Brenton Tarrant, the shooter who killed 51 Muslim worshippers in New Zealand, is facing life in prison without parole.

New Zealand's first terrorism conviction | Christchurch Mosque shootings | World News

New Zealand mosque shooting survivors, and family or friends of the victims have been allowed to come to the court this week and face the gunman during his sentencing.

The 29-year-old white supremacist is guilty of open firing at more than 50 people in a mosque in Christchurch in March 2019.&nbsp;Brenton Harrison Tarrant, the gunman, was arrested immediately, after which he pleaded guilty to&nbsp;51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism.

"I don't think there is much that I can say that is going to ease just how traumatic that period's going to be," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

Tarrant's attack is the known as the worst attack in the history of modern New Zealand, and was hugely criticised by leaders all over the world. The racist attack was new to the country and is labelled to be&nbsp;the first terrorism conviction in the nation's history. As New Zealand abolished death penalty for murder in 1961, the longest known sentence, as of now, is life imprisonment with a minimum 30-year non-parole period. However, this may be the first life imprisonment without parole in the history of New Zealand.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-patently-wrong-jacinda-ardern-snaps-back-at-trumps-coronavirus-remarks-321395">Also read|&nbsp;It's patently wrong: Jacinda Ardern snaps back at Trump's coronavirus remarks</a>

His sentencing will be a four-days long process, which will be starting from Monday. The Australian citizen will be representing himself in the court, as he earlier dismissed all lawyers issued for him. Experts fear he will use this opportunity to further promote his racist views, but people are also hoping that the judge will block all his tries to approach the stand.

The&nbsp;Judge Cameron Mander has also taken the liberty of banning the reporting rights of&nbsp;some of the things that will be said in the courtroom by either of the sides. He has now allowed live reporting from the courtroom, and has allowed the survivors and family members to choose to stay anonymous. The decision has been taken as Mander believes this is a sensitive issue that has affected many people in different ways and can further fuel the anger if not reported correctly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-delays-election-after-coronavirus-return-321027">Also read|&nbsp;New Zealand PM&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return</a>

Pandemic restrictions

Due to the social distancing regulations in the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, all survivors and family members were asked to be quarantined for a 14-day period on arrival. Those who testes negative will only be allowed to attend the court on Monday. In addition to this, only 35 people will be allowed to be present in the court room at a time. Others will be seated in the adjacent courtrooms, where the sentencing will be live broadcasted.

New Zealand mosque shooting survivors, and family or friends of the victims have been allowed to come to the court this week and face the gunman during his sentencing.

New Zealand mosque shooting survivors, and family or friends of the victims have been allowed to come to the court this week and face the gunman during his sentencing. The 29-year-old white supremacist is guilty of open firing at more than 50 people in a mosque in Christchurch in March 2019. Brenton Harrison Tarrant, the gunman, was arrested immediately, after which he pleaded guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism. "I don't think there is much that I can say that is going to ease just how traumatic that period's going to be," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. Tarrant's attack is the known as the worst attack in the history of modern New Zealand, and was hugely criticised by leaders all over the world. The racist attack was new to the country and is labelled to be the first terrorism conviction in the nation's history. As New Zealand abolished death penalty for murder in 1961, the longest known sentence, as of now, is life imprisonment with a minimum 30-year non-parole period. However, this may be the first life imprisonment without parole in the history of New Zealand. Also read| It's patently wrong: Jacinda Ardern snaps back at Trump's coronavirus remarks His sentencing will be a four-days long process, which will be starting from Monday. The Australian citizen will be representing himself in the court, as he earlier dismissed all lawyers issued for him. Experts fear he will use this opportunity to further promote his racist views, but people are also hoping that the judge will block all his tries to approach the stand. The Judge Cameron Mander has also taken the liberty of banning the reporting rights of some of the things that will be said in the courtroom by either of the sides. He has now allowed live reporting from the courtroom, and has allowed the survivors and family members to choose to stay anonymous. The decision has been taken as Mander believes this is a sensitive issue that has affected many people in different ways and can further fuel the anger if not reported correctly. Also read| New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return Pandemic restrictions Due to the social distancing regulations in the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, all survivors and family members were asked to be quarantined for a 14-day period on arrival. Those who testes negative will only be allowed to attend the court on Monday. In addition to this, only 35 people will be allowed to be present in the court room at a time. Others will be seated in the adjacent courtrooms, where the sentencing will be live broadcasted.

New Zealand mosque survivors to face gunman at sentencing

Brenton Tarrant, the suspected white supremacist who killed 51 Muslim worshippers in 2019 arrived in Christchurch on Sunday ahead of sentencing hearings. Also read: New Zealand mosque survivors to face gunman at sentencing The massacre that took place last year, prompted a global campaign to stamp out online hate.

Brenton Tarrant, the suspected white supremacist who killed 51 Muslim worshippers in 2019 arrived in Christchurch on Sunday ahead of sentencing hearings. Also read: New Zealand mosque survivors to face gunman at sentencing The massacre that took place last year, prompted a global campaign to stamp out online hate. According to television footage, Tarrant disembarked a New Zealand air force plane at Christchurch Airport, wearing a protective vest and helmet and escorted by armed officers, before being directed into the back of a white van. In pics: Portland protests! Anti-racism protesters clash with police forces He pleads guilty to 51 charges of murder, 40 charges of attempted murder and one charge of committing a terrorist act. According to the New Zealand Herald's report, Tarrant was transported to Christchurch from Auckland Prison at Paremoremo. The court in Christchurch is set to begin multi-day sentencing on Monday where survivors of the attack and family members of those killed will deliver victim impact statements. Australian citizen Tarrant will be sentenced after being allowed to make a statement. In New Zealand, crimes like murder carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison, however, the judge can impose a life term without the possibility of release, a sentence never used in the country. A police spokeswoman declined to comment on Tarrant's movements, referring Reuters to the country's Department of Corrections. A spokeswoman there declined to comment, citing "the interests of public safety and operational security". (Inputs from Reuters)

New Zealand mosque shooter arrives in Christchurch for multi-day sentencing

New Zealand Prime Minister&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge".

"Anyone who is following&nbsp;will quite easily see that New Zealand's nine cases in a day does not compare to the United States' tens of thousands," she said. "Obviously, it's patently wrong."

Her remarks came after Trump, during an election rally in Minnesota, talked about a "big surge in New Zealand".

"They beat it; they beat it. It was like front page (news), they beat it because they wanted to show me something."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-delays-election-after-coronavirus-return-321027">Also read:&nbsp;New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return</a>

He further added,&nbsp;"It's terrible. We don't want that." He also added that all his critics who held New Zealand as an example were wrong.

Ardern was successful in handling the spread of coronavirus and celebrated 100 days without the novel coronavirus. However, few days after the 100-day milestone, a new cluster was found in Auckland.&nbsp;

New Zealand, with a population of five million, has around 1,300 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. However, the US has reported more than five million coronavirus cases and more than&nbsp;170,000 deaths.

The two leaders, who have rarely clashed, are both gearing up for major elections later this year. Trump is contesting against Joe Biden for Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, and Ardern will be contesting against&nbsp;Judith Collins.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge".

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has snapped back at the US President Donald Trump for calling the new found coronavirus cluster in New Zealand a "huge surge". "Anyone who is following will quite easily see that New Zealand's nine cases in a day does not compare to the United States' tens of thousands," she said. "Obviously, it's patently wrong." Her remarks came after Trump, during an election rally in Minnesota, talked about a "big surge in New Zealand". "They beat it; they beat it. It was like front page (news), they beat it because they wanted to show me something." Also read: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return He further added, "It's terrible. We don't want that." He also added that all his critics who held New Zealand as an example were wrong. Ardern was successful in handling the spread of coronavirus and celebrated 100 days without the novel coronavirus. However, few days after the 100-day milestone, a new cluster was found in Auckland. New Zealand, with a population of five million, has around 1,300 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. However, the US has reported more than five million coronavirus cases and more than 170,000 deaths. The two leaders, who have rarely clashed, are both gearing up for major elections later this year. Trump is contesting against Joe Biden for Presidential elections scheduled on November 03, and Ardern will be contesting against Judith Collins.

It's patently wrong: Jacinda Ardern snaps back at Trump's coronavirus remarks

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday delayed New Zealand's looming election by four weeks to October 17 after a renewed coronavirus outbreak hampered campaigning.

Ardern was under pressure from political opponents and her coalition partners to shift the original September 19 vote after COVID-19 was detected in Auckland last week, sending the country's largest city into lockdown.

She said the return of the virus after 102 days without community transmission had rattled Kiwis and could have discouraged some from casting their ballots in a September election.

The centre-left leader, who is riding high in opinion polls, also acknowledged concerns from rivals that curbs on campaigning would unfairly weigh the election in favour of her government.

After spending the weekend consulting with party leaders and the Electoral Commission, she chose October 17, the earliest delayed date available to her.

Ardern said the change meant all parties would be campaigning under the same conditions and she would not move the date again regardless of the situation.

"I have absolutely no intention at all to change from this point," she said.

"This decision gives all parties time over the next nine weeks to campaign and the Electoral Commission enough time to ensure an election can go ahead."

All parties temporarily suspended campaigning in the wake of last week's outbreak, the source of which remains unknown.

The virus was first detected in four family members in Auckland last Tuesday and by Sunday the cluster had grown to 49 confirmed cases.

'Common sense'

The South Pacific nation is following the same strategy that helped contain coronavirus during a seven-week lockdown earlier this year -- isolating positive cases, contact tracing and extensive testing.

The earlier success has helped lift Ardern's personal popularity rating to a record 60 percent, along with her leadership during last year's Christchurch mosque attacks and the White Island volcano eruption.

Ardern's Labour Party is on track to win office in its own right, without the minor party coalition partners -- the Greens and New Zealand First (NZF) -- it needed during its first term.

The main opposition National Party last week demanded the election be postponed until late November, or preferably next year, saying September 19 was untenable.

Ardern's coalition partner NZF backed the delay Monday after earlier saying the September option had been "fatally compromised" by the outbreak.

"Common sense has prevailed," said NZF leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, whose populist party faces an election wipeout on current polling.

Labour's other coalition partner, the Greens, said the four-week delay should give health authorities time to contain the Auckland cluster.

But co-leader James Shaw accused some parties of displaying "naked political self-interest" in demanding a delay, saying they hoped the pandemic's economic impact would dent the government's popularity in the meantime.

