New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern plans to get married during summer but did not disclose the date, local media reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Ardern told Coast Radio that she and her partner television host Clarke Gayford have 'finally got a date' for the wedding, New Zealand Herald said in a report.&nbsp;

"That doesn't mean we've told anyone yet, so I feel like we should probably put some invites out," Ardern