Kiwi batsman Devon Conway entered a very exclusive list after scoring a century on his Test debut at the mecca of cricket, Lord's. The New Zealand opener broke Sourav Ganguly's long-standing record of highest score by a Test debutant at Lord's.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-wont-be-surprising-if-england-prepare-grassy-pitches-but-expect-indian-summer-sunil-gavaskar-on-indias-tour-of-england-389197" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Won't be surprising if England prepare grassy pitches but expect 'Indian summer' - Sunil Gavaskar on India's tour of England</a>

25 years ago, former Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly played a memorable inning to kick off his Test career in style. The then 23-year-old went on to hit 131 runs and became the 10th Indian batsmen to notch up a century on Test debut.

29-year-old, Conway, went past Ganguly's record on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test match between England and New Zealand. &nbsp;

"It was a pretty surreal moment, I couldn't have dreamed for a better start to my Test career," Conway said after stumps on Day 1.

"It took maybe three or four overs to face my first ball, but I was pretty grateful for that. It gave me an opportunity to have look at the bowling from the non-striker's end. I've never faced Broady and Anderson [before], so it gave me a chance to see how it was going off the wicket and get some clues from Tommy Latham. The communication was good and clear, so it gave me a chance before that first ball."

On Day 2, Devon's class continued as the Kiwi opener held on to crease despite wickets on the other end kept falling. Devon is currently batting on 174 runs off 311 balls.&nbsp;

Kiwi batsman Devon Conway entered a very exclusive list after scoring a century on his Test debut at the mecca of cricket, Lord's. The New Zealand opener broke Sourav Ganguly's long-standing record of highest score by a Test debutant at Lord's.

Kiwi batsman Devon Conway entered a very exclusive list after scoring a century on his Test debut at the mecca of cricket, Lord's. The New Zealand opener broke Sourav Ganguly's long-standing record of highest score by a Test debutant at Lord's. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Won't be surprising if England prepare grassy pitches but expect 'Indian summer' - Sunil Gavaskar on India's tour of England 25 years ago, former Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly played a memorable inning to kick off his Test career in style. The then 23-year-old went on to hit 131 runs and became the 10th Indian batsmen to notch up a century on Test debut. 29-year-old, Conway, went past Ganguly's record on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test match between England and New Zealand. "It was a pretty surreal moment, I couldn't have dreamed for a better start to my Test career," Conway said after stumps on Day 1. "It took maybe three or four overs to face my first ball, but I was pretty grateful for that. It gave me an opportunity to have look at the bowling from the non-striker's end. I've never faced Broady and Anderson [before], so it gave me a chance to see how it was going off the wicket and get some clues from Tommy Latham. The communication was good and clear, so it gave me a chance before that first ball." On Day 2, Devon's class continued as the Kiwi opener held on to crease despite wickets on the other end kept falling. Devon is currently batting on 174 runs off 311 balls.

Cricket: Devon Conway breaks a 25-year-old record set by Sourav Ganguly

England captain Joe Root is eyeing a clean-sweep of victories against New Zealand and India as the English Test summer kickstarted on Wednesday. England are currently locked in a two-Test series against New Zealand after which they will lock horns against India in a five-Test series. <o:p></o:p>

Ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, Root on Tuesday had said that before the Ashes, the England side is looking to win all the seven Tests against New Zealand and India while saying that it is the best way to prepare for a gruelling Ashes tour. <o:p></o:p>

“It is of utmost importance, absolutely. But the way we are best going to prepare ourselves is by performing well in these seven Tests, by winning seven Test matches against the best two sides in the world,” Root said.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, England have had a tricky start against New Zealand in the first Test with Black Caps debutant Devon Conway scoring a hundred.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-two-indian-team-playing-different-formats-the-way-forward-opines-ravi-shastri-389040" hreflang="en">Cricket: Two Indian team playing different formats the way forward, opines Ravi Shastri</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">England vs New Zealand<o:p></o:p></h2>

<ul>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Test 1: June 2 to June 6, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Test 2: June 10 to June 14, Edgbaston, Birmingham<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">England vs India<o:p></o:p></h2>

<ul>
	<li class="MsoNormal">First Test: August 4-8, Trent Bridge, Nottingham<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Second Test: August 12-16, Lord’s, London<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Third Test: August 25-29, Headingley, Leeds<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Fourth Test: September 2 to September 6, Kennington Oval, London<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Fifth Test: September 10-14, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Ashes Series 2021-22 Schedule:<o:p></o:p></h2>

<ul>
	<li class="MsoNormal">First Test – Gabba, Brisbane (December 8-12, 2021)<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Second Test – Adelaide Oval, Day-Night (December 16-20, 2021)<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Third Test – Melbourne Cricket Stadium (26 to 30 December 2021)<o:p></o:p></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Fourth Test- Sydney Cricket Stadium (January 5 to 9, 2022)</li>
	<li class="MsoNormal">Fifth Test – Perth Cricket Stadium (January 14 to 18, 2022)<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

England captain Joe Root is eyeing a clean-sweep of victories against New Zealand and India as the English Test summer kickstarted on Wednesday. England are currently locked in a two-Test series against New Zealand after which they will lock horns against India in a five-Test series.

England captain Joe Root is eyeing a clean-sweep of victories against New Zealand and India as the English Test summer kickstarted on Wednesday. England are currently locked in a two-Test series against New Zealand after which they will lock horns against India in a five-Test series. Ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, Root on Tuesday had said that before the Ashes, the England side is looking to win all the seven Tests against New Zealand and India while saying that it is the best way to prepare for a gruelling Ashes tour. “It is of utmost importance, absolutely. But the way we are best going to prepare ourselves is by performing well in these seven Tests, by winning seven Test matches against the best two sides in the world,” Root said. Meanwhile, England have had a tricky start against New Zealand in the first Test with Black Caps debutant Devon Conway scoring a hundred. ALSO READ: Cricket: Two Indian team playing different formats the way forward, opines Ravi Shastri England vs New Zealand Test 1: June 2 to June 6, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London Test 2: June 10 to June 14, Edgbaston, Birmingham England vs India First Test: August 4-8, Trent Bridge, Nottingham Second Test: August 12-16, Lord’s, London Third Test: August 25-29, Headingley, Leeds Fourth Test: September 2 to September 6, Kennington Oval, London Fifth Test: September 10-14, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester Ashes Series 2021-22 Schedule: First Test – Gabba, Brisbane (December 8-12, 2021) Second Test – Adelaide Oval, Day-Night (December 16-20, 2021) Third Test – Melbourne Cricket Stadium (26 to 30 December 2021) Fourth Test- Sydney Cricket Stadium (January 5 to 9, 2022) Fifth Test – Perth Cricket Stadium (January 14 to 18, 2022)

Cricket: Joe Root eyes clean-sweep against New Zealand and India before Ashes

China has reacted sharply to statements by Australia and New Zealand where they express grave concern over developments in Hong Kong and the Human Rights situation in Xinjiang.

China rejects Australia, New Zealand concerns about Human Rights

Hundreds of people were evacuated overnight and many more face the risk of abandoning their homes in New Zealand's Canterbury region as heavy rains raised water levels and caused widespread flooding.

At least 300 homes in Canterbury were evacuated overnight as water levels rose in rivers across the region in a "one-in-100-year deluge", local media reports said on Monday.