"We have been incredibly disappointed to see the National and other small parties continue to use the weekend to bang on about what would suit them best politically," he said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday delayed New Zealand's looming election by four weeks to October 17 after a renewed coronavirus outbreak hampered campaigning.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday delayed New Zealand's looming election by four weeks to October 17 after a renewed coronavirus outbreak hampered campaigning. Ardern was under pressure from political opponents and her coalition partners to shift the original September 19 vote after COVID-19 was detected in Auckland last week, sending the country's largest city into lockdown. She said the return of the virus after 102 days without community transmission had rattled Kiwis and could have discouraged some from casting their ballots in a September election. The centre-left leader, who is riding high in opinion polls, also acknowledged concerns from rivals that curbs on campaigning would unfairly weigh the election in favour of her government. After spending the weekend consulting with party leaders and the Electoral Commission, she chose October 17, the earliest delayed date available to her. Ardern said the change meant all parties would be campaigning under the same conditions and she would not move the date again regardless of the situation. "I have absolutely no intention at all to change from this point," she said. "This decision gives all parties time over the next nine weeks to campaign and the Electoral Commission enough time to ensure an election can go ahead." All parties temporarily suspended campaigning in the wake of last week's outbreak, the source of which remains unknown. The virus was first detected in four family members in Auckland last Tuesday and by Sunday the cluster had grown to 49 confirmed cases. 'Common sense' The South Pacific nation is following the same strategy that helped contain coronavirus during a seven-week lockdown earlier this year -- isolating positive cases, contact tracing and extensive testing. The earlier success has helped lift Ardern's personal popularity rating to a record 60 percent, along with her leadership during last year's Christchurch mosque attacks and the White Island volcano eruption. Ardern's Labour Party is on track to win office in its own right, without the minor party coalition partners -- the Greens and New Zealand First (NZF) -- it needed during its first term. The main opposition National Party last week demanded the election be postponed until late November, or preferably next year, saying September 19 was untenable. Ardern's coalition partner NZF backed the delay Monday after earlier saying the September option had been "fatally compromised" by the outbreak. "Common sense has prevailed," said NZF leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, whose populist party faces an election wipeout on current polling. Labour's other coalition partner, the Greens, said the four-week delay should give health authorities time to contain the Auckland cluster. But co-leader James Shaw accused some parties of displaying "naked political self-interest" in demanding a delay, saying they hoped the pandemic's economic impact would dent the government's popularity in the meantime. "We have been incredibly disappointed to see the National and other small parties continue to use the weekend to bang on about what would suit them best politically," he said.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern delays election after coronavirus return

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will take a call on Monday whether to go ahead with the general election on September 19, with most analysts expecting her to resist opposition calls for a delay due to a flare up in coronavirus cases in the country.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will take a call on Monday whether to go ahead with the general election on September 19, with most analysts expecting her to resist opposition calls for a delay due to a flare up in coronavirus cases in the country. A country of five million people, a long way from anywhere, New Zealand has fared far better than most countries during the pandemic, but a spate of new infections forced Ardern earlier this week to lockdown Auckland, the largest city. Seven new cases were reported on Saturday. Also read: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern puts Auckland on lockdown after four coronavirus cases detected Ardern has won praise for her decisive response to the pandemic, and opinion polls have shown her Labour Party in a winning position. Pollsters have been unable to survey voters since the latest outbreak, but analysts expected Ardern to decide to go ahead with the election next month,according to Reuters. The opposition National Party would like it delayed, they said, in the hope that Ardern loses some of her lustre once hardships caused by the lockdown begin to bite. "She is a savvy politician," said Grant Duncan, professor of politics at Massey University. "It pays for the government to have an election sooner rather than later, while the opposition wants it delayed." Forced to cancel campaign events due to restrictions on movement and crowds due to the health scare, the opposition has accused Ardern of using the pandemic to shore up support as she appears on television nearly everyday to reassure New Zealanders, while their own leaders struggle to draw audiences. Parliament is due to be dissolved on Monday, and Ardern told reporters on Friday that she would have decided by then, while giving assurances that the election commission had already planned for the vote - which must be held by Nov. 21 - to be conducted safely. (With inputs from Reuters)

New Zealand's PM Ardern expected to resist call to delay vote as virus flares up

New Zealand's government on August 14 extended a lockdown of its largest city Auckland for another 12 days as it tries to stamp out its first domestic coronavirus outbreak in more than three months.

New Zealand extends lockdown in Auckland as COVID-19 cluster grows

After New Zealand reported 29 new cases of coronavirus, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has extended a lockdown in the capital city.

The Prime Minister, known for quick and effective reaction, has issued a stay-at-home order across Auckland till August 26 to contain the spread of noel coronavirus.

The cases were identified after New Zealand completed 100 days of being one of the rare countries to be completely coronavirus-free.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-concerns-rise-after-fresh-cluster-causes-hike-in-coronavirus-cases-320129">Also read|&nbsp;New Zealand: Concerns rise after fresh cluster causes hike in coronavirus cases</a>

Ardern also believes the lockdown will help the experts trace, identify and contain the new cluster, from which all the 29 cases were identified.

Genomic tests that were conducted established that the latest infections were not the same strain of coronavirus recorded in New Zealand earlier this year. "This suggests it's not a case of the virus being dormant, or of burning embers in our community, it appears to be new to New Zealand," Ardern said.

When asked if the virus was brought in through a freight transport or not, Ardern hinted that there's a possiblity the cause of the outbreak may never be found. She also added, "We don't necessarily need to answer that question in order to contain and deal with this cluster effectively."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-considers-freight-as-possible-source-of-new-coronavirus-cluster-319846">Also read:&nbsp;New Zealand considers freight as possible source of new coronavirus cluster</a>

She has assured people that her administration is trying their best to become coronavirus-free again, but asked for support from the public as "Lifting restrictions now and seeing a potential explosion in cases is the worst thing we would do for Auckland and the New Zealand economy."

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Health Minister Chris Hipkins has claimed that all new cases have been linked to an Auckland cluster, and therefore can be contained easily.&nbsp;"The cases so far are connected, they are all part of one Auckland-based cluster, that's good news," he said.

Ardern said swabs had been taken from 50,000 people in the past two days. She has also made it compulsory for&nbsp; the airport and port staff to go through testing after it was reported by some media reports that workers at the Auckland airport were not checked for the virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

After New Zealand reported 29 new cases of coronavirus, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has extended a lockdown in the capital city. The Prime Minister, known for quick and effective reaction, has issued a stay-at-home order across Auckland till August 26 to contain the spread of noel coronavirus.

After New Zealand reported 29 new cases of coronavirus, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has extended a lockdown in the capital city. The Prime Minister, known for quick and effective reaction, has issued a stay-at-home order across Auckland till August 26 to contain the spread of noel coronavirus. The cases were identified after New Zealand completed 100 days of being one of the rare countries to be completely coronavirus-free. Also read| New Zealand: Concerns rise after fresh cluster causes hike in coronavirus cases Ardern also believes the lockdown will help the experts trace, identify and contain the new cluster, from which all the 29 cases were identified. Genomic tests that were conducted established that the latest infections were not the same strain of coronavirus recorded in New Zealand earlier this year. "This suggests it's not a case of the virus being dormant, or of burning embers in our community, it appears to be new to New Zealand," Ardern said. When asked if the virus was brought in through a freight transport or not, Ardern hinted that there's a possiblity the cause of the outbreak may never be found. She also added, "We don't necessarily need to answer that question in order to contain and deal with this cluster effectively." Also read: New Zealand considers freight as possible source of new coronavirus cluster She has assured people that her administration is trying their best to become coronavirus-free again, but asked for support from the public as "Lifting restrictions now and seeing a potential explosion in cases is the worst thing we would do for Auckland and the New Zealand economy." Meanwhile, Health Minister Chris Hipkins has claimed that all new cases have been linked to an Auckland cluster, and therefore can be contained easily. "The cases so far are connected, they are all part of one Auckland-based cluster, that's good news," he said. Ardern said swabs had been taken from 50,000 people in the past two days. She has also made it compulsory for the airport and port staff to go through testing after it was reported by some media reports that workers at the Auckland airport were not checked for the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Jacinda Ardern extends lockdown after rise in coronavirus cases in New Zealand

A fresh coronavirus cluster in Auckland has led to 17 coronavirus cases, days after New Zealand marked record 102 days without a single case of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

National health chief Ashley Bloomfield on Wednesday said all 13 new COVID-19 infections are linked to a single family whose four family members tested positive on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-defers-parliament-dissolution-as-it-rushes-to-contain-covid-19-outbreak-319956">New Zealand defers parliament dissolution as it rushes to contain COVID-19 outbreak</a>

The sudden rise in the coronavirus cases could lead to an extension of a three-day lockdown in Auckland imposed on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-considers-freight-as-possible-source-of-new-coronavirus-cluster-319846">New Zealand considers freight as possible source of new coronavirus cluster</a>

The remaining part of the country was put under slightly looser level 2 restrictions. The new curbs will remain in place until Friday when Ardern will announce the next set of measures.&nbsp;

The health chief said a student studying in one of New Zealand's largest high schools has also been tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she expected more cases linked to the current spike, adding that all cases were limited to a single cluster in Auckland is an encouraging trend.&nbsp;

"As we all learned with our first experience with COVID, once you identify a cluster, it grows before it slows," Ardern said in a televised address.

Highlighting that the situation is "serious", the prime minister said, "it is being dealt with in an urgent but calm and methodical way."

Bloomfield said "it's too early" to decide on lockdown extension and will depend on the developments in the next 24 hours.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A fresh coronavirus cluster in Auckland has led to 17 coronavirus cases, days after New Zealand marked record 102 days without a single case of the deadly virus.

A fresh coronavirus cluster in Auckland has led to 17 coronavirus cases, days after New Zealand marked record 102 days without a single case of the deadly virus. National health chief Ashley Bloomfield on Wednesday said all 13 new COVID-19 infections are linked to a single family whose four family members tested positive on Tuesday. Also read | New Zealand defers parliament dissolution as it rushes to contain COVID-19 outbreak The sudden rise in the coronavirus cases could lead to an extension of a three-day lockdown in Auckland imposed on Wednesday. Also read | New Zealand considers freight as possible source of new coronavirus cluster The remaining part of the country was put under slightly looser level 2 restrictions. The new curbs will remain in place until Friday when Ardern will announce the next set of measures. The health chief said a student studying in one of New Zealand's largest high schools has also been tested positive for COVID-19. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she expected more cases linked to the current spike, adding that all cases were limited to a single cluster in Auckland is an encouraging trend. "As we all learned with our first experience with COVID, once you identify a cluster, it grows before it slows," Ardern said in a televised address. Highlighting that the situation is "serious", the prime minister said, "it is being dealt with in an urgent but calm and methodical way." Bloomfield said "it's too early" to decide on lockdown extension and will depend on the developments in the next 24 hours.

New Zealand: Concerns rise after fresh cluster causes hike in coronavirus cases

New Zealand officials are investigating the possibility that its first COVID-19 cases in more than three months were imported by freight, as the country plunged back into lockdown on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The discovery of four infected family members in Auckland led Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to swiftly reimpose tight restrictions on movement in New Zealand's biggest city and travel limitations across the entire country.

The source of the outbreak has baffled health officials, who said they were confident there were was no local transmission of the virus in New Zealand for 102 days and that the family had not travelled overseas.

"We are working hard to put together pieces of the puzzle on how this family got infected," said Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield.&nbsp;

Investigations were zeroing in on the potential the virus was imported by freight. Bloomfield said surface testing was underway in an Auckland cool store where a man from the infected family worked.

"We are very confident we didn't have any community transmission for a very long period," Bloomfield said during a televised media conference. "We know the virus can survive within refrigerated environments for quite some time."

China has reported instances of the coronavirus being detected on the packaging of imported frozen seafood.

On Tuesday, the city government of Yantai, a port city in eastern Shandong province, said it had found the virus on the packaging of frozen seafood that had arrived from the port city of Dalian, which recently battled a surge of cases. Officials said the seafood was from an imported shipment that landed at Dalian, but did not say where it originated.&nbsp;

In New Zealand, Auckland shifted to level 3 restrictions at midday (2400 GMT) on Wednesday, requiring people to stay at home unless for essential trips. The rest of the country was placed back into slightly looser level 2 restrictions. The restrictions will initially remain in place until Friday.

"I have huge sympathy ... this is unsettling," Ardern said. "Stay kind, look after one another."

Police were setting up roadblocks around the city and supermarkets began rationing the sale of some staple products amid a rush to the shelves. Access to aged care nursing homes was restricted to staff and essential deliveries.

"THE RACE IS ON"

The resumption of lockdown measures was reinforced by confirmation on Wednesday that two members of the infected family had visited tourist sites in the town of Rotorua while symptomatic, while a third had gone to work at a finance company in Auckland, also while symptomatic.&nbsp;

Bloomfield said three people at the finance company were showing symptoms of the virus. The business has been closed, with testing underway on other workers.

Health officials were prepared to test tens of thousands of people in the coming days, Bloomfield said.

Ardern also delayed a key step toward a Sept. 19 general election, suspending the dissolution of parliament until Monday. No decision had yet been made on delaying the actual poll, she added, noting there was a window to defer until Nov. 21.

Siouxsie Wiles, microbiologist and associate professor at the University of Auckland, said lockdown measures were the best option to stamp out the virus. She warned restrictions would likely be extended if officials could not trace the source within three days.

"The race is on to find the source of the cases and break any chains of transmission," she said.

New Zealand officials are investigating the possibility that its first COVID-19 cases in more than three months were imported by freight, as the country plunged back into lockdown on Wednesday.

