were not comfortable where I was bowling in the crease, so I tried to take that as a positive. The more they felt that they had to move around to throw us off, we could just hang in there and it sort of can get dividends" - he concluded.

Kyle Jamieson said his team is satisfied to keep things yet to be determined after India came to 146 for three on day two of the World Test Championship final on Saturday.

Kyle Jamieson said his team is satisfied to keep things yet to be determined after India came to 146 for three on day two of the World Test Championship final on Saturday. Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill showed striking application against the moving ball to share a 62-run stand. ALSO READ: WTC Final- 'India have done very, very well': Michael Vaughan lauds Virat and Co.'s batting effort Notwithstanding, New Zealand had the option to take three wickets before terrible light carried an untimely finish to day two. The first day of the season was cleaned out. During a post-match press conference after the end of day 2, Kyle Jamieson said: "It was a good day for Test cricket, the disruption probably didn't help the momentum that we had at that point of time. It was crucial to try to get balls in reasonable areas for long periods, how we did that throughout the day after they started off well was pretty pleasing, to keep things in the balance." "There is a reason why they are one of the top teams in the world for a long period of time. For us, it was about putting the ball in the right areas and I think we were able to do that for the most part and take that confidence tomorrow" - he added. Indian batting mentor Vikram Rathour said that a first innings score of 250 or more will place India in a battling position. After some information about his assessment, Kyle Jamieson said: "We certainly haven't spoken around a number, I think there is an opportunity to score runs as a batting unit and there is still some help with the ball moving around and seaming. The Indian batsmen have shown if you are patient, there are still runs to be had. So whether 250 is a good score, only time will tell." Kyle Jamieson said his team was able to keep the ball in testing regions for an extensive stretch. "You look at their lineup, you are expecting those guys to do well, they have good records and they have done special things around the world. They have put away slightly bad ball, they were able to score freely," he said. "They certainly played well in first hours. We tried to wobble the ball a bit and keep guys engaged. It is part of our arsenal, there were no set plans how we want to operate after that first hour." Kyle Jamieson was glad to see Shubman Gill not getting genuinely hurt by the bouncer bowled to him during the World Test Championship Final. In the 17th over, Kyle Jamieson bowled a short delivery to Shubman Gill that smacked flush on the helmet. The physios and substitutes of the Indian cricket crew promptly raced to the middle to beware of Shubman Gill. Fortunately, the 21-year-old appeared all good, and he kept on batting in the middle. "No, we didn't really talk about it too much. Obviously, I'm glad that he's okay and he continued on. It was not nice seeing someone get hurt and have the physios run on, so it was obviously good to see that he was okay and he was able to continue on." With the New Zealand pacers' bowling pair, the Indian opening couple of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill attempted to descend the track at times. "It was an interesting one, it is not something we probably expected a huge amount. My take was that, if they were walking then they were not comfortable where I was bowling in the crease, so I tried to take that as a positive. The more they felt that they had to move around to throw us off, we could just hang in there and it sort of can get dividends" - he concluded.

WTC Final: It was a good day for Test cricket, says New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson

New Zealand decided to play all four-seamers due to overcast conditions and no spinners in their playing XI against India in the World Test Championship final at Rose Bowl. However, Australian legend Shane Warne was disappointed with BlackCaps for not including a spinner in their playing XI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-india-were-proactive-sanjay-bangar-lauds-team-indias-opening-pair-392631" hreflang="en">WTC Final- 'India were proactive': Sanjay Bangar lauds Team India's opening pair</a>

World Test Championship final finally kicked off on Day 2 after the first Day was abandoned without play due to a heavy downpour. However, the toss was underway on the second day and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first and revealed that the team will go ahead with an all-pace bowling attack as he felt that the overcast conditions will favour their star seamers.&nbsp;

Team India, on the other hand, decided to include two spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.&nbsp;

Warne took to Twitter to slam Kiwis for the decision. He tweeted: "Very disappointed in Nz not playing a spinner in the #ICCWorldTestChampionship as this wicket is going to spin big with huge foot marks developing already. Remember if it seems it will spin. India make anything more than 275/300 ! The match is over unless weather comes in," Warne said.

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Very disappointed in Nz not playing a spinner in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCWorldTestChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCWorldTestChampionship</a> as this wicket is going to spin big with huge foot marks developing already. Remember if it seems it will spin. India make anything more than 275/300 ! The match is over unless weather comes in !
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1406240569815228427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Team India started off well, despite testing conditions, Virat and Co. managed to get 146/3 before players were taken off due to bad light. Skipper Virat Kohli is nearing a crucial half-century.&nbsp;

New Zealand decided to play all four-seamers due to overcast conditions and no spinners in their playing XI against India in the World Test Championship final at Rose Bowl.

New Zealand decided to play all four-seamers due to overcast conditions and no spinners in their playing XI against India in the World Test Championship final at Rose Bowl. However, Australian legend Shane Warne was disappointed with BlackCaps for not including a spinner in their playing XI. ALSO READ: WTC Final- 'India were proactive': Sanjay Bangar lauds Team India's opening pair World Test Championship final finally kicked off on Day 2 after the first Day was abandoned without play due to a heavy downpour. However, the toss was underway on the second day and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first and revealed that the team will go ahead with an all-pace bowling attack as he felt that the overcast conditions will favour their star seamers. Team India, on the other hand, decided to include two spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. Warne took to Twitter to slam Kiwis for the decision. He tweeted: "Very disappointed in Nz not playing a spinner in the #ICCWorldTestChampionship as this wicket is going to spin big with huge foot marks developing already. Remember if it seems it will spin. India make anything more than 275/300 ! The match is over unless weather comes in," Warne said. Very disappointed in Nz not playing a spinner in the #ICCWorldTestChampionship as this wicket is going to spin big with huge foot marks developing already. Remember if it seems it will spin. India make anything more than 275/300 ! The match is over unless weather comes in ! — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) June 19, 2021 × Team India started off well, despite testing conditions, Virat and Co. managed to get 146/3 before players were taken off due to bad light. Skipper Virat Kohli is nearing a crucial half-century.

WTC Final- 'Very disappointed': Shane Warne slams New Zealand for not including spinner

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