Several highways, schools and offices were closed and New Zealand's Defence Forces deployed helicopters to rescue some people stranded in floods in the Ashburton area.

Ashburton's Mayor Neil Brown said "half of Ashburton" would need to be evacuated if the river's levees broke but there was "still quite a bit of capacity" in the river.

"We need it to stop raining to let those rivers drop," said Brown, according to the New Zealand Herald.

New Zealand's MetService had issued a red warning on Sunday for heavy rain for Canterbury and multiple warnings elsewhere.

The government announced NZ$100,000 ($72,500) towards a Mayoral Relief Fund to support Canterbury communities impacted by the flooding, Kris Faafoi, the acting minister for emergency management said in a statement.

"While it is still very early to know the full cost of the damage, we expect it to be significant and this initial contribution will help those communities to start to get back on their feet," said Faafoi.

Hundreds of people were evacuated overnight and many more face the risk of abandoning their homes in New Zealand's Canterbury region as heavy rains raised water levels and caused widespread flooding.

Hundreds of people were evacuated overnight and many more face the risk of abandoning their homes in New Zealand's Canterbury region as heavy rains raised water levels and caused widespread flooding. At least 300 homes in Canterbury were evacuated overnight as water levels rose in rivers across the region in a "one-in-100-year deluge", local media reports said on Monday. Several highways, schools and offices were closed and New Zealand's Defence Forces deployed helicopters to rescue some people stranded in floods in the Ashburton area. Ashburton's Mayor Neil Brown said "half of Ashburton" would need to be evacuated if the river's levees broke but there was "still quite a bit of capacity" in the river. "We need it to stop raining to let those rivers drop," said Brown, according to the New Zealand Herald. New Zealand's MetService had issued a red warning on Sunday for heavy rain for Canterbury and multiple warnings elsewhere. The government announced NZ$100,000 ($72,500) towards a Mayoral Relief Fund to support Canterbury communities impacted by the flooding, Kris Faafoi, the acting minister for emergency management said in a statement. "While it is still very early to know the full cost of the damage, we expect it to be significant and this initial contribution will help those communities to start to get back on their feet," said Faafoi.

Hundreds evacuated in New Zealand's Canterbury region floods

Hundreds of people were evacuated overnight and many more face the risk of abandoning their homes in New Zealand's Canterbury region as heavy rains raised water levels and caused widespread flooding. 
 
At least 300 homes in Canterbury were evacuated overnight as water levels rose in rivers across the region in a 'one-in-100-year deluge', local media reports said on Monday. 
 
Several highways, schools and offices were closed and New Zealand's Defence Forces deployed helicopters to rescue some people stranded in floods in the Ashburton area. 
 
Ashburton's Mayor Neil Brown said 'half of Ashburton' would need to be evacuated if the river's levees broke but there was 'still quite a bit of capacity' in the river. 
 
"We need it to stop raining to let those rivers drop," said Brown, according to the New Zealand Herald. 
 
New Zealand's MetService had issued a red warning on Sunday for heavy rain for Canterbury and multiple warnings elsewhere. 
 
The government announced NZ$100,000 ($72,500) towards a Mayoral Relief Fund to support Canterbury communities impacted by the flooding, Kris Faafoi, the acting minister for emergency management said in a statement. 
 
"While it is still very early to know the full cost of the damage, we expect it to be significant and this initial contribution will help those communities to start to get back on their feet," said Faafoi.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of people were evacuated overnight and many more face the risk of abandoning their homes in New Zealand's Canterbury region as heavy rains raised water levels and caused widespread flooding. At least 300 homes in Canterbury were evacuated overnight as water levels rose in rivers across the region in a 'one-in-100-year deluge', local media reports said on Monday. Several highways, schools and offices were closed and New Zealand's Defence Forces deployed helicopters to rescue some people stranded in floods in the Ashburton area. Ashburton's Mayor Neil Brown said 'half of Ashburton' would need to be evacuated if the river's levees broke but there was 'still quite a bit of capacity' in the river. "We need it to stop raining to let those rivers drop," said Brown, according to the New Zealand Herald. New Zealand's MetService had issued a red warning on Sunday for heavy rain for Canterbury and multiple warnings elsewhere. The government announced NZ$100,000 ($72,500) towards a Mayoral Relief Fund to support Canterbury communities impacted by the flooding, Kris Faafoi, the acting minister for emergency management said in a statement. "While it is still very early to know the full cost of the damage, we expect it to be significant and this initial contribution will help those communities to start to get back on their feet," said Faafoi. (With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds evacuated as floods ravage New Zealand's Canterbury region

Thousands of homes are at risk of flooding in New Zealand's Canterbury region as continues heavy rain raised water levels. At least 300 homes in Canterbury were evacuated overnight as water levels rose in rivers across the region in a "one-in-100-year deluge".

New Zealand: Heavy rains raised water levels and caused widespread flooding

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived in New Zealand for annual talks with Jacinda Ardern. New Zealand PM welcomed Morrison is a traditional Powhiri welcome ceremony. Both delegations greeted each other with a traditional Maori greeting.

Australian PM Scott Morrison attends welcome ceremony in New Zealand

New Zealand and Australia downplayed policy differences on China Monday, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denying Wellington was taking a soft stance on human rights to avoid offending its largest trading partner. 
 
Ardern's government has taken flak over its meek criticisms of China's rights record, while Australia's more outspoken position has drawn punitive trade measures from Beijing. 
 
The centre-left New Zealand leader insisted the trans-Tasman allies were lock-step on attitudes towards China after holding talks with her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison in the South Island mountain retreat of Queenstown. 
 
The pair issued a joint statement expressing "deep concern" at the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong and the treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang province. 
 
"You'll see that Australia and New Zealand have broadly been positioned in exactly the same place on these issues consistently," Ardern told reporters. 
 
"So I really push back on any suggestion that we are not taking a strong stance on these incredibly important issues." 
 
Ardern and Morrison also backed a push to further investigate the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, which remains a sensitive topic for China. 
 
The New Zealand government declined to sign a statement from the Five Eyes intelligence network last year condemning developments in Hong Kong, and this month insisted on removing the word "genocide" from a parliamentary motion about the plight of the Uyghurs. 
 
Australia has fully backed the Five Eyes statements, sparking fiery rhetoric from Beijing along with import levies on a range of Australian products. 
 
Morrison said he did not believe New Zealand was a weak link in the spy network, which also includes the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. 
 
"Neither of us will ever trade our sovereignty or our values, we have stood side by side to defend those values," he said. 
 
Morrison said both Australia and New Zealand wanted a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific region and would work to ensure that goal was not threatened by rising China-US tensions. 
 
"The world is being characterised by increased strategic competition between the United States and China, that is a self-evident fact," he said. 
 
"I would say our shared view is that such strategic competition does not need to lead to increased likelihood of conflict." 
 
Ardern also glossed over other irritants in the trans-Tasman relationship, including Canberra's policy of deporting New Zealand-born criminals even if they have been in Australia for most of their lives. 
 
"As with any family, we will have our disagreements from time to time but... we are much bigger than our differences," she said.

New Zealand and Australia downplayed policy differences on China Monday, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denying Wellington was taking a soft stance on human rights to avoid offending its largest trading partner.