New Zealand officials are investigating the possibility that its first COVID-19 cases in more than three months were imported by freight, as the country plunged back into lockdown on Wednesday. The discovery of four infected family members in Auckland led Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to swiftly reimpose tight restrictions on movement in New Zealand's biggest city and travel limitations across the entire country. The source of the outbreak has baffled health officials, who said they were confident there were was no local transmission of the virus in New Zealand for 102 days and that the family had not travelled overseas. "We are working hard to put together pieces of the puzzle on how this family got infected," said Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield. Investigations were zeroing in on the potential the virus was imported by freight. Bloomfield said surface testing was underway in an Auckland cool store where a man from the infected family worked. "We are very confident we didn't have any community transmission for a very long period," Bloomfield said during a televised media conference. "We know the virus can survive within refrigerated environments for quite some time." China has reported instances of the coronavirus being detected on the packaging of imported frozen seafood. On Tuesday, the city government of Yantai, a port city in eastern Shandong province, said it had found the virus on the packaging of frozen seafood that had arrived from the port city of Dalian, which recently battled a surge of cases. Officials said the seafood was from an imported shipment that landed at Dalian, but did not say where it originated. In New Zealand, Auckland shifted to level 3 restrictions at midday (2400 GMT) on Wednesday, requiring people to stay at home unless for essential trips. The rest of the country was placed back into slightly looser level 2 restrictions. The restrictions will initially remain in place until Friday. "I have huge sympathy ... this is unsettling," Ardern said. "Stay kind, look after one another." Police were setting up roadblocks around the city and supermarkets began rationing the sale of some staple products amid a rush to the shelves. Access to aged care nursing homes was restricted to staff and essential deliveries. "THE RACE IS ON" The resumption of lockdown measures was reinforced by confirmation on Wednesday that two members of the infected family had visited tourist sites in the town of Rotorua while symptomatic, while a third had gone to work at a finance company in Auckland, also while symptomatic. Bloomfield said three people at the finance company were showing symptoms of the virus. The business has been closed, with testing underway on other workers. Health officials were prepared to test tens of thousands of people in the coming days, Bloomfield said. Ardern also delayed a key step toward a Sept. 19 general election, suspending the dissolution of parliament until Monday. No decision had yet been made on delaying the actual poll, she added, noting there was a window to defer until Nov. 21. Siouxsie Wiles, microbiologist and associate professor at the University of Auckland, said lockdown measures were the best option to stamp out the virus. She warned restrictions would likely be extended if officials could not trace the source within three days. "The race is on to find the source of the cases and break any chains of transmission," she said.

New Zealand considers freight as possible source of new coronavirus cluster

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday&nbsp;delayed a key step toward next month's general election, as the country was plunged back into lockdown after the discovery of the first COVID-19 cases in more than three months.

Ardern said she was suspending the dissolution of parliament, which was due to make way for an election scheduled to take place on September&nbsp;19, until Monday. No decision had yet been made on delaying the actual poll, she added.

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;health officials are urgently tracing the source of four&nbsp;new&nbsp;cases of COVID-19, all within one family in Auckland, the country's largest city. They&nbsp;are investigating the possibility that its first virus cases in more than three months were imported by freight.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-puts-auckland-on-lockdown-after-four-coronavirus-cases-detected-319714">New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern puts Auckland on lockdown after four coronavirus cases detected</a>

The cluster, the first cases reported in the country for 102 days, led Ardern to announce the reimposition of lockdown measures late on Tuesday.

Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said the infected family was in strict isolation at home, but one woman had travelled to tourist spots in Rotorua while she was symptomatic.

Parliament was due to be dissolved on Wednesday to allow the election to take place, but the centre-left leader held off the move until Monday to monitor how the crisis evolves.

"At this stage, it's too early to make any decision but this means there is some flexibility if required," said Ardern, who is well ahead in opinion polls and expected to win a second term.

Leader of the opposition National Party Judith Collins called for a delay until late November, or even next year.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday delayed a key step toward next month's general election, as the country was plunged back into lockdown after the discovery of the first COVID-19 cases in more than three months.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday delayed a key step toward next month's general election, as the country was plunged back into lockdown after the discovery of the first COVID-19 cases in more than three months. Ardern said she was suspending the dissolution of parliament, which was due to make way for an election scheduled to take place on September 19, until Monday. No decision had yet been made on delaying the actual poll, she added. New Zealand health officials are urgently tracing the source of four new cases of COVID-19, all within one family in Auckland, the country's largest city. They are investigating the possibility that its first virus cases in more than three months were imported by freight. Also read: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern puts Auckland on lockdown after four coronavirus cases detected The cluster, the first cases reported in the country for 102 days, led Ardern to announce the reimposition of lockdown measures late on Tuesday. Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said the infected family was in strict isolation at home, but one woman had travelled to tourist spots in Rotorua while she was symptomatic. Parliament was due to be dissolved on Wednesday to allow the election to take place, but the centre-left leader held off the move until Monday to monitor how the crisis evolves. "At this stage, it's too early to make any decision but this means there is some flexibility if required," said Ardern, who is well ahead in opinion polls and expected to win a second term. Leader of the opposition National Party Judith Collins called for a delay until late November, or even next year.

New Zealand defers parliament dissolution as it rushes to contain COVID-19 outbreak

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Tuesday announced that Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh and the West Indies will tour New Zealand for their home season, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. David White, Chief Executive of NZC, confirmed the upcoming tours while adding that isolation arrangements are currently being worked out for the visiting teams.&nbsp;

"We are making tremendous progress. I was just on the phone to the West Indies, they're confirmed, Pakistan is confirmed, Australia and Bangladesh... so 37 days of international cricket," White told reporters in Auckland.

"The White Ferns will tour Australia in September and then the Australia Women's team will tour New Zealand in February. We are just working through the content but probably five ODIs and three T20Is.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a>

Even though White didn’t confirm the schedules of the mentioned tours but announced that they would follow the bio-secure bubble model deployed in England.&nbsp;

"We'll just be held up for a week or two while we work with the government agencies on the managed isolation but they've been extremely supportive."

Whereas the White Ferns will tour Australia in September, with a return tour to New Zealand in February.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-pak-wasim-akram-disappointed-with-alis-captaincy-in-manchester-319387" hreflang="en">ENG vs PAK: Wasim Akram disappointed with Ali's captaincy in Manchester</a>

While international cricket resumed back in July with England hosting the West Indies for a three-match Test series, New Zealand are yet to play an international match since their ODI series in Australia, that was called off in March in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.

New Zealand are scheduled to host West Indies and Pakistan for Test and T20I series and Bangladesh for ODIs and T20Is, and Australia for a short series as per the current FTP.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Tuesday announced that Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh and the West Indies will tour New Zealand for their home season, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Tuesday announced that Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh and the West Indies will tour New Zealand for their home season, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. David White, Chief Executive of NZC, confirmed the upcoming tours while adding that isolation arrangements are currently being worked out for the visiting teams. "We are making tremendous progress. I was just on the phone to the West Indies, they're confirmed, Pakistan is confirmed, Australia and Bangladesh... so 37 days of international cricket," White told reporters in Auckland. "The White Ferns will tour Australia in September and then the Australia Women's team will tour New Zealand in February. We are just working through the content but probably five ODIs and three T20Is. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell Even though White didn’t confirm the schedules of the mentioned tours but announced that they would follow the bio-secure bubble model deployed in England. "We'll just be held up for a week or two while we work with the government agencies on the managed isolation but they've been extremely supportive." Whereas the White Ferns will tour Australia in September, with a return tour to New Zealand in February. ALSO READ: ENG vs PAK: Wasim Akram disappointed with Ali's captaincy in Manchester While international cricket resumed back in July with England hosting the West Indies for a three-match Test series, New Zealand are yet to play an international match since their ODI series in Australia, that was called off in March in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. New Zealand are scheduled to host West Indies and Pakistan for Test and T20I series and Bangladesh for ODIs and T20Is, and Australia for a short series as per the current FTP.

New Zealand to host Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh and West Indies this season

For decades, Christchurch in New Zealand has had an official wizard. Ian Brackenbury Channell even holds a New Zealand driver's license issued to The Wizard, although he says he hasn't officially changed his name.

Over the years, he became a fixture in the city, and became such a well-known figure that he earned himself a TripAdvisor rating (four out of five stars). Since 1998, he's been paid 16,000 New Zealand dollars ($10,400) annually by the Christchurch City Council for "wizardry."

As a young man, The Wizard was a Royal Air Force Officer in Canada, and taught English literature at the University of Tehran.

After finishing his degree in sociology and psychology, he worked as a community arts organiser for the University of Western Australia in Perth, and then as a teaching fellow in sociology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney.

When he lost his university job, he hatched a plan with the vice chancellor to give him a new position -- UNSW's first official wizard.

As he sees it, his role is to be a kind of provocateur -- someone who brings a sense of fun to the world, but also criticises the system.

When he became a wizard, he said, he lost all his friends and his wife left him.

So in 1974, he moved to Christchurch, New Zealand. And it was there that his wizarding path really took off.

In 1990, then New Zealand Prime Minister Mike Moore wrote him a letter on the official prime ministerial letterhead, suggesting that he should "urgently consider my suggestion that you become the Wizard of New Zealand, Antarctica and relevant offshore areas."

The Wizard is paid 16,000 New Zealand dollars ($10,400) annually. The wizard doesn't pay tax, and is financially supported by his fiance of 43 years, Alice Flett.

He met Flett at an Anglican church in Christchurch, and got engaged to in a public performance.

Now age 87, The Wizard wants to find a successor -- and appears to have got one in 39-year-old Ari Freeman, who teaches guitar and fronts a psychedelic funk band.

<img alt="The Wizard and his apprentice, Ari Freeman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="03251ea4-c602-45f8-848d-c2e4eb727be0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/wizard%20and%20apprentice.jpg" />

Freeman has been The Wizard's apprentice for six years -- but has seen himself as a wizard for far longer.

The Wizard is resistant to the idea of a female wizard, and suggests women can be fairies, instead.&nbsp;

To Freeman, being a wizard is a way to empower people who are lost or depressed, and shake them out of the bounds of what's expected. His partner, by the bye, loved the idea. 
&nbsp;

For decades, Christchurch in New Zealand has had an official wizard. Ian Brackenbury Channell even holds a New Zealand driver's license issued to The Wizard, although he says he hasn't officially changed his name.

For decades, Christchurch in New Zealand has had an official wizard. Ian Brackenbury Channell even holds a New Zealand driver's license issued to The Wizard, although he says he hasn't officially changed his name. Over the years, he became a fixture in the city, and became such a well-known figure that he earned himself a TripAdvisor rating (four out of five stars). Since 1998, he's been paid 16,000 New Zealand dollars ($10,400) annually by the Christchurch City Council for "wizardry." As a young man, The Wizard was a Royal Air Force Officer in Canada, and taught English literature at the University of Tehran. After finishing his degree in sociology and psychology, he worked as a community arts organiser for the University of Western Australia in Perth, and then as a teaching fellow in sociology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney. When he lost his university job, he hatched a plan with the vice chancellor to give him a new position -- UNSW's first official wizard. As he sees it, his role is to be a kind of provocateur -- someone who brings a sense of fun to the world, but also criticises the system. When he became a wizard, he said, he lost all his friends and his wife left him. So in 1974, he moved to Christchurch, New Zealand. And it was there that his wizarding path really took off. In 1990, then New Zealand Prime Minister Mike Moore wrote him a letter on the official prime ministerial letterhead, suggesting that he should "urgently consider my suggestion that you become the Wizard of New Zealand, Antarctica and relevant offshore areas." The Wizard is paid 16,000 New Zealand dollars ($10,400) annually. The wizard doesn't pay tax, and is financially supported by his fiance of 43 years, Alice Flett. He met Flett at an Anglican church in Christchurch, and got engaged to in a public performance. Now age 87, The Wizard wants to find a successor -- and appears to have got one in 39-year-old Ari Freeman, who teaches guitar and fronts a psychedelic funk band. Freeman has been The Wizard's apprentice for six years -- but has seen himself as a wizard for far longer. The Wizard is resistant to the idea of a female wizard, and suggests women can be fairies, instead. To Freeman, being a wizard is a way to empower people who are lost or depressed, and shake them out of the bounds of what's expected. His partner, by the bye, loved the idea.

A New Zealand man gets paid $10,000 a year to be a city's official wizard

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visited a Radha Krishna Temple in Auckland ahead of the national election scheduled in September. She also relished an Indian vegetarian meal, which included Puri, Chhole and Daal.

Ardern visited the temple on Thursday last week. She was also captured removing her boots outside the temple.

Several pictures and videos of the politician’s visit to the temple have been shared online by the Indian diaspora, including Muktesh Pardeshi, the Indian envoy to New Zealand.

“Some precious moments with Hon. PM of New Zealand @jacindaardern at @indiannewslink event on Aug 6, 2020. She paid a short visit to Radha Krishna Mandir and enjoyed a simple Indian vegetarian meal- Puri, Chhole and Daal,” Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Muktesh Pardeshi tweeted on Saturday.&nbsp;

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Some precious moments with Hon. PM of New Zealand ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/jacindaardern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jacindaardern</a>⁩ at ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/indiannewslink?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannewslink</a>⁩ event on 6 Aug 2020. She paid a short visit to Radha Krishna Mandir and enjoyed a simple Indian vegetarian meal- Puri, Chhole and Daal. 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/Adn25UE1cO">pic.twitter.com/Adn25UE1cO</a>
— Muktesh Pardeshi (@MukteshPardeshi) <a href="https://twitter.com/MukteshPardeshi/status/1291991068905369600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister of New Zealand <a href="https://twitter.com/jacindaardern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jacindaardern</a> visited Radha Krishna Hindu Temple on Aug 6. Indian envoy <a href="https://twitter.com/MukteshPardeshi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MukteshPardeshi</a> was also present on the occasion. She had an Indian vegetarian meal of Puri, Chhole &amp; Dal. 5% Indians in NZ presently and Hindi is 4th largest spoken language. <a href="https://t.co/WTccz4LlLd">pic.twitter.com/WTccz4LlLd</a>
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdityaRajKaul/status/1292086960119410688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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She also participated in the prayers.

A video of the politician taking part in the rituals and having prasad was shared by the official Facebook page of the temple.

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New Zealand will hold elections on September 19, in which Ardern looks set to win in view of the global praise for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visited a Radha Krishna Temple in Auckland ahead of the national election scheduled in September. She also relished an Indian vegetarian meal, which included Puri, Chhole and Daal.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visited a Radha Krishna Temple in Auckland ahead of the national election scheduled in September. She also relished an Indian vegetarian meal, which included Puri, Chhole and Daal. Ardern visited the temple on Thursday last week. She was also captured removing her boots outside the temple. Several pictures and videos of the politician’s visit to the temple have been shared online by the Indian diaspora, including Muktesh Pardeshi, the Indian envoy to New Zealand. “Some precious moments with Hon. PM of New Zealand @jacindaardern at @indiannewslink event on Aug 6, 2020. She paid a short visit to Radha Krishna Mandir and enjoyed a simple Indian vegetarian meal- Puri, Chhole and Daal,” Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Muktesh Pardeshi tweeted on Saturday. Some precious moments with Hon. PM of New Zealand ⁦@jacindaardern⁩ at ⁦@indiannewslink⁩ event on 6 Aug 2020. She paid a short visit to Radha Krishna Mandir and enjoyed a simple Indian vegetarian meal- Puri, Chhole and Daal. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Adn25UE1cO — Muktesh Pardeshi (@MukteshPardeshi) August 8, 2020 × Prime Minister of New Zealand @jacindaardern visited Radha Krishna Hindu Temple on Aug 6. Indian envoy @MukteshPardeshi was also present on the occasion. She had an Indian vegetarian meal of Puri, Chhole & Dal. 5% Indians in NZ presently and Hindi is 4th largest spoken language. pic.twitter.com/WTccz4LlLd — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 8, 2020 × She also participated in the prayers. A video of the politician taking part in the rituals and having prasad was shared by the official Facebook page of the temple. × New Zealand will hold elections on September 19, in which Ardern looks set to win in view of the global praise for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern visits Hindu temple in Auckland ahead of national elections

The United States and the United Kingdom along with Canada, Australia and New Zealand urged Hong Kong to hold elections as soon as possible and have warned the authorities about the moves to "undermine the democratic process".

The United States and the United Kingdom along with Canada, Australia and New Zealand urged Hong Kong to hold elections as soon as possible and have warned the authorities about the moves to "undermine the democratic process". Also read: US begins highest level Taiwan visit in decades Their statement comes after Chinese lawmakers convened to decide on the next steps after the election in the semi-autonomous city were postponed by a year due to coronavirus pandemic. The foreign ministers of the five countries have shown their "grave concern" towards Hong Kong government’s unjust disqualification of candidates and disproportionate postponement of Legislative Council elections. "These moves have undermined the democratic process that has been fundamental to Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity." They urged "the Hong Kong government to hold the elections as soon as possible". According to Hong Kong's current chief executive Carrie Lam, it would be logical to extend the term of the legislature at present. But the question remains on the four opposition lawmakers who have been disqualified from seeking re-election for breaching the new security law bill. These lawmakers were disqualified after calling for international sanctions on Beijing and Hong Kong. The foreign ministers of the five nations, in a statement, urged for the disqualified legislators to be reinstated. The joint statement from the five countries that share intelligence under the "Five Eyes" partnership said the security law was "eroding the Hong Kong people’s fundamental rights and liberties. "We support the legitimate expectations of the people of Hong Kong to elect Legislative Council representatives via genuinely free, fair, and credible elections," they added. On Friday, the United States imposed sanctions on a group of Chinese and Hong Kong officials, including Carrie Lam, involved in enforcing the highly controversial security law. (Inputs from AFP)

US, UK along with allies urge Hong Kong to hold elections as soon as possible

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern kicked off her Labour Party's election campaign Saturday riding high in the opinion polls after a successful response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ardern's popularity as preferred prime minister — often referred to as "Jacindamania" — topped 60 percent in the latest surveys following her leadership through the Christchurch mosque attacks, the White Island volcanic eruption and the pandemic.&nbsp;

Before the virus forced New Zealand to seal its borders, the polls had pointed to a cliffhanger election on September 19, but support swung sharply towards the centre-left Labour Party as the country eliminated community transmission in a matter on months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-pm-fires-immigration-minister-over-affair-315156">Also watch:&nbsp;New Zealand PM fires immigration minister over affair</a>

In a country of five million people, New Zealand has had only 22 COVID-19 deaths and it has been 99 days since the last recorded case of infection from an unknown source.&nbsp;

"When people ask, is this a COVID election, my answer is yes, it is," the charismatic 40-year-old said as she launched the campaign with a NZ$311 million (US$205 million) pledge to boost jobs.

"Businesses large and small are crucial to our economic recovery."

Labour is the senior partner in a three-party coalition government but if it can maintain the support shown in recent opinion polls, where it has consistently been above 50 percent, it could govern alone after the election.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacinda-ardern-sacks-immigration-minister-iain-lees-galloway-over-office-affair-with-ex-staffer-315014">Also read:&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern sacks Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over office affair with ex-staffer</a>

Ardern was an unheralded MP when thrust into the Labour leadership shortly before the 2017 election when the party was struggling and "there were plenty who thought it couldn't (win)," she said.&nbsp;

"If you had told me then that our launch in 2020 would be in the midst of a global pandemic with our borders closed — I would have found that very hard to fathom."

The centrepiece of Labour's campaign is to support businesses in hiring at least 40,000 people whose employment has been affected by the coronavirus.&nbsp;

It pledged to expand existing job schemes to help employers hire staff at risk of long-term unemployment.&nbsp;

It will also help out-of-work New Zealanders start a business through an expanded self-employment programme which will provide the equivalent of the minimum wage for up to 30-hours a week.&nbsp;

"The new flexi-wage scheme is a key plank of our economic plan to support businesses to recover and to provide jobs to those who have lost work due to COVID," Ardern said.&nbsp;

"Our team-of-five-million approach to fighting COVID means there is huge willingness in our business community to avoid unemployment rising by retaining staff and taking on new employees where they can, but many just need a little bit of extra support to do that, which this package provides."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern kicked off her Labour Party's election campaign Saturday riding high in the opinion polls after a successful response to the coronavirus outbreak.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern kicked off her Labour Party's election campaign Saturday riding high in the opinion polls after a successful response to the coronavirus outbreak. Ardern's popularity as preferred prime minister — often referred to as "Jacindamania" — topped 60 percent in the latest surveys following her leadership through the Christchurch mosque attacks, the White Island volcanic eruption and the pandemic. Before the virus forced New Zealand to seal its borders, the polls had pointed to a cliffhanger election on September 19, but support swung sharply towards the centre-left Labour Party as the country eliminated community transmission in a matter on months. Also watch: New Zealand PM fires immigration minister over affair In a country of five million people, New Zealand has had only 22 COVID-19 deaths and it has been 99 days since the last recorded case of infection from an unknown source. "When people ask, is this a COVID election, my answer is yes, it is," the charismatic 40-year-old said as she launched the campaign with a NZ$311 million (US$205 million) pledge to boost jobs. "Businesses large and small are crucial to our economic recovery." Labour is the senior partner in a three-party coalition government but if it can maintain the support shown in recent opinion polls, where it has consistently been above 50 percent, it could govern alone after the election. Also read: Jacinda Ardern sacks Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over office affair with ex-staffer Ardern was an unheralded MP when thrust into the Labour leadership shortly before the 2017 election when the party was struggling and "there were plenty who thought it couldn't (win)," she said. "If you had told me then that our launch in 2020 would be in the midst of a global pandemic with our borders closed — I would have found that very hard to fathom." The centrepiece of Labour's campaign is to support businesses in hiring at least 40,000 people whose employment has been affected by the coronavirus. It pledged to expand existing job schemes to help employers hire staff at risk of long-term unemployment. It will also help out-of-work New Zealanders start a business through an expanded self-employment programme which will provide the equivalent of the minimum wage for up to 30-hours a week. "The new flexi-wage scheme is a key plank of our economic plan to support businesses to recover and to provide jobs to those who have lost work due to COVID," Ardern said. "Our team-of-five-million approach to fighting COVID means there is huge willingness in our business community to avoid unemployment rising by retaining staff and taking on new employees where they can, but many just need a little bit of extra support to do that, which this package provides."

New Zealand's Ardern kicks off election campaign after taming virus

Domino's New Zealand has dropped a controversial&nbsp;'free pizza for Karen' promotional offer after facing a backlash.

A giveaway titled&nbsp;"Calling all (nice) Karens" was introduced in New Zealand and Australia in which women named Karen were asked to tell Domino's in 250 words how they were one of the "nice ones".

While introducing the offer, Domino's chief marketing officer in the region, Allan Collins had said ''the name 'Karen'&nbsp;has been used in several memes as an insult to describe white middle-aged women often&nbsp;perceived to be obnoxious or racist.''

The pizza franchise's New Zealand arm retracted the offer after it was called&nbsp;''tone-deaf'',&nbsp;and ''an issue that affected mostly privileged white women".

In order to give "Karens" a break from negativity and compensate for their wrongdoing they by rewarded&nbsp;100 people with the name a chance to win free pizza.

The company issued an apology on its Facebook page saying ''it understood that its promotion lacked important context which led to people interpreting the competition in a different way than intended.''

<img alt="Domino's " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eda0c8fe-ed39-461f-a22b-abdf21311a51" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%2045.PNG" />''

"Our intention was one of inclusivity only. Our pizza brings people together and we only had this at the heart of the giveaway," the Facebook post added.

"We want you to know that we are always listening and learning and when we get it wrong, we fix it."

A woman in Melbourne was&nbsp;threatened earlier this month&nbsp;to sue hardware store Bunnings, after staff told her it was compulsory to wear a mask. The woman was later dubbed "Bunnings Karen".

Domino's New Zealand has dropped a controversial 'free pizza for Karen' promotional offer after facing a backlash. A giveaway titled "Calling all (nice) Karens" was introduced in New Zealand and Australia in which women named Karen were asked to tell Domino's in 250 words how they were one of the "nice ones".