New Zealand and Australia downplayed policy differences on China Monday, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denying Wellington was taking a soft stance on human rights to avoid offending its largest trading partner. Ardern's government has taken flak over its meek criticisms of China's rights record, while Australia's more outspoken position has drawn punitive trade measures from Beijing. The centre-left New Zealand leader insisted the trans-Tasman allies were lock-step on attitudes towards China after holding talks with her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison in the South Island mountain retreat of Queenstown. The pair issued a joint statement expressing "deep concern" at the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong and the treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang province. "You'll see that Australia and New Zealand have broadly been positioned in exactly the same place on these issues consistently," Ardern told reporters. "So I really push back on any suggestion that we are not taking a strong stance on these incredibly important issues." Ardern and Morrison also backed a push to further investigate the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, which remains a sensitive topic for China. The New Zealand government declined to sign a statement from the Five Eyes intelligence network last year condemning developments in Hong Kong, and this month insisted on removing the word "genocide" from a parliamentary motion about the plight of the Uyghurs. Australia has fully backed the Five Eyes statements, sparking fiery rhetoric from Beijing along with import levies on a range of Australian products. Morrison said he did not believe New Zealand was a weak link in the spy network, which also includes the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. "Neither of us will ever trade our sovereignty or our values, we have stood side by side to defend those values," he said. Morrison said both Australia and New Zealand wanted a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific region and would work to ensure that goal was not threatened by rising China-US tensions. "The world is being characterised by increased strategic competition between the United States and China, that is a self-evident fact," he said. "I would say our shared view is that such strategic competition does not need to lead to increased likelihood of conflict." Ardern also glossed over other irritants in the trans-Tasman relationship, including Canberra's policy of deporting New Zealand-born criminals even if they have been in Australia for most of their lives. "As with any family, we will have our disagreements from time to time but... we are much bigger than our differences," she said.

New Zealand, Australia play down differences on China

New Zealand authorities declared a state of emergency in the province of Canterbury Sunday, as the region was pounded by heavy rain that could force thousands of people to abandon their homes.

Acting Emergency Management Minister Kris Faafoi, who visited the hardest-hit southern parts of the area, said about 3,000 homes were at risk and the army had been mobilised to assist with evacuations if necessary.

"The rain is going to stick around until at least tomorrow. It will be heavy and the authorities will be watching those river levels tonight," Faafoi said.

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The New Zealand Meteorological Service has issued a rare "red" warning for the area, with up to 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rain expected to fall in inland areas.

In coastal Christchurch, the main city in Canterbury, forecasters expected about 100 mm to fall, well above the monthly total average for May.

Canterbury Civil Defence emergency management group controller Neville Reilly told the New Zealand Herald that the state of emergency was declared because authorities could not afford to take chances.

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"There's a lot of contingency planning going on so that if something untoward should happen we are in a position to get people out and give them somewhere to go," he said.

"Really we're just holding our breath overnight."

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Neil Brown, the mayor of Ashburton, said about 4,000 people in the town could be forced to evacuate if the Ashburton River breaks its banks.

New Zealand authorities declared a state of emergency in the province of Canterbury Sunday, as the region was pounded by heavy rain that could force thousands of people to abandon their homes.

New Zealand authorities declared a state of emergency in the province of Canterbury Sunday, as the region was pounded by heavy rain that could force thousands of people to abandon their homes. Acting Emergency Management Minister Kris Faafoi, who visited the hardest-hit southern parts of the area, said about 3,000 homes were at risk and the army had been mobilised to assist with evacuations if necessary. "The rain is going to stick around until at least tomorrow. It will be heavy and the authorities will be watching those river levels tonight," Faafoi said. Also Read | Australia's 'mice war' intensifies: Country seeks banned poison from India to fight plague The New Zealand Meteorological Service has issued a rare "red" warning for the area, with up to 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rain expected to fall in inland areas. In coastal Christchurch, the main city in Canterbury, forecasters expected about 100 mm to fall, well above the monthly total average for May. Canterbury Civil Defence emergency management group controller Neville Reilly told the New Zealand Herald that the state of emergency was declared because authorities could not afford to take chances. Also Read | First instance of 'killer robot' attacking human without orders recorded in Libya: UN report "There's a lot of contingency planning going on so that if something untoward should happen we are in a position to get people out and give them somewhere to go," he said. "Really we're just holding our breath overnight." Also Read | Would dinosaurs be alive if they had spaceships? Tech mogul Elon Musk believes so Neil Brown, the mayor of Ashburton, said about 4,000 people in the town could be forced to evacuate if the Ashburton River breaks its banks.

Emergency declared as New Zealand floods threaten thousands of homes

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived in New Zealand on Sunday for high-level talks hours after the country's government chose to support Canberra in its dispute with China on barley tariffs, signalling goodwill to work on differences in how to approach Beijing.

Quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand began last month after both nations controlled the spread of COVID-19, allowing Morrison and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to meet face to face for the first time in 15 months.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-ardern-says-differences-with-china-becoming-harder-to-reconcile-382404">New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile</a>

The talks were likely to be challenged by differences over China, the biggest trading partner of both countries, with Australia at loggerheads with Beijing and New Zealand taking a more accommodating approach.

China has in recent months moved to restrict imports of Australian products such as barley, wine and beef, with the World Trade Organisation saying on Friday it would establish a dispute settlement panel to resolve the barley row.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-australia-moves-wto-over-chinas-tariff-war-388119/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ahead of Morrison's visit, New Zealand Trade Minister Damien O'Connor said his government was backing Canberra in the spat.

"New Zealand is participating in this dispute as a third party because it raises systemic issues of importance to the effective functioning of the multilateral rules-based trading system," local media cited O'Connor as saying.

"New Zealand was not asked to join as a third party, however we have been a third party in over 60 WTO cases since 1995 and it's not unusual for us to join actions disputes when we see challenges to international trade rules."

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Australia's ties with China have sunk to their lowest point in decades in the past 18 months after Morrison led calls for a global enquiry into the origins of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> and Australia barred Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co from its 5G network.

New Zealand's economic ties with China have been strengthening, with the two countries this year upgrading their free trade agreement.

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New Zealand also said last month it was "uncomfortable" with expanding the role of the Five Eyes, a post-war intelligence grouping that also includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada. This raised speculation that Wellington did not back the group's recent criticisms of Beijing.

China has accused the Five Eyes of ganging up on it with statements on Hong Kong and the treatment of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Formal talks between Ardern and Morrison, expected to be dominated by China and its growing influence in the region, are to take place on Monday.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived in New Zealand on Sunday for high-level talks hours after the country's government chose to support Canberra in its dispute with China on barley tariffs, signalling goodwill to work on differences in how to approach Beijing.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived in New Zealand on Sunday for high-level talks hours after the country's government chose to support Canberra in its dispute with China on barley tariffs, signalling goodwill to work on differences in how to approach Beijing. Quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand began last month after both nations controlled the spread of COVID-19, allowing Morrison and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to meet face to face for the first time in 15 months. Also Read | New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile The talks were likely to be challenged by differences over China, the biggest trading partner of both countries, with Australia at loggerheads with Beijing and New Zealand taking a more accommodating approach. China has in recent months moved to restrict imports of Australian products such as barley, wine and beef, with the World Trade Organisation saying on Friday it would establish a dispute settlement panel to resolve the barley row. Ahead of Morrison's visit, New Zealand Trade Minister Damien O'Connor said his government was backing Canberra in the spat. "New Zealand is participating in this dispute as a third party because it raises systemic issues of importance to the effective functioning of the multilateral rules-based trading system," local media cited O'Connor as saying. "New Zealand was not asked to join as a third party, however we have been a third party in over 60 WTO cases since 1995 and it's not unusual for us to join actions disputes when we see challenges to international trade rules." Also Read | China ‘storm’ may be coming, warns New Zealand’s foreign minister Australia's ties with China have sunk to their lowest point in decades in the past 18 months after Morrison led calls for a global enquiry into the origins of COVID-19 and Australia barred Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co from its 5G network. New Zealand's economic ties with China have been strengthening, with the two countries this year upgrading their free trade agreement. Also Read | New Zealand says it will not let 'Five Eyes' intelligence alliance set China policy New Zealand also said last month it was "uncomfortable" with expanding the role of the Five Eyes, a post-war intelligence grouping that also includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada. This raised speculation that Wellington did not back the group's recent criticisms of Beijing. China has accused the Five Eyes of ganging up on it with statements on Hong Kong and the treatment of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Formal talks between Ardern and Morrison, expected to be dominated by China and its growing influence in the region, are to take place on Monday.

New Zealand backs Australia in trade spat with China ahead of Ardern-Morrison meeting

New Zealand foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta has said that the country could find itself at the heart of a 'storm' of anger from China.

She also said that exporters expected to broaden to guarantee they could endure breaking down relations with Beijing.

“We cannot ignore, obviously, what’s happening in Australia with their relationship with China. And if they are close to an eye of the storm or in the eye of the storm, we’ve got to legitimately ask ourselves – it may only be a matter of time before the storm gets closer to us,” British daily&nbsp;The Guardian quoted her as saying.

The statement comes after Jacinda Ardern's government faces increasing pressure to take a firmer stance on human rights violations by China.

New Zealand has major trade ties to China and has long been touted by Beijing as a model of its relations with Western countries.

But Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's government, which won a second term in office in October, has criticized China over the issue of Uyghurs, the human rights violations in Hong Kong and backed Taiwan’s participation at the World Health Organization despite a warning from Beijing.

Mahuta and Ardern have said they are focused on an independent foreign policy that is not loyal to any major bloc, a position that's popular domestically and followed by previous Labour Party-led governments including the nine-year administration until 2008 of Helen Clark.

Mahuta said last month that she was uncomfortable expanding the role of the Five Eyes, a post-war intelligence grouping that also includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada.

China has accused the Five Eyes of ganging up by issuing statements on Hong Kong and the treatment of Uyghurs.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta has said that the country could find itself at the heart of a 'storm' of anger from China. She also said that exporters expected to broaden to guarantee they could endure breaking down relations with Beijing.

New Zealand foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta has said that the country could find itself at the heart of a 'storm' of anger from China. She also said that exporters expected to broaden to guarantee they could endure breaking down relations with Beijing. “We cannot ignore, obviously, what’s happening in Australia with their relationship with China. And if they are close to an eye of the storm or in the eye of the storm, we’ve got to legitimately ask ourselves – it may only be a matter of time before the storm gets closer to us,” British daily The Guardian quoted her as saying. The statement comes after Jacinda Ardern's government faces increasing pressure to take a firmer stance on human rights violations by China. New Zealand has major trade ties to China and has long been touted by Beijing as a model of its relations with Western countries. But Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's government, which won a second term in office in October, has criticized China over the issue of Uyghurs, the human rights violations in Hong Kong and backed Taiwan’s participation at the World Health Organization despite a warning from Beijing. Mahuta and Ardern have said they are focused on an independent foreign policy that is not loyal to any major bloc, a position that's popular domestically and followed by previous Labour Party-led governments including the nine-year administration until 2008 of Helen Clark. Mahuta said last month that she was uncomfortable expanding the role of the Five Eyes, a post-war intelligence grouping that also includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada. China has accused the Five Eyes of ganging up by issuing statements on Hong Kong and the treatment of Uyghurs. (With inputs from agencies)

China ‘storm’ may be coming, warns New Zealand’s foreign minister

Ajaz Patel, the Indian-conceived New Zealand spinner, is getting goosebumps pondering playing against his birth to the world country in the marquee World Test Championship Final at Southampton. Ajaz Patel accepts he has completed 'full circle' and is set to make heap stories and recollections for what's to come.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/playing-golf-against-your-boss-mark-richardson-on-playing-against-team-india-386751" hreflang="en">'Playing golf against your boss': Mark Richardson on playing against Team India</a>

Ajaz Patel was conceived and raised in Mumbai. His parents moved to New Zealand when he was eight looking for better monetary freedoms and have lived there from that point onward.&nbsp;

Ajaz Patel began as a medium-pacer in New Zealand however before long moved to left-arm spin, just to get truly outstanding in the speciality in his country. The 32-year-old reviewed the excursion on Sunday and said he desires to treasure this stunning stage later on.

In a conversation with New Zealand Cricket, he said: "Yeah, I just got goosebumps thinking about it, to be honest. From where I started my journey in terms of immigrating to New Zealand to then be in a position where you are in England, the home of cricket, playing against India one of the best nations when it comes to cricket and also your birth country while representing New Zealand which I now call home. It's kind of like going full circle" &nbsp;

"But you know, that's my cricketing journey and I guess it would be quite rewarding to play against India out there and hope I could sit back and look back at something like that in the future and go 'that was an amazing time in my career. I'm sure it's something any cricketer would cherish for as long as they live and it'll be a hell of a story to tell later on",&nbsp;he added.

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What’s it like for Ajaz Patel to be staying at the venue for the <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC21</a> Final v <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> 🤔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/goosebumps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#goosebumps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AjazP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AjazP</a> <a href="https://t.co/YJcAKFLVre">pic.twitter.com/YJcAKFLVre</a>
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1395778045890514947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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With Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi hoarding two top positions in the spin department, Ajaz Patel's worldwide presentation came after very nearly 10 years of crushing in homegrown cricket. In any case, he has taken gigantic steps since, getting 22 wickets from eight Tests at an average of 33.32 including two five-wicket hauls.&nbsp;

Ajaz Patel additionally discussed his experience playing area cricket in England, saying that he has consistently delighted in and taken in a great deal from his time in the country.&nbsp;

"It was a great experience. I learned a lot from it and took a lot back. It's kind of nice to be back here I have always enjoyed my time in England. I have played a couple of seasons of club cricket down here, County Cricket Club in Surrey. So, I have spent a bit of time here and I do enjoy playing cricket in England" - he said.&nbsp;

The WTC Final will begin on June 18. New Zealand and England will secure horns a two-Test arrangement before it, beginning on June 2. 
&nbsp;

Ajaz Patel, the Indian-conceived New Zealand spinner, is getting goosebumps pondering playing against his birth to the world country in the marquee World Test Championship Final at Southampton.