Domino's New Zealand has dropped a controversial 'free pizza for Karen' promotional offer after facing a backlash. A giveaway titled "Calling all (nice) Karens" was introduced in New Zealand and Australia in which women named Karen were asked to tell Domino's in 250 words how they were one of the "nice ones". While introducing the offer, Domino's chief marketing officer in the region, Allan Collins had said ''the name 'Karen' has been used in several memes as an insult to describe white middle-aged women often perceived to be obnoxious or racist.'' The pizza franchise's New Zealand arm retracted the offer after it was called ''tone-deaf'', and ''an issue that affected mostly privileged white women". In order to give "Karens" a break from negativity and compensate for their wrongdoing they by rewarded 100 people with the name a chance to win free pizza. The company issued an apology on its Facebook page saying ''it understood that its promotion lacked important context which led to people interpreting the competition in a different way than intended.'' '' "Our intention was one of inclusivity only. Our pizza brings people together and we only had this at the heart of the giveaway," the Facebook post added. "We want you to know that we are always listening and learning and when we get it wrong, we fix it." A woman in Melbourne was threatened earlier this month to sue hardware store Bunnings, after staff told her it was compulsory to wear a mask. The woman was later dubbed "Bunnings Karen".

New Zealand: Domino's drops controversial 'free pizza for Karen' offer after backlash

New Zealand has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong on Tuesday. This move comes in protest against the new security law imposed by China on the semi-autonomous region.

New Zealand has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong on Tuesday. This move comes in protest against the new security law imposed by China on the semi-autonomous region. New Zealand has joined its allies in sanctioning China over the move. Also read: American flag lowered at Chengdu consulate after employees vacate building New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the suspension was because "New Zealand can no longer trust that Hong Kong's criminal justice system is sufficiently independent from China". The country took this step despite risking the ire of Wellington's largest trading partner. According to Peters, the country was also tightening its restriction on military and dual-use exports to Hong Kong, as well as upgrading travel warnings to Kiwi citizens in the territory. "China's passage of its new national security legislation has eroded rule-of-law principles, undermined the 'one country, two systems' framework that underpins Hong Kong’s unique status, and gone against commitments China made to the international community," Peters said. Canada, Britain and Australia, who are New Zealand's partners in the so-called "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance have taken similar action. The United States has given a hint of doing the same in the coming weeks. The Chinese embassy in Wellington has made no immediate response to the suspension, however, it warned earlier this month that attempts to pressure Beijing on the security law would amount to "gross interference in China's internal affairs". Critics view this new security law as an erosion of civil liberties and human rights in the financial hub, which has been semi-autonomous from China since its handover from Britain in 1997. Kiwis' updated travel advice said the security law had led to an increased risk of arrest for activities such as protests, with the possibility of being removed to mainland China to face maximum penalties of life imprisonment. (Inputs from AFP)

New Zealand suspends its extradition treaty with Hong Kong

A Kurdish-Iranian refugee who wrote an award-winning book on his mobile phone while held in one of Australia's notorious Pacific detention camps has been granted asylum in New Zealand, officials said Friday.

Boochani arrived in New Zealand about eight months ago to speak at a literary festival, and has stayed in Christchurch country despite his visitor visa expiring.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/papua-new-guinea-police-order-protesting-asylum-seekers-out-of-australian-run-camp-24941">Papua New Guinea police enter shut Australia-run detention camp, order protesting asylum seekers out</a>

Immigration New Zealand said Boochani's application had been successful, which means he has the right to stay in the South Pacific nation indefinitely.

"Mr. Boochani has been recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol," it said in a brief statement, refusing to release further details on privacy grounds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-asylum-seekers-scared-to-leave-detention-camp-23217">Australian asylum seekers scared to leave detention camp</a>

Reports said the decision was relayed to Boochani on Thursday, his 37th birthday.

He has been recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugee and its 1967 Protocol, Fiona Whiteridge, Immigration New Zealand's (INZ) general manager for refugee and migrant Services, told Reuters in an email statement.

"It's very important that now I have some certainty about my future, so now I feel stronger, I feel stable to continue to work here," he told the stuff.co.nz news website.

Boochani painstakingly tapped out his book "No Friend But The Mountains" on WhatsApp while detained in the Australian-run Manus Island migrant camp off Papua New Guinea, which is now officially closed.

He was pulled from a sinking boat in Australian waters in 2013 and held in Papua New Guinea under a policy adopted by Canberra to prevent asylum seekers arriving by sea from setting foot on Australian soil.

His account of his plight won numerous awards, including Australia's richest literary honour, the Victorian Prize for Literature.

New Zealand Green Party human rights spokeswoman Golriz Ghahraman, a longtime supporter of Boochani, said the refugee decision showed her country was "a place where fairness and compassion prevails".

"People escaping torture and persecution based on their religion, race, and political activism deserve a place to call home, they deserve protection. We welcome Behrouz wholeheartedly." she said.

Boochani is reportedly working as a researcher at Canterbury University in the South Island city of Christchurch.

He fled Iran for Indonesia in 2013 when the Kurdish magazine he wrote for was raided by the military for publishing anti-government articles.&nbsp;

He then paid a people-smuggler to take him to Australia but the voyage ended with him being sent to Manus Island.

A Kurdish-Iranian refugee who wrote an award-winning book on his mobile phone while held in one of Australia's notorious Pacific detention camps has been granted asylum in New Zealand, officials said Friday.

A Kurdish-Iranian refugee who wrote an award-winning book on his mobile phone while held in one of Australia's notorious Pacific detention camps has been granted asylum in New Zealand, officials said Friday. Boochani arrived in New Zealand about eight months ago to speak at a literary festival, and has stayed in Christchurch country despite his visitor visa expiring. Also read: Papua New Guinea police enter shut Australia-run detention camp, order protesting asylum seekers out Immigration New Zealand said Boochani's application had been successful, which means he has the right to stay in the South Pacific nation indefinitely. "Mr. Boochani has been recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol," it said in a brief statement, refusing to release further details on privacy grounds. Also read: Australian asylum seekers scared to leave detention camp Reports said the decision was relayed to Boochani on Thursday, his 37th birthday. He has been recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugee and its 1967 Protocol, Fiona Whiteridge, Immigration New Zealand's (INZ) general manager for refugee and migrant Services, told Reuters in an email statement. "It's very important that now I have some certainty about my future, so now I feel stronger, I feel stable to continue to work here," he told the stuff.co.nz news website. Boochani painstakingly tapped out his book "No Friend But The Mountains" on WhatsApp while detained in the Australian-run Manus Island migrant camp off Papua New Guinea, which is now officially closed. He was pulled from a sinking boat in Australian waters in 2013 and held in Papua New Guinea under a policy adopted by Canberra to prevent asylum seekers arriving by sea from setting foot on Australian soil. His account of his plight won numerous awards, including Australia's richest literary honour, the Victorian Prize for Literature. New Zealand Green Party human rights spokeswoman Golriz Ghahraman, a longtime supporter of Boochani, said the refugee decision showed her country was "a place where fairness and compassion prevails". "People escaping torture and persecution based on their religion, race, and political activism deserve a place to call home, they deserve protection. We welcome Behrouz wholeheartedly." she said. Boochani is reportedly working as a researcher at Canterbury University in the South Island city of Christchurch. He fled Iran for Indonesia in 2013 when the Kurdish magazine he wrote for was raided by the military for publishing anti-government articles. He then paid a people-smuggler to take him to Australia but the voyage ended with him being sent to Manus Island.

Behrouz Boochani: Kurdish-Iranian writer granted refugee status in New Zealand

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has fired her cabinet's Immigration Minister&nbsp;Iain Lees-Galloway over 'sustained lack of judgement' after his office affair was exposed.

Ardern took the step after receiving a tip from the opposition leader Judith Collins that&nbsp;Galloway was having an affair with his staffer. She was worried about abuse of power taking place and wished Galloway had informed her about it.

Galloway accepted the situation was&nbsp;untenable and admitted that he had a 12-month relationship with a staffer that ended a few months back.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-opposition-chooses-crusher-to-challenge-ardern-313352">New Zealand opposition chooses 'Crusher' to challenge Ardern</a>

In statement issued after Galloway's dismissal, Ardern said&nbsp;“showed a sustained lack of judgment over a long period of time”.

''The minister has shown a lack of judgment over a period of 12 months. In undertaking this relationship he has opened himself up to accusations of improperly using his office.''

''He has not modelled the behaviour I expect as a minister that is in charge of setting a standard and culture in workplaces. His actions have led me to lose my confidence in him as a minister.''

The news comes after&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's opposition leader Todd Muller abruptly quit for health reasons just weeks after taking the job&nbsp;saying "I am not the best person" for the position.

"It is more important than ever that the&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;National&nbsp;Party&nbsp;has a leader who is comfortable in the role," he said.

The centre-right&nbsp;National&nbsp;Party then installed Judith Collins, a conservative veteran nicknamed "Crusher" as leader as it regroups for the daunting task of trying to oust Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a September general election.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has fired her cabinet's Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over 'sustained lack of judgement' after his office affair was exposed.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has fired her cabinet's Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over 'sustained lack of judgement' after his office affair was exposed. Ardern took the step after receiving a tip from the opposition leader Judith Collins that Galloway was having an affair with his staffer. She was worried about abuse of power taking place and wished Galloway had informed her about it. Galloway accepted the situation was untenable and admitted that he had a 12-month relationship with a staffer that ended a few months back. Also read: New Zealand opposition chooses 'Crusher' to challenge Ardern In statement issued after Galloway's dismissal, Ardern said “showed a sustained lack of judgment over a long period of time”. ''The minister has shown a lack of judgment over a period of 12 months. In undertaking this relationship he has opened himself up to accusations of improperly using his office.'' ''He has not modelled the behaviour I expect as a minister that is in charge of setting a standard and culture in workplaces. His actions have led me to lose my confidence in him as a minister.'' The news comes after New Zealand's opposition leader Todd Muller abruptly quit for health reasons just weeks after taking the job saying "I am not the best person" for the position. "It is more important than ever that the New Zealand National Party has a leader who is comfortable in the role," he said. The centre-right National Party then installed Judith Collins, a conservative veteran nicknamed "Crusher" as leader as it regroups for the daunting task of trying to oust Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a September general election.

Jacinda Ardern sacks Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over office affair with ex-staffer

The global rich are in search of a magical land to escape the Wuhan virus. To say the least, it is going to be an epic quest. Like finding a needle in a haystack. The virus has left its mark on more than 200 countries and territories.

There are some countries, which have reported zero cases like Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Samoa, and Solomon Islands. But the wealthy are least interested in self-isolating themselves on an exotic island. They need to conduct business, not go on an endless vacation. Also, the Wuhan virus is going to be around for a while.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-the-rich-plan-to-escape-wuhan-virus-315001/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With the opening up of borders, Covid-free locations are a risk too. So, is there no place to hide from the virus? The rich believe countries like New Zealand are good options.

Why? They enforced the virus containment plan effectively. New Zealand has near-zero cases. It has programmes that guarantee citizenship or residency in exchange for investment by writing a cheque for two million dollars. The rich can pack their bags and move to New Zealand.

This is not the only option. Malta asks for less to issue citizenship -- about 1.5 million dollars and impressively Malta has less than 700 cases. There are other options in Europe viz,.Croatia, less than five thousand cases. It boasts of one of the highest number of hospital beds per inhabitant in Europe.

There are also countries that are beating the virus outbreak. Their curve has peaked, collapsed and flattened. To name a few:&nbsp; Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway. These are the countries that have almost recovered. The Vatican City is an option too. However, the rich may not yet be keen on heaven. All they are looking for is a safe haven.

The global rich are in search of a magical land to escape the Wuhan virus. To say the least, it is going to be an epic quest. Like finding a needle in a haystack.