Ajaz Patel, the Indian-conceived New Zealand spinner, is getting goosebumps pondering playing against his birth to the world country in the marquee World Test Championship Final at Southampton. Ajaz Patel accepts he has completed 'full circle' and is set to make heap stories and recollections for what's to come. ALSO READ: 'Playing golf against your boss': Mark Richardson on playing against Team India Ajaz Patel was conceived and raised in Mumbai. His parents moved to New Zealand when he was eight looking for better monetary freedoms and have lived there from that point onward. Ajaz Patel began as a medium-pacer in New Zealand however before long moved to left-arm spin, just to get truly outstanding in the speciality in his country. The 32-year-old reviewed the excursion on Sunday and said he desires to treasure this stunning stage later on. In a conversation with New Zealand Cricket, he said: "Yeah, I just got goosebumps thinking about it, to be honest. From where I started my journey in terms of immigrating to New Zealand to then be in a position where you are in England, the home of cricket, playing against India one of the best nations when it comes to cricket and also your birth country while representing New Zealand which I now call home. It's kind of like going full circle" "But you know, that's my cricketing journey and I guess it would be quite rewarding to play against India out there and hope I could sit back and look back at something like that in the future and go 'that was an amazing time in my career. I'm sure it's something any cricketer would cherish for as long as they live and it'll be a hell of a story to tell later on", he added. What’s it like for Ajaz Patel to be staying at the venue for the @ICC #WTC21 Final v @BCCI 🤔 #goosebumps @AjazP pic.twitter.com/YJcAKFLVre — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) May 21, 2021 × With Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi hoarding two top positions in the spin department, Ajaz Patel's worldwide presentation came after very nearly 10 years of crushing in homegrown cricket. In any case, he has taken gigantic steps since, getting 22 wickets from eight Tests at an average of 33.32 including two five-wicket hauls. Ajaz Patel additionally discussed his experience playing area cricket in England, saying that he has consistently delighted in and taken in a great deal from his time in the country. "It was a great experience. I learned a lot from it and took a lot back. It's kind of nice to be back here I have always enjoyed my time in England. I have played a couple of seasons of club cricket down here, County Cricket Club in Surrey. So, I have spent a bit of time here and I do enjoy playing cricket in England" - he said. The WTC Final will begin on June 18. New Zealand and England will secure horns a two-Test arrangement before it, beginning on June 2.

WTC Final: 'It's like going full circle': Ajaz Patel on playing the final against India

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that world leaders and tech firms looking to stamp out violent extremism online would need to focus efforts on understanding social media algorithms that drive content. &nbsp;

Ardern was speaking at a virtual summit to mark the second anniversary of the global initiative to end online hate, called the Christchurch Call, launched by Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron in 2019 after a white supremacist killed 51 people at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch while live-streaming his rampage on Facebook.&nbsp;

Since then, more than 50 countries, international organisations and tech firms have supported the initiative including firms, such as Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft.&nbsp;

"The existence of algorithms themselves is not necessarily the problem, it's whether or not they are ethically used. That is one of the biggest focus for the community over the next year alongside expanding the network itself," Ardern said a news conference after the forum.&nbsp;

Ardern said major tech firms expressed a real desire at the forum to use algorithms for positive interventions. She, however, did not elaborate on how firms would change the use of algorithms that drive harmful content and lead to radicalisation. &nbsp;

The Christchurch Call was joined for the first time by the United States, which made a policy change two years after the administration of former president Donald Trump declined to participate citing concerns of free speech.&nbsp;

The event was attended by global leaders including Macron, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), an NGO founded by Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube that joined the Christchurch Call, said progress has been made since 2019.&nbsp;

The agency responded to over 140 incidents since 2019 with member companies sharing information and situational awareness to understand if an attack has a particular online dimension, it said in a separate statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that world leaders and tech firms looking to stamp out violent extremism online would need to focus efforts on understanding social media algorithms that drive content.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that world leaders and tech firms looking to stamp out violent extremism online would need to focus efforts on understanding social media algorithms that drive content. Ardern was speaking at a virtual summit to mark the second anniversary of the global initiative to end online hate, called the Christchurch Call, launched by Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron in 2019 after a white supremacist killed 51 people at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch while live-streaming his rampage on Facebook. Since then, more than 50 countries, international organisations and tech firms have supported the initiative including firms, such as Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft. "The existence of algorithms themselves is not necessarily the problem, it's whether or not they are ethically used. That is one of the biggest focus for the community over the next year alongside expanding the network itself," Ardern said a news conference after the forum. Ardern said major tech firms expressed a real desire at the forum to use algorithms for positive interventions. She, however, did not elaborate on how firms would change the use of algorithms that drive harmful content and lead to radicalisation. The Christchurch Call was joined for the first time by the United States, which made a policy change two years after the administration of former president Donald Trump declined to participate citing concerns of free speech. The event was attended by global leaders including Macron, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), an NGO founded by Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube that joined the Christchurch Call, said progress has been made since 2019. The agency responded to over 140 incidents since 2019 with member companies sharing information and situational awareness to understand if an attack has a particular online dimension, it said in a separate statement. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand PM says to fight hate, study social media algorithms 

The developed world is ditching the mask. In the US, fully vaccinated citizens can stop wearing the mask in most places. While the UK has come up with new rules for hugging. Palki Sharma tell you more.

Gravitas: These countries are taking off the mask

An Indigenous New Zealand lawmaker was thrown out of Parliament's debating chamber on Wednesday for performing a Maori haka in protest at what he said were racist arguments.

Rawiri Waititi's stance came after ongoing debate among lawmakers about the government's plans to set up a new Maori Health Authority as part of sweeping changes to the health care system.

Some conservative lawmakers have said the plan is separatist. Waititi, the co-leader of the Maori Party, said those arguments amounted to racist rhetoric.

Waititi told lawmakers in the chamber that he was forced to listen to a "constant barrage of insults"&nbsp;directed toward Indigenous people.

If that kind of attitude was acceptable, he said, "then I find this House in disrepute."

Speaker Trevor Mallard then told Waititi to sit down but instead, he performed the haka, traditional dance or challenge accompanied by a chant.

"Order. The member will now leave the chamber," Mallard told Waititi, which he did along with his party's other co-leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-parliament-backs-down-as-maori-lawmaker-rejects-colonial-noose-362646">New Zealand's parliament backs down as Maori lawmaker rejects 'colonial noose'</a>

It's not the first time Waititi has clashed with Mallard. In February, he won a battle against wearing a tie in Parliament, ending a longstanding dress requirement for men that he described as a "colonial noose".

Mallard also threw out Waititi from the debating chamber during that dispute after Waititi showed up wearing a traditional pendant around his neck called a hei tiki.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-maori-party-mp-asked-to-leave-parliament-over-tie-362603/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But Mallard backed down the next day, saying neckties would no longer be compulsory after a committee of lawmakers came out in favour of ending the requirement.

But Waititi's latest stance isn't supported by all Maori lawmakers.

After Waititi left, Labour Party Deputy Leader Kelvin Davis pointed out the relatively small support base for the Maori Party.

"Don't ever think that a party that gets 1.2 per cent&nbsp;of the vote actually represent the views of Maoridom," Davis told lawmakers.&nbsp;

An Indigenous New Zealand lawmaker was thrown out of Parliament's debating chamber on Wednesday for performing a Maori haka in protest at what he said were racist arguments.

An Indigenous New Zealand lawmaker was thrown out of Parliament's debating chamber on Wednesday for performing a Maori haka in protest at what he said were racist arguments. Rawiri Waititi's stance came after ongoing debate among lawmakers about the government's plans to set up a new Maori Health Authority as part of sweeping changes to the health care system. Some conservative lawmakers have said the plan is separatist. Waititi, the co-leader of the Maori Party, said those arguments amounted to racist rhetoric. Waititi told lawmakers in the chamber that he was forced to listen to a "constant barrage of insults" directed toward Indigenous people. If that kind of attitude was acceptable, he said, "then I find this House in disrepute." Speaker Trevor Mallard then told Waititi to sit down but instead, he performed the haka, traditional dance or challenge accompanied by a chant. "Order. The member will now leave the chamber," Mallard told Waititi, which he did along with his party's other co-leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. Also read | New Zealand's parliament backs down as Maori lawmaker rejects 'colonial noose' It's not the first time Waititi has clashed with Mallard. In February, he won a battle against wearing a tie in Parliament, ending a longstanding dress requirement for men that he described as a "colonial noose". Mallard also threw out Waititi from the debating chamber during that dispute after Waititi showed up wearing a traditional pendant around his neck called a hei tiki. But Mallard backed down the next day, saying neckties would no longer be compulsory after a committee of lawmakers came out in favour of ending the requirement. But Waititi's latest stance isn't supported by all Maori lawmakers. After Waititi left, Labour Party Deputy Leader Kelvin Davis pointed out the relatively small support base for the Maori Party. "Don't ever think that a party that gets 1.2 per cent of the vote actually represent the views of Maoridom," Davis told lawmakers.

Indigenous New Zealand lawmaker censured for Haka protest

Parthiv Patel trusts Team India has a preferred and better squad over New Zealand as the Virat Kohli-led side has every base covered. Team India will be taking on the Black Caps in the World Test Championship final, beginning on June 18 in Southampton. A 20-member Indian contingent has been named for the finale.&nbsp;

During a conversation on Star Sports, Parthiv Patel brought up that India has a balanced squad that incorporates three intense seam bowlers.

"I think it looks a really strong squad. If you want to compare India and New Zealand squad, we have covered all the bases. If you talk about fast bowlers, we have got Bumrah, Ishant, and Shami," said Parthiv Patel

"If either of them is not fit, then there is Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, enough depth in the squad,"- he added.

Aside from the previously mentioned five pacers, Team India additionally has Shardul Thakur in the squad. He could be valuable in English conditions and will add solidity to the batting if named in the playing XI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-virus-has-been-removed-from-his-batting-ajay-jadeja-on-indian-youngsters-return-to-form-in-ipl-2021-384160" hreflang="en">A virus has been removed from his batting: Ajay Jadeja on Indian youngster's return to form in IPL 2021</a>

Parthiv Patel featured India have an imposing batting setup, taking into account that a cultivated batsman like KL Rahul is probably not going to include in the playing XI.

"If you talk about batsmen - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant. There are proper batsmen who can bat well in England. Everyone has got runs and there is a spare batsman in KL Rahul, imagine KL Rahul not finding a place in this Test squad. So, how strong this squad could be," Parthiv Patel said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lasith-malinga-could-return-to-sri-lanka-for-icc-t20-world-cup-384149" hreflang="en">Lasith Malinga could return to Sri Lanka for ICC T20 World Cup</a>

"Axar Patel, who was probably Man of the Series or Man of the Match in a lot of matches against England. He came in place of Ravindra Jadeja and it never felt like Ravindra Jadeja was out. Now Ravindra Jadeja will be back, Ashwin will be back. So, this squad looks really strong,"&nbsp;he concluded. 
&nbsp;

Parthiv Patel trusts Team India has a preferred and better squad over New Zealand as the Virat Kohli-led side has every base covered. Team India will be taking on the Black Caps in the World Test Championship final, beginning on June 18 in Southampton.

Parthiv Patel trusts Team India has a preferred and better squad over New Zealand as the Virat Kohli-led side has every base covered. Team India will be taking on the Black Caps in the World Test Championship final, beginning on June 18 in Southampton. A 20-member Indian contingent has been named for the finale. During a conversation on Star Sports, Parthiv Patel brought up that India has a balanced squad that incorporates three intense seam bowlers. "I think it looks a really strong squad. If you want to compare India and New Zealand squad, we have covered all the bases. If you talk about fast bowlers, we have got Bumrah, Ishant, and Shami," said Parthiv Patel "If either of them is not fit, then there is Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, enough depth in the squad,"- he added. Aside from the previously mentioned five pacers, Team India additionally has Shardul Thakur in the squad. He could be valuable in English conditions and will add solidity to the batting if named in the playing XI. ALSO READ: A virus has been removed from his batting: Ajay Jadeja on Indian youngster's return to form in IPL 2021 Parthiv Patel featured India have an imposing batting setup, taking into account that a cultivated batsman like KL Rahul is probably not going to include in the playing XI. "If you talk about batsmen - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant. There are proper batsmen who can bat well in England. Everyone has got runs and there is a spare batsman in KL Rahul, imagine KL Rahul not finding a place in this Test squad. So, how strong this squad could be," Parthiv Patel said. ALSO READ: Lasith Malinga could return to Sri Lanka for ICC T20 World Cup "Axar Patel, who was probably Man of the Series or Man of the Match in a lot of matches against England. He came in place of Ravindra Jadeja and it never felt like Ravindra Jadeja was out. Now Ravindra Jadeja will be back, Ashwin will be back. So, this squad looks really strong," he concluded.

WTC Final: 'Looks a really strong squad' - Parthiv Patel believes Team India is stronger than New Zealand

The incident took place in a Dunedin supermarket earlier in the day. Two people among those injured were reportedly the supermarket's employees

Four people injured in stabbing attack in Southern New Zealand

Four people have been injured in an stabbing attack at a supermarket in New Zealand. The stabbing took place at a Countdown store in the city of Dunedin on the South Island. Three of the four people injured are critical and have been hospitalized.

At least four injured in New Zealand supermarket stabbing

New Zealand health officials cleared the way for quarantine-free flights to resume to Sydney Sunday as fears of a COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales eased.&nbsp;

Flights were suspended on Thursday after two people in Sydney tested positive for the virus.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="New Zealand restricts tourism to protect environment in post-Covid world">New Zealand restricts tourism to protect environment in post-Covid world</a>

It was the third disruption since the quarantine-free travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia opened on April 18, almost 400 days after both closed their international borders due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

The earlier stoppages to flights to and from Western Australia lasted only a few days and the current travel pause with New South Wales would end at midnight Sunday.&nbsp;

"The current assessment from New Zealand public health officials is that the risk to New Zealand from New South Wales remains low," the health ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="US urges its citizens to return home from India through available flights">US urges its citizens to return home from India through available flights</a>

"There is no evidence to suggest widespread, undetected community transmission."&nbsp;

New South Wales health officials said that despite extensive investigations they had not identified how the latest cases became infected although they believe there was "contact with a currently unidentified person who was infectious in the community."

The trans-Tasman travel bubble between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours has been hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand health officials cleared the way for quarantine-free flights to resume to Sydney Sunday as fears of a COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales eased. Flights were suspended on Thursday after two people in Sydney tested positive for the virus.