The global rich are in search of a magical land to escape the Wuhan virus. To say the least, it is going to be an epic quest. Like finding a needle in a haystack. The virus has left its mark on more than 200 countries and territories. There are some countries, which have reported zero cases like Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Samoa, and Solomon Islands. But the wealthy are least interested in self-isolating themselves on an exotic island. They need to conduct business, not go on an endless vacation. Also, the Wuhan virus is going to be around for a while. With the opening up of borders, Covid-free locations are a risk too. So, is there no place to hide from the virus? The rich believe countries like New Zealand are good options. Why? They enforced the virus containment plan effectively. New Zealand has near-zero cases. It has programmes that guarantee citizenship or residency in exchange for investment by writing a cheque for two million dollars. The rich can pack their bags and move to New Zealand. This is not the only option. Malta asks for less to issue citizenship -- about 1.5 million dollars and impressively Malta has less than 700 cases. There are other options in Europe viz,.Croatia, less than five thousand cases. It boasts of one of the highest number of hospital beds per inhabitant in Europe. There are also countries that are beating the virus outbreak. Their curve has peaked, collapsed and flattened. To name a few: Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway. These are the countries that have almost recovered. The Vatican City is an option too. However, the rich may not yet be keen on heaven. All they are looking for is a safe haven.

Global rich are looking for safe heaven as virus rages

Scientists in New Zealand claim to have invented a warning system which will effectively predict volcanic eruptions to prevent loss of life.

A volcanic blast on White Island in 2019 killed 21 people, for there was no predictive&nbsp;warning system in place.&nbsp;

"Early warning"

The research behind the mechanism says that it is able to track and predict seismic activity before a potential eruption takes place.

In conversation with the Guardian, the University of Auckland researchers Dempsey and Cronin claimed that had this “early warning” system been in place last year when the tragedy occurred on White Island, red flags would have been raised “16 hours before the volcano’s deadly eruption”.

The country already has a series of monitoring tools, namely the one operated by GNS Science and called “The Geonet”, which measures the movements and tremors on earth.

<h6><img alt="Smoke rises from Mount Aso, an active volcano, near the city of Aso in Kumamoto prefecture on December 13, 2019. Mount Aso's huge caldera dominates the southwestern main island of Kyushu, where the 1,592-metre (5,253-foot) volcano is a popular tourist spot." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b3537f9-eb27-4d77-bce1-dc6a2c2d44c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_39.jpg" /> 
Smoke rises from Mount Aso, an active volcano, near the city of Aso in Kumamoto prefecture on December 13, 2019. Mount Aso's huge caldera dominates the southwestern main island of Kyushu, where the 1,592-metre (5,253-foot) volcano is a popular tourist spot. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

However, it is a log system which collects and collates data from thousands of earthquakes, without offering prediction.

Dempsey and Cronin claim to have applied data from the past to set up “machine learning algorithms”, which lets them spot patterns leading up to and after the eruptions.

For instance, they claimed that the 2019 eruption happened after 17 hours of seismic activity, and hence could have been avoided by ringing alarm bells.

A pressure cooker? Kind of!

According to them, this began with a “strong four-hour burst of seismic activity”, which caused “magmatic fluid” to rise up and to creature pressure on the gas and water which was trapped in the rock.

Comparing it to a pressure cooker lid blasting off, they said this is what led to the eruption in the end.&nbsp;They also claimed that a similar pattern of seismic signals and activity was recorded in August 2013, and before other two similar eruptions in 2012.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/probes-into-new-zealand-volcano-tragedy-to-take-months-and-carry-criminal-penalties-268452" hreflang="en">Probes into New Zealand volcano tragedy to take months and carry criminal penalties</a>

Even though the system faces its own loopholes and drawbacks, the researchers are confident that four out of five times, it will successfully contain an eruption, especially large ones along the lines of the one in 2019.

They added that the warnings would require people to avoid the area altogether and desert it for a month every year.&nbsp;In a bid to make the system operational and ready to save lives, the two researchers are now working with GNS Science. Additionally, the data and software is open source, offering people the chance to offer improvement updates.

In the aftermath of the White Island tragedy in December last year, tourists have stopped visiting the island altogether, clubbed with coronavirus fears.

The research is set to be published in Nature Communications this week. New Zealand and surrounding regions are highly susceptible to volcanic eruptions, putting many lives at risk.

Scientists in New Zealand claim to have invented a warning system which will effectively predict volcanic eruptions to prevent loss of life. A volcanic blast on White Island in 2019 killed 21 people, for there was no predictive warning system in place.

Scientists in New Zealand claim to have invented a warning system which will effectively predict volcanic eruptions to prevent loss of life. A volcanic blast on White Island in 2019 killed 21 people, for there was no predictive warning system in place. "Early warning" The research behind the mechanism says that it is able to track and predict seismic activity before a potential eruption takes place. In conversation with the Guardian, the University of Auckland researchers Dempsey and Cronin claimed that had this “early warning” system been in place last year when the tragedy occurred on White Island, red flags would have been raised “16 hours before the volcano’s deadly eruption”. The country already has a series of monitoring tools, namely the one operated by GNS Science and called “The Geonet”, which measures the movements and tremors on earth. Smoke rises from Mount Aso, an active volcano, near the city of Aso in Kumamoto prefecture on December 13, 2019. Mount Aso's huge caldera dominates the southwestern main island of Kyushu, where the 1,592-metre (5,253-foot) volcano is a popular tourist spot. | AFP However, it is a log system which collects and collates data from thousands of earthquakes, without offering prediction. Dempsey and Cronin claim to have applied data from the past to set up “machine learning algorithms”, which lets them spot patterns leading up to and after the eruptions. For instance, they claimed that the 2019 eruption happened after 17 hours of seismic activity, and hence could have been avoided by ringing alarm bells. A pressure cooker? Kind of! According to them, this began with a “strong four-hour burst of seismic activity”, which caused “magmatic fluid” to rise up and to creature pressure on the gas and water which was trapped in the rock. Comparing it to a pressure cooker lid blasting off, they said this is what led to the eruption in the end. They also claimed that a similar pattern of seismic signals and activity was recorded in August 2013, and before other two similar eruptions in 2012. Also read: Probes into New Zealand volcano tragedy to take months and carry criminal penalties Even though the system faces its own loopholes and drawbacks, the researchers are confident that four out of five times, it will successfully contain an eruption, especially large ones along the lines of the one in 2019. They added that the warnings would require people to avoid the area altogether and desert it for a month every year. In a bid to make the system operational and ready to save lives, the two researchers are now working with GNS Science. Additionally, the data and software is open source, offering people the chance to offer improvement updates. In the aftermath of the White Island tragedy in December last year, tourists have stopped visiting the island altogether, clubbed with coronavirus fears. The research is set to be published in Nature Communications this week. New Zealand and surrounding regions are highly susceptible to volcanic eruptions, putting many lives at risk.

Scientists in New Zealand invent a warning system that predicts volcanic eruptions

New&nbsp;Zealand's opposition has selected a conservative veteran nicknamed "Crusher" as a leader to challenge Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a September general election.

The center-right National Party selected Judith Collins in a caucus vote late Tuesday, hours after her predecessor Todd Muller unexpectedly quit, saying the pressure of the role was too much.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-shooter-to-represent-himself-at-sentencing-312873">New Zealand mosque shooter to represent himself at sentencing</a>

Collins is best known to&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealanders for a stint as police minister under previous prime minister John Key when she earned her nickname "Crusher Collins" by bringing in a law allowing officers to confiscate and destroy the cars of illegal street racers.

The 61-year-old played up her tough image after being confirmed as the leader, telling reporters: "I am hoping that the National Party can crush the other lot when it comes to September 19."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacinda-ardern-suggests-shorter-working-week-to-kickstart-economy-post-lockdown-299876">Jacinda Ardern suggests shorter working week to kickstart economy post lockdown</a>

Collins admitted she faced a difficult task against Ardern, whose center-left Labour Party leads the National Party 50 percent to 38 in opinion polls.

Collins is the fourth National leader since the 2017 election but brings more political experience than her predecessors, having first entered parliament in 2002.

A popular figure with the conservative wing, she vowed to unify the party to present a strong challenge to Ardern.

New Zealand's opposition has selected a conservative veteran nicknamed "Crusher" as a leader to challenge Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a September general election.

New Zealand's opposition has selected a conservative veteran nicknamed "Crusher" as a leader to challenge Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a September general election. The center-right National Party selected Judith Collins in a caucus vote late Tuesday, hours after her predecessor Todd Muller unexpectedly quit, saying the pressure of the role was too much. Also read: New Zealand mosque shooter to represent himself at sentencing Collins is best known to New Zealanders for a stint as police minister under previous prime minister John Key when she earned her nickname "Crusher Collins" by bringing in a law allowing officers to confiscate and destroy the cars of illegal street racers. The 61-year-old played up her tough image after being confirmed as the leader, telling reporters: "I am hoping that the National Party can crush the other lot when it comes to September 19." Also read: Jacinda Ardern suggests shorter working week to kickstart economy post lockdown Collins admitted she faced a difficult task against Ardern, whose center-left Labour Party leads the National Party 50 percent to 38 in opinion polls. Collins is the fourth National leader since the 2017 election but brings more political experience than her predecessors, having first entered parliament in 2002. A popular figure with the conservative wing, she vowed to unify the party to present a strong challenge to Ardern.

New Zealand opposition chooses 'Crusher' to challenge Ardern

The gunman behind New Zealand's Christchurch mosque shootings sacked his lawyers Monday and opted to represent himself, raising fears he would use a sentencing hearing next month to promote his white-supremacist views. 
 
Australian national Brenton Tarrant will be sentenced on August 24 on 51 murder convictions, 40 of attempted murder and one of terrorism arising from last year's massacre, the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's modern history. 
 
He has pleaded guilty to the charges.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/christchurch-shootings-shooter-pleads-guilty-to-killing-51-people-in-mosque-attack-288599" hreflang="en">Christchurch shootings: Shooter pleads guilty to killing 51 people in mosque attack</a> 
 
At a pre-sentencing hearing on Monday, High Court judge Cameron Mander allowed Tarrant's lawyers, Shane Tait and Jonathan Hudson, to withdraw from proceedings at the request of their client. 
 
However, the judge ordered "standby counsel" to be available next month in case Tarrant -- who appeared in the Christchurch court via video link from an Auckland prison -- changes his mind. 
 
New Zealand Muslim Association president Ikhlaq Kashkari questioned Tarrant's motives, saying victims could be re-traumatised if the gunman were allowed to spout far-right rhetoric from the dock. 
 
"My first concern when I read this was 'Oh my God, what's this guy up to, is he going to use this as a platform to promote his views and thoughts?'," he told AFP. 
 
"A lot of people are still going through trauma and this was seen as one of those events that would give them closure. I hope it's not going to be something that will trigger more pain instead."

'He wants attention' 
In March 2019, Tarrant gunned down Muslim worshippers during Friday prayers at two Christchurch mosques, live-streaming the killings as he went. 
 
His victims included children, women and the elderly. 
 
The former gym instructor unexpectedly reversed his not-guilty plea in March this year, removing the need for a lengthy trial.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australia-blocks-websites-hosting-christchurch-attack-videos-248564" hreflang="en">Australia blocks websites hosting Christchurch attack videos</a> 
 
The terror and murder charges all carry life sentences, setting a minimum non-parole period of 17 years while also giving the judge power to imprison without the possibility of release. New Zealand does not have the death penalty. 
 
Survivors and the families of victims will be present during the three-day sentencing hearing and Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand spokeswoman Anjum Rahman said many would not want to hear from Tarrant. 
 
While she did not want to speculate on Tarrant's motive for representing himself, she said: "He has shown in the past that he likes to get attention and he wants attention. 
 
"I feel this is all part of that mindset."

The gunman behind New Zealand's Christchurch mosque shootings sacked his lawyers Monday and opted to represent himself, raising fears he would use a sentencing hearing next month to promote his white-supremacist views.