New Zealand health officials cleared the way for quarantine-free flights to resume to Sydney Sunday as fears of a COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales eased. Flights were suspended on Thursday after two people in Sydney tested positive for the virus. Also read | New Zealand restricts tourism to protect environment in post-Covid world It was the third disruption since the quarantine-free travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia opened on April 18, almost 400 days after both closed their international borders due to the pandemic. The earlier stoppages to flights to and from Western Australia lasted only a few days and the current travel pause with New South Wales would end at midnight Sunday. "The current assessment from New Zealand public health officials is that the risk to New Zealand from New South Wales remains low," the health ministry said in a statement. Also read | US urges its citizens to return home from India through available flights "There is no evidence to suggest widespread, undetected community transmission." New South Wales health officials said that despite extensive investigations they had not identified how the latest cases became infected although they believe there was "contact with a currently unidentified person who was infectious in the community." The trans-Tasman travel bubble between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours has been hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand to resume Sydney flights as Covid scare eases

New Zealand weightlifter&nbsp;Laurel&nbsp;Hubbard&nbsp;is poised to become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games, in a move that will reignite the often vitriolic debate over the ethics of trans sport.

The 43-year-old, who was born male but transitioned to female in her 30s, is on the verge of reaching the Tokyo Olympics under coronavirus-enforced new qualifying rules.

Hubbard, who also competed as a male, became eligible to lift as a woman after showing testosterone levels below the threshold required by the International Olympic Committee.

She is aiming to make New Zealand's Tokyo Olympics squad to contest the women's +87kg category, an event in which she is currently ranked 16th in the world.

Hubbard&nbsp;is already in the history books after becoming the first transgender Commonwealth Games athlete at the Gold Coast in 2018 when she had to withdraw after suffering an elbow injury that almost ended her career.

While the New Zealand team is yet to be named, officials said&nbsp;Hubbard&nbsp;was likely to meet new qualification criteria that have been simplified by the International Weightlifting Federation because of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.

"The NZOC can confirm that revised international federation (IF) qualification systems are very likely to see a number of New Zealand weightlifters, including Commonwealth Games transgender athlete&nbsp;Laurel&nbsp;Hubbard, allocated an IF quota spot for Tokyo 2020," the New Zealand Olympic Committee said.

The NZOC has strongly backed&nbsp;Hubbard's right to compete in the past and said all athletes selected for Tokyo would receive its support.

"The New Zealand team has a strong culture of manaaki (caring), inclusion and respect for all," it said. &nbsp;

'I am who I am'&nbsp;

Not all in the sporting world have been so welcoming and&nbsp;Hubbard's appearance at the Games is sure to generate intense interest and spotlight the thorny issue of transgender athletes.

She has become an unwitting lightning rod for discussion on the issue, with some arguing she has an unfair advantage over female-born athletes and others saying she meets the criteria laid down by the IOC.

In a vastly complex debate, both sides claim to have science on their side.

Current IOC rules state a trans woman can compete provided her testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per litre, a criteria&nbsp;Hubbard&nbsp;meets.

In 2018, Oceania Weightlifting Federation general secretary Paul Coffa defended&nbsp;Hubbard's participation in the Commonwealth Games. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"She's done everything according to the IOC rules and she's proven that she's a woman... so give her a chance and let her continue," he said.

But the Australian Weightlifting Federation unsuccessfully tried to have her barred from the event, arguing the physique and power she developed as a male before transitioning gave her a physical advantage&nbsp;regardless of testosterone levels.

"In our respectful view, the current criteria and its application has the potential to devalue women's weightlifting and discourage female-born athletes from pursuing the sport at an elite level in the future," it said.

While there are genuine issues to be debated, discussion about transgender sport is a hot-button topic that frequently descends into acrimony and name-calling, particularly online.

British television presenter Piers Morgan targeted&nbsp;Hubbard&nbsp;last year when her Olympic berth began looking a realistic prospect after strong comeback performances following the elbow injury.

"This is insane. Women's rights to basic fairness &amp; equality are getting destroyed at the altar of political correctness," Morgan tweeted.

Hubbard&nbsp;rarely gives interviews but told Radio New Zealand in 2017 that she just wanted to compete in the sport she loves and "blocked out" criticism.

"If I try and take that weight on board it just makes the lifts harder... I am who I am," she said.

"I don't want to change the world. I just want to be me and do what I do."

&nbsp;

New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard is poised to become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games, in a move that will reignite the often vitriolic debate over the ethics of trans sport.

New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard is poised to become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games, in a move that will reignite the often vitriolic debate over the ethics of trans sport. The 43-year-old, who was born male but transitioned to female in her 30s, is on the verge of reaching the Tokyo Olympics under coronavirus-enforced new qualifying rules. Hubbard, who also competed as a male, became eligible to lift as a woman after showing testosterone levels below the threshold required by the International Olympic Committee. She is aiming to make New Zealand's Tokyo Olympics squad to contest the women's +87kg category, an event in which she is currently ranked 16th in the world. Hubbard is already in the history books after becoming the first transgender Commonwealth Games athlete at the Gold Coast in 2018 when she had to withdraw after suffering an elbow injury that almost ended her career. While the New Zealand team is yet to be named, officials said Hubbard was likely to meet new qualification criteria that have been simplified by the International Weightlifting Federation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The NZOC can confirm that revised international federation (IF) qualification systems are very likely to see a number of New Zealand weightlifters, including Commonwealth Games transgender athlete Laurel Hubbard, allocated an IF quota spot for Tokyo 2020," the New Zealand Olympic Committee said. The NZOC has strongly backed Hubbard's right to compete in the past and said all athletes selected for Tokyo would receive its support. "The New Zealand team has a strong culture of manaaki (caring), inclusion and respect for all," it said. 'I am who I am' Not all in the sporting world have been so welcoming and Hubbard's appearance at the Games is sure to generate intense interest and spotlight the thorny issue of transgender athletes. She has become an unwitting lightning rod for discussion on the issue, with some arguing she has an unfair advantage over female-born athletes and others saying she meets the criteria laid down by the IOC. In a vastly complex debate, both sides claim to have science on their side. Current IOC rules state a trans woman can compete provided her testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per litre, a criteria Hubbard meets. In 2018, Oceania Weightlifting Federation general secretary Paul Coffa defended Hubbard's participation in the Commonwealth Games. "She's done everything according to the IOC rules and she's proven that she's a woman... so give her a chance and let her continue," he said. But the Australian Weightlifting Federation unsuccessfully tried to have her barred from the event, arguing the physique and power she developed as a male before transitioning gave her a physical advantage regardless of testosterone levels. "In our respectful view, the current criteria and its application has the potential to devalue women's weightlifting and discourage female-born athletes from pursuing the sport at an elite level in the future," it said. While there are genuine issues to be debated, discussion about transgender sport is a hot-button topic that frequently descends into acrimony and name-calling, particularly online. British television presenter Piers Morgan targeted Hubbard last year when her Olympic berth began looking a realistic prospect after strong comeback performances following the elbow injury. "This is insane. Women's rights to basic fairness & equality are getting destroyed at the altar of political correctness," Morgan tweeted. Hubbard rarely gives interviews but told Radio New Zealand in 2017 that she just wanted to compete in the sport she loves and "blocked out" criticism. "If I try and take that weight on board it just makes the lifts harder... I am who I am," she said. "I don't want to change the world. I just want to be me and do what I do."

New Zealand weightlifter set to be first transgender Olympian

Tim Seifert has tested positive for COVID-19 and the Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer will remain back in India accordingly. The player from New Zealand will miss the charter flight to his country and will have to stay back isolating in India until he recuperates.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-virat-kohli-the-captain-will-be-happier-than-virat-kohli-the-batsman-irfan-pathan-383509" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: 'Virat Kohli the captain will be happier than Virat Kohli the batsman': Irfan Pathan</a>

One flight conveying New Zealand players, support staff, and analysts has effectively left for Auckland. The other is planned to fly out not long after being deferred before because of logistical reasons.&nbsp;

Be that as it may, Tim Seifert won't be on the second trip subsequent to bombing his pre-takeoff COVID-19 tests, with New Zealand Cricket CEO David White declaring the equivalent through an authority explanation.