The gunman behind New Zealand's Christchurch mosque shootings sacked his lawyers Monday and opted to represent himself, raising fears he would use a sentencing hearing next month to promote his white-supremacist views. Australian national Brenton Tarrant will be sentenced on August 24 on 51 murder convictions, 40 of attempted murder and one of terrorism arising from last year's massacre, the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's modern history. He has pleaded guilty to the charges. Also read: Christchurch shootings: Shooter pleads guilty to killing 51 people in mosque attack At a pre-sentencing hearing on Monday, High Court judge Cameron Mander allowed Tarrant's lawyers, Shane Tait and Jonathan Hudson, to withdraw from proceedings at the request of their client. However, the judge ordered "standby counsel" to be available next month in case Tarrant -- who appeared in the Christchurch court via video link from an Auckland prison -- changes his mind. New Zealand Muslim Association president Ikhlaq Kashkari questioned Tarrant's motives, saying victims could be re-traumatised if the gunman were allowed to spout far-right rhetoric from the dock. "My first concern when I read this was 'Oh my God, what's this guy up to, is he going to use this as a platform to promote his views and thoughts?'," he told AFP. "A lot of people are still going through trauma and this was seen as one of those events that would give them closure. I hope it's not going to be something that will trigger more pain instead." 'He wants attention' In March 2019, Tarrant gunned down Muslim worshippers during Friday prayers at two Christchurch mosques, live-streaming the killings as he went. His victims included children, women and the elderly. The former gym instructor unexpectedly reversed his not-guilty plea in March this year, removing the need for a lengthy trial. Also read: Australia blocks websites hosting Christchurch attack videos The terror and murder charges all carry life sentences, setting a minimum non-parole period of 17 years while also giving the judge power to imprison without the possibility of release. New Zealand does not have the death penalty. Survivors and the families of victims will be present during the three-day sentencing hearing and Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand spokeswoman Anjum Rahman said many would not want to hear from Tarrant. While she did not want to speculate on Tarrant's motive for representing himself, she said: "He has shown in the past that he likes to get attention and he wants attention. "I feel this is all part of that mindset."

New Zealand mosque shooter to represent himself at sentencing

New Zealand's former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to lead a review of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Describing this duty as "exceptionally challenging", she has warned that the danger of the pandemic will not decrease easily and the possibility of such a crisis rising again still exists. reminding everyone that this is the sixth time in the last 17 years that such a crisis has arised.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unknown-pneumonia-deadlier-than-coronavirus-sweeping-across-kazakhstan-warns-chinese-embassy-312099">Also read|&nbsp;'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy</a>

Clark said that&nbsp;if the world remained "flat-footed" in its response to pandemics, it faces future economic, social and political crisis.

"This is going to happen again. If the world is as flat-footed in response as it has been to this we are in serious ongoing economic, social, political crisis," she said in a local TV interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bubonic-plague-being-well-managed-in-china-not-high-risk-who-311353">Also read|&nbsp;Bubonic plague being 'well managed' in China, not high risk: WHO</a>

The statement came after the WHO on Thursday announced that Helen Clark and Liberia's former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will lead a panel investigating and scrutinising the global response to the ongoing pandemic.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called both women "strong-minded, independent leaders" and gave them the freedom to&nbsp;assess WHO's and governments' responses to the pandemic.

Clark and Sirleaf have to choose their panel members. Clark has described this to be a challenging but important job. "But there's also a very real job to do, which is to look at how the WHO has been able to lead. Does it have the right mechanisms? What actually happened here? And there's a lot of politics in that," she said.

New Zealand's former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to lead a review of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand's former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to lead a review of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Describing this duty as "exceptionally challenging", she has warned that the danger of the pandemic will not decrease easily and the possibility of such a crisis rising again still exists. reminding everyone that this is the sixth time in the last 17 years that such a crisis has arised. Also read| 'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy Clark said that if the world remained "flat-footed" in its response to pandemics, it faces future economic, social and political crisis. "This is going to happen again. If the world is as flat-footed in response as it has been to this we are in serious ongoing economic, social, political crisis," she said in a local TV interview. Also read| Bubonic plague being 'well managed' in China, not high risk: WHO The statement came after the WHO on Thursday announced that Helen Clark and Liberia's former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will lead a panel investigating and scrutinising the global response to the ongoing pandemic. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called both women "strong-minded, independent leaders" and gave them the freedom to assess WHO's and governments' responses to the pandemic. Clark and Sirleaf have to choose their panel members. Clark has described this to be a challenging but important job. "But there's also a very real job to do, which is to look at how the WHO has been able to lead. Does it have the right mechanisms? What actually happened here? And there's a lot of politics in that," she said.

Flat-footed response will bring back crisis: former New Zealand PM Helen Clark

A rare colony of birds in New Zealand has suddenly gone missing, and the scientists seem to have no clue about this sudden disappearance.

Shore plover, or tūturuatu, are the world's rarest plover. After surviving for almost 100 years in a remote colony on the Chatham Islands, 650km west of New Zealand,The colony could now be found on Mana&nbsp;Island. However, the disappearance has now baffled the experts.&nbsp;

Half of the population of these birds was earlier wiped out by a single rat, and the rest died due to complications. To make sure the birds survive this time, experts waited till the pest problem was resolved.&nbsp;

In the April and May months of 2020, experts transported few birds to the island again. However, the birds have now vanished yet again. As the birds did not have a tracking device -- they were only colour-branded -- the experts have no concrete answer of the reason.&nbsp;

The experts have said it seems that&nbsp;nearly the entire population has either&nbsp;been killed by avian predators such as rūrū, or have flown off to the mainland. That is all that the experts know, as of now.

Out of the 29 transported birds, 26 have vanished, while three were tracked to Plimmerton beach on the mainland, after a search and recovery team had been established to find the missing birds.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) have claimed that they are still looking into this "frustrating disappearances", and are not sure what can be leading to the birds flying off. Calling it "frustrating" the Shore Plover Recovery Group Leader, Dave Houston, said a lot of time, money and resources have been invested in relocating this colony of birds and therefore the disappearance is frustrating for the department.

"The birds haven’t stayed at home like we hoped they would,” Houston told a media house.

“We honestly don’t know what is making them leave; but it could be that a single bird decided to fly to the mainland and everyone else followed them – it could be random behaviour, we’re not sure,” he continued.

A rare colony of birds in New Zealand has suddenly gone missing, and the scientists seem to have no clue about this sudden disappearance. Shore plover, or tūturuatu, are the world's rarest plover.

A rare colony of birds in New Zealand has suddenly gone missing, and the scientists seem to have no clue about this sudden disappearance. Shore plover, or tūturuatu, are the world's rarest plover. After surviving for almost 100 years in a remote colony on the Chatham Islands, 650km west of New Zealand,The colony could now be found on Mana Island. However, the disappearance has now baffled the experts. Half of the population of these birds was earlier wiped out by a single rat, and the rest died due to complications. To make sure the birds survive this time, experts waited till the pest problem was resolved. In the April and May months of 2020, experts transported few birds to the island again. However, the birds have now vanished yet again. As the birds did not have a tracking device -- they were only colour-branded -- the experts have no concrete answer of the reason. The experts have said it seems that nearly the entire population has either been killed by avian predators such as rūrū, or have flown off to the mainland. That is all that the experts know, as of now. Out of the 29 transported birds, 26 have vanished, while three were tracked to Plimmerton beach on the mainland, after a search and recovery team had been established to find the missing birds. The Department of Conservation (DoC) have claimed that they are still looking into this "frustrating disappearances", and are not sure what can be leading to the birds flying off. Calling it "frustrating" the Shore Plover Recovery Group Leader, Dave Houston, said a lot of time, money and resources have been invested in relocating this colony of birds and therefore the disappearance is frustrating for the department. "The birds haven’t stayed at home like we hoped they would,” Houston told a media house. “We honestly don’t know what is making them leave; but it could be that a single bird decided to fly to the mainland and everyone else followed them – it could be random behaviour, we’re not sure,” he continued.

Rare species of birds goes missing in New Zealand; experts unsure about reasons of this 'frustrating' disappearance

Amazon's highly-anticipated television adaptation 'Lord Of The Rings' is set to begin filming in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-the-reality-beneath-picture-perfect-new-zealand-307175">New Zealand</a>. The country has been granted permission to 206 cast and crew members to enter the country over six months. &nbsp; 
Earlier this year, the crew started filming in Auckland but due to coronavirus lockdown, the production was halted.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-smiths-wife-jada-pinkett-tweets-on-affair-rumours-some-healing-needs-to-happen-310654" hreflang="en">Will Smith's wife Jada Pinkett tweets on affair rumours: Some healing needs to happen</a> 
 
The movie is a film series of three epic fantasy adventures directed by Peter Jackson, based on the novel written by J. R. R. Tolkien. Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the films follow the hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and the Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring, to ensure the destruction of its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/disney-cancels-4k-re-release-of-star-wars-episode-v-the-empire-strikes-back-in-uk-cinemas-310633" hreflang="en">Disney cancels 4K re-release of 'Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back' in UK cinemas</a> 
 
The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment have allowed seven projects to enter New Zealand amid the coronavirus pandemic that includes 'The Power of the Dog', 'The Lord of the Rings' 'Power Rangers Beast Morphers', 'The Greatest Beer Run Ever', 'Sweet Tooth' and Netflix’s upcoming Japanese animated series 'Cowboy Bepop'.&nbsp;

Amazon's highly-anticipated television adaptation 'Lord Of The Rings' is set to begin filming in New Zealand. The country has been granted permission to 206 cast and crew members to enter the country over six months.

Amazon's highly-anticipated television adaptation 'Lord Of The Rings' is set to begin filming in New Zealand. The country has been granted permission to 206 cast and crew members to enter the country over six months. Earlier this year, the crew started filming in Auckland but due to coronavirus lockdown, the production was halted. Also read: Will Smith's wife Jada Pinkett tweets on affair rumours: Some healing needs to happen The movie is a film series of three epic fantasy adventures directed by Peter Jackson, based on the novel written by J. R. R. Tolkien. Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the films follow the hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and the Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring, to ensure the destruction of its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron. Also read: Disney cancels 4K re-release of 'Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back' in UK cinemas The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment have allowed seven projects to enter New Zealand amid the coronavirus pandemic that includes 'The Power of the Dog', 'The Lord of the Rings' 'Power Rangers Beast Morphers', 'The Greatest Beer Run Ever', 'Sweet Tooth' and Netflix’s upcoming Japanese animated series 'Cowboy Bepop'.

'The Lord Of The Rings' TV series allowed to begin filming in New Zealand

New Zealand's health minister resigned on Thursday following severe criticism of his handling of coronavirus and violation of lockdown in April.&nbsp;

The sword was hanging over the head of David Clark after he broke lockdown rules in April and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that it's essential that "health leadership" has the "confidence" of the people.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-isolation-facilities-under-extreme-stress-need-revamping-309205">New Zealand's isolation facilities under 'extreme stress'; need 'revamping'</a>

"As David has said to me, the needs of the team must come before him as an individual," Ardern said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-the-reality-beneath-picture-perfect-new-zealand-307175">What's the reality beneath 'picture-perfect' New Zealand?</a>

Earlier Clark called himself an "idiot" for his lockdown violation when he, along with his family, went for a 20-kilometre (12-mile) drive to the beach.&nbsp;

Clark was not fired for his actions, but remained absent from the daily health briefings at the time of the pandemic, with the health department director-general Ashley Bloomfield appearing with Ardern to share daily updates.&nbsp;

New Zealand's sharp response to control COVID-19 outbreak, won praises for Bloomfield, with people printing his face on tea towels and appreciating his efforts on social media.&nbsp;

Public anger rose after Clark blamed Bloomfield for mistakes related to border quarantine and a video went viral, where Clark was seen slamming Bloomfield.&nbsp;

However, during his resignation announcement, Clark praised Bloomfield for his handling of the deadly virus and insisted that he maintains warm relations with him.&nbsp;

"He is an exceptional public servant," Clark said, reported AFP.&nbsp;

"Thank you Ashley and your team for the extraordinary work you have done for our country during our most serious health crisis in a century."

New Zealand's health minister resigned on Thursday following severe criticism of his handling of coronavirus and violation of lockdown in April. The sword was hanging over the head of David Clark after he broke lockdown rules in April and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that it's essential that "health leadership" has the "confidence" of the people.

New Zealand's health minister resigned on Thursday following severe criticism of his handling of coronavirus and violation of lockdown in April. The sword was hanging over the head of David Clark after he broke lockdown rules in April and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that it's essential that "health leadership" has the "confidence" of the people. Also read | New Zealand's isolation facilities under 'extreme stress'; need 'revamping' "As David has said to me, the needs of the team must come before him as an individual," Ardern said. Also read | What's the reality beneath 'picture-perfect' New Zealand? Earlier Clark called himself an "idiot" for his lockdown violation when he, along with his family, went for a 20-kilometre (12-mile) drive to the beach. Clark was not fired for his actions, but remained absent from the daily health briefings at the time of the pandemic, with the health department director-general Ashley Bloomfield appearing with Ardern to share daily updates. New Zealand's sharp response to control COVID-19 outbreak, won praises for Bloomfield, with people printing his face on tea towels and appreciating his efforts on social media. Public anger rose after Clark blamed Bloomfield for mistakes related to border quarantine and a video went viral, where Clark was seen slamming Bloomfield. However, during his resignation announcement, Clark praised Bloomfield for his handling of the deadly virus and insisted that he maintains warm relations with him. "He is an exceptional public servant," Clark said, reported AFP. "Thank you Ashley and your team for the extraordinary work you have done for our country during our most serious health crisis in a century."

Amid backlash, New Zealand health minister resigns

New Zealand's health minister, David Clark, resigned on Thursday following recent slip-ups in the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and personal mistakes.

New Zealand's Health Minister resigns after COVID-19 criticism

New Zealand's managed isolation and quarantine facilities are under "extreme stress" and unable to respond to increasing demands as more New Zealanders return home, a review has found.

The review found “resources required to support the managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) function have failed to keep pace with the increased volume of returnees”.

“The team found that the system, whilst not broken, is under extreme stress and is not readily able to respond to the increasing demands being placed upon it,” the review found.

“This has resulted in a very dedicated team having to confront immediate issues with limited capacity to plan ahead,” the review said, adding that this was “impacting on staff wellbeing and the confidence that returnees have in the process”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-the-reality-beneath-picture-perfect-new-zealand-307175">What's the reality beneath 'picture-perfect' New Zealand?</a>

The review also identified there was an absence of standardised information for those returning to New Zealand and often the first they knew of MIQ was when they had a health check on arrival at the airport.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered the review on June 17 on the same day she announced she was appointing Air Commodore Darryn Webb to conduct the review and oversee border management.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-records-two-cases-of-coronavirus-in-returning-travellers-306173">New Zealand records two cases of coronavirus in returning travellers</a>

Air Commodore Webb, along with Housing Minister Megan Woods, who has been appointed the minister-in-charge of quarantine and isolation facilities, announced the outcome of the review at Parliament on Saturday.

Announcing the results of the review, New Zealand’s housing minister, Megan Wood, said: “While the system was manageable under level-4 (restrictions), when there was only small numbers of New Zealanders returning home, it is now a system under stress, with arrivals increasing by 73% last week, compared to the beginning of April.”

It comes after a number of reports of people mixing and mingling in facilities, people leaving managed isolation without having been tested at all for Covid-19 and members of the public holding events in hotels where managed isolation is taking place.

New Zealand's managed isolation and quarantine facilities are under "extreme stress" and unable to respond to increasing demands as more New Zealanders return home, a review has found.

New Zealand's managed isolation and quarantine facilities are under "extreme stress" and unable to respond to increasing demands as more New Zealanders return home, a review has found. The review found “resources required to support the managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) function have failed to keep pace with the increased volume of returnees”. “The team found that the system, whilst not broken, is under extreme stress and is not readily able to respond to the increasing demands being placed upon it,” the review found. “This has resulted in a very dedicated team having to confront immediate issues with limited capacity to plan ahead,” the review said, adding that this was “impacting on staff wellbeing and the confidence that returnees have in the process”. Also read: What's the reality beneath 'picture-perfect' New Zealand? The review also identified there was an absence of standardised information for those returning to New Zealand and often the first they knew of MIQ was when they had a health check on arrival at the airport. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered the review on June 17 on the same day she announced she was appointing Air Commodore Darryn Webb to conduct the review and oversee border management. Also read: New Zealand records two cases of coronavirus in returning travellers Air Commodore Webb, along with Housing Minister Megan Woods, who has been appointed the minister-in-charge of quarantine and isolation facilities, announced the outcome of the review at Parliament on Saturday. Announcing the results of the review, New Zealand’s housing minister, Megan Wood, said: “While the system was manageable under level-4 (restrictions), when there was only small numbers of New Zealanders returning home, it is now a system under stress, with arrivals increasing by 73% last week, compared to the beginning of April.” It comes after a number of reports of people mixing and mingling in facilities, people leaving managed isolation without having been tested at all for Covid-19 and members of the public holding events in hotels where managed isolation is taking place.

New Zealand's isolation facilities under 'extreme stress'; need 'revamping'

A decade ago Australia spent millions of taxpayer dollars on a disastrous quest to host the 2022 men's World Cup, but its football boss is quietly confident that crushing defeat will not be repeated this week.&nbsp;

Australia and New Zealand's joint bid to host the 2023 women's World Cup, using the slogan "As One", is up against Colombia, with the decision due on June 25 after the field was whittled down from 10.

Japan, whose 'Nadeshiko' women's team won the 2011 World Cup, withdrew on Monday, a move seen as taking Australia and New Zealand's biggest rival out of the race.

Thursday's announcement by the FIFA Council comes with women's football, and women's sport in general, on an upward trajectory. The last women's World Cup in France was a big success, watched by 1.12 billion people globally.

The next edition will have 32 teams for the first time, up from 24, with pressure on to take it to another level.

Australia and New Zealand both have experience in hosting major events and their bid was regarded as the frontrunner after scoring strongly in FIFA's evaluation report.

"When you look at our bid, we think it ticks a lot of the boxes," Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou told AFP.&nbsp;

"Whether that's infrastructure, or the facilities, whether it's the legacy or the commercial outcomes for FIFA.&nbsp;

"Or just our genuine engagement with women's sport and women's issues... and Australia and New Zealand are great places to visit too, so as a package we hope it's a compelling proposition."

There was also optimism in 2010 when billionaire Frank Lowy, then FFA chairman, vigorously pursued hosting rights for the 2022 men's World Cup, only to win just a single vote as the event controversially went to Qatar.

It was a humiliating outcome for Australia, and was followed by bloodletting at FIFA as allegations unfolded of corruption at the world body's highest levels.

Nikou said it was a different ball game now, with FIFA having a new president in Gianni Infantino and a new constitution, while each vote will be public as opposed to the previous secrecy.

"Comparing the two eras, the previous bid to this one, I think it's like comparing apples to oranges," he said. "FIFA have been very adamant about a transparent process, a fair and open process, and it's been very comprehensive."

If Australia and New Zealand win, it will be the biggest sports event to be held by either country since the Sydney Olympics 20 years ago.

Their bid has already won public support from the ASEAN bloc, with initiatives to not just promote football in the host nations but also Southeast Asia, where it is hoped increased female participation can act as a driver for social change.

"A joint World Cup would also send a clear message to the Pacific islands about the rise of women's sport and certainly give them role models, and give us something to work with them to advance women's issues generally," said Nikou.

Australia and New Zealand's prime ministers, Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern, promised the World Cup would "embody our passion for women's football" and attract record crowds.

"Football is the game that connects us all," they wrote in a joint letter to the FIFA Council.&nbsp;

"We sincerely hope that an Australia-New Zealand FIFA Women's World Cup will bring us all together again in 2023, when we can all celebrate humanity,&nbsp;community&nbsp;and unity through football."

Australia and New Zealand have been ahead of the curve in promoting equal pay and gender equality in sport, which should sit well with FIFA's vision of having 60 million women and girls playing football by 2026.

Nikou said he hoped the achievements would not go unnoticed.

"Those who delve into those details will genuinely see two countries committed to women's sport," he said. "When you look at it, we are living the values that are part of FIFA's broader game plan for sport."

The two countries plan to share the tournament between 12 cities.&nbsp;

Stadiums -- a combination of boutique and large -- already exist, with the opener in Auckland and the final in Sydney. Tickets will cost as little as US$5 with officials confident up to 1.5 million spectators will attend.

Nikou pointed to Australia and New Zealand's previous success in hosting top events, including cricket and rugby World Cups and Commonwealth Games, as well as the Olympics.

"We've got a strong track record of putting on world-class events so I'm very comfortable that we would produce the best ever women's World Cup," he said.

A decade ago Australia spent millions of taxpayer dollars on a disastrous quest to host the 2022 men's World Cup, but its football boss is quietly confident that crushing defeat will not be repeated this week.

A decade ago Australia spent millions of taxpayer dollars on a disastrous quest to host the 2022 men's World Cup, but its football boss is quietly confident that crushing defeat will not be repeated this week. Australia and New Zealand's joint bid to host the 2023 women's World Cup, using the slogan "As One", is up against Colombia, with the decision due on June 25 after the field was whittled down from 10. Japan, whose 'Nadeshiko' women's team won the 2011 World Cup, withdrew on Monday, a move seen as taking Australia and New Zealand's biggest rival out of the race. Thursday's announcement by the FIFA Council comes with women's football, and women's sport in general, on an upward trajectory. The last women's World Cup in France was a big success, watched by 1.12 billion people globally. The next edition will have 32 teams for the first time, up from 24, with pressure on to take it to another level. Australia and New Zealand both have experience in hosting major events and their bid was regarded as the frontrunner after scoring strongly in FIFA's evaluation report. "When you look at our bid, we think it ticks a lot of the boxes," Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou told AFP. "Whether that's infrastructure, or the facilities, whether it's the legacy or the commercial outcomes for FIFA. "Or just our genuine engagement with women's sport and women's issues... and Australia and New Zealand are great places to visit too, so as a package we hope it's a compelling proposition." There was also optimism in 2010 when billionaire Frank Lowy, then FFA chairman, vigorously pursued hosting rights for the 2022 men's World Cup, only to win just a single vote as the event controversially went to Qatar. It was a humiliating outcome for Australia, and was followed by bloodletting at FIFA as allegations unfolded of corruption at the world body's highest levels. Nikou said it was a different ball game now, with FIFA having a new president in Gianni Infantino and a new constitution, while each vote will be public as opposed to the previous secrecy. "Comparing the two eras, the previous bid to this one, I think it's like comparing apples to oranges," he said. "FIFA have been very adamant about a transparent process, a fair and open process, and it's been very comprehensive." If Australia and New Zealand win, it will be the biggest sports event to be held by either country since the Sydney Olympics 20 years ago. Their bid has already won public support from the ASEAN bloc, with initiatives to not just promote football in the host nations but also Southeast Asia, where it is hoped increased female participation can act as a driver for social change. "A joint World Cup would also send a clear message to the Pacific islands about the rise of women's sport and certainly give them role models, and give us something to work with them to advance women's issues generally," said Nikou. Australia and New Zealand's prime ministers, Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern, promised the World Cup would "embody our passion for women's football" and attract record crowds. "Football is the game that connects us all," they wrote in a joint letter to the FIFA Council. "We sincerely hope that an Australia-New Zealand FIFA Women's World Cup will bring us all together again in 2023, when we can all celebrate humanity, community and unity through football." Australia and New Zealand have been ahead of the curve in promoting equal pay and gender equality in sport, which should sit well with FIFA's vision of having 60 million women and girls playing football by 2026. Nikou said he hoped the achievements would not go unnoticed. "Those who delve into those details will genuinely see two countries committed to women's sport," he said. "When you look at it, we are living the values that are part of FIFA's broader game plan for sport." The two countries plan to share the tournament between 12 cities. Stadiums -- a combination of boutique and large -- already exist, with the opener in Auckland and the final in Sydney. Tickets will cost as little as US$5 with officials confident up to 1.5 million spectators will attend. Nikou pointed to Australia and New Zealand's previous success in hosting top events, including cricket and rugby World Cups and Commonwealth Games, as well as the Olympics. "We've got a strong track record of putting on world-class events so I'm very comfortable that we would produce the best ever women's World Cup," he said.

'Ticks the boxes': Australia, New Zealand favourites to host 2023 women's World Cup

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