“It’s really unfortunate for Tim and we’ll do everything for him that we can from this end. Hopefully, he will be able to test negative and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as he’s well again. Since receiving the news we’ve organized support for Tim and have also — via the Players Association — been in contact with his family to ensure they’re kept fully informed and updated on developments,” David White said.

The 26-year-old, who bombed the two of his RT-PCR tests which were essential for pre-takeoff conventions, was taken into isolation subsequently. New Zealand cricket affirmed Tim Seifert is encountering moderate symptoms.&nbsp;

The New Zealand Cricket additionally expressed that Tim Seifert is going through treatment and will serve a legal time of quarantine in India. He will venture out to New Zealand once he tests negative, prior to going through an obligatory 14-day time of oversaw isolation.

Tim Seifert is the third Kolkata Knight Riders player after Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier to test positive for the virus.

The New Zealand Cricket affirmed that the player is at present anticipating his transfer to Chennai, where he will be treated in a similar hospital where Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has been remaining since testing positive for COVID-19 recently. 
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Tim Seifert has tested positive for COVID-19 and the Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer will remain back in India accordingly. The player from New Zealand will miss the charter flight to his country and will have to stay back isolating in India until he recuperates.

Tim Seifert has tested positive for COVID-19 and the Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer will remain back in India accordingly. The player from New Zealand will miss the charter flight to his country and will have to stay back isolating in India until he recuperates. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: 'Virat Kohli the captain will be happier than Virat Kohli the batsman': Irfan Pathan One flight conveying New Zealand players, support staff, and analysts has effectively left for Auckland. The other is planned to fly out not long after being deferred before because of logistical reasons. Be that as it may, Tim Seifert won't be on the second trip subsequent to bombing his pre-takeoff COVID-19 tests, with New Zealand Cricket CEO David White declaring the equivalent through an authority explanation. “It’s really unfortunate for Tim and we’ll do everything for him that we can from this end. Hopefully, he will be able to test negative and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as he’s well again. Since receiving the news we’ve organized support for Tim and have also — via the Players Association — been in contact with his family to ensure they’re kept fully informed and updated on developments,” David White said. The 26-year-old, who bombed the two of his RT-PCR tests which were essential for pre-takeoff conventions, was taken into isolation subsequently. New Zealand cricket affirmed Tim Seifert is encountering moderate symptoms. The New Zealand Cricket additionally expressed that Tim Seifert is going through treatment and will serve a legal time of quarantine in India. He will venture out to New Zealand once he tests negative, prior to going through an obligatory 14-day time of oversaw isolation. Tim Seifert is the third Kolkata Knight Riders player after Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier to test positive for the virus. The New Zealand Cricket affirmed that the player is at present anticipating his transfer to Chennai, where he will be treated in a similar hospital where Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has been remaining since testing positive for COVID-19 recently.

IPL 2021: Tim Seifert tests positive for COVID-19, bound to miss charter flight to New Zealand

New Zealand's parliament unanimously voted to name China's treatment of the Uighur people in Xinjiang province as severe human rights abuses on Wednesday, but stopped short of labelling the situation as a 'genocide'.

New Zealand slams Uighurs treatment in China, stops short of calling it 'genocide'

A resolution in New Zealand Parliament called China's human rights abuses a genocide. But Jacinda Arden's ruling Labour replaced the word "genocide" with "severe human rights abuses". Why is New Zealand going soft on China?

Gravitas | China's Uighur abuses: New Zealand shops short of calling it a genocide

New Zealand is known for its warm welcome and beautiful natural attractions. However, like every good thing, this too is coming to an end.

While the heart-warming smiles and warm welcome will remain, New Zealand is planning to cut down access to some of the best natural attractions for tourists to protect the environment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-fires-nine-border-workers-who-refused-coronavirus-vaccines-382562">New Zealand fires nine border workers who refused coronavirus vaccines</a>

On Tuesday, the tourism minister, Stuart Nash, announced plans to "reset" the country’s tourism in a post-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> world.

Under this plan, attractions such as Unesco world heritage site Milford Sound-Piopiotahi will now be open to limited visitors as the site "cannot return to its pre-Covid state," Nash explained.

While the tourism industry makes more than five per cent of the total GDP of the country and employs nearly 13.6 per cent people directly or indirectly, the country cannot risk harming its environment any further.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-ardern-plans-summer-wedding-report-382915" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-ardern-plans-summer-wedding-report-382915&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw5ZD34LTwAhVuxzgGHdrgBdwQFjADegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0OiwT9OutsEQQpbabWJ970" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-ardern-plans-summer-wedding-report-382915" target="_blank">New Zealand PM Ardern plans summer wedding: Report</a>

"The reality is that we have a responsibility to take an intergenerational view of the role of tourism in New Zealand," Nash said. "It can’t go back to how it was."

Nash also explained that the high level of tourism puts immense pressure on several communities. "Unsustainable tourism levels put far too much undue pressure on communities and our natural attractions and many communities have struggled to absorb," he explained.

New Zealand government has unveiled a $200 million package which will help support the South Island towns, which have been hit due to the pandemic, and also in supporting small businesses.

"The economic impact of the loss of international visitors is felt beyond the tourism workforce and businesses," Nash said. "Whole communities, especially in five South Island regions, are facing new challenges to their way of life."

New Zealand is known for its warm welcome and beautiful natural attractions. However, like every good thing, this too is coming to an end. While the heart-warming smiles and warm welcome will remain, New Zealand is planning to cut down access to some of the best natural attractions for tourists to protect the environment.

New Zealand is known for its warm welcome and beautiful natural attractions. However, like every good thing, this too is coming to an end. While the heart-warming smiles and warm welcome will remain, New Zealand is planning to cut down access to some of the best natural attractions for tourists to protect the environment. Also read | New Zealand fires nine border workers who refused coronavirus vaccines On Tuesday, the tourism minister, Stuart Nash, announced plans to "reset" the country’s tourism in a post-Covid world. Under this plan, attractions such as Unesco world heritage site Milford Sound-Piopiotahi will now be open to limited visitors as the site "cannot return to its pre-Covid state," Nash explained. While the tourism industry makes more than five per cent of the total GDP of the country and employs nearly 13.6 per cent people directly or indirectly, the country cannot risk harming its environment any further. Also read | New Zealand PM Ardern plans summer wedding: Report "The reality is that we have a responsibility to take an intergenerational view of the role of tourism in New Zealand," Nash said. "It can’t go back to how it was." Nash also explained that the high level of tourism puts immense pressure on several communities. "Unsustainable tourism levels put far too much undue pressure on communities and our natural attractions and many communities have struggled to absorb," he explained. New Zealand government has unveiled a $200 million package which will help support the South Island towns, which have been hit due to the pandemic, and also in supporting small businesses. "The economic impact of the loss of international visitors is felt beyond the tourism workforce and businesses," Nash said. "Whole communities, especially in five South Island regions, are facing new challenges to their way of life."

New Zealand restricts tourism to protect environment in post-Covid world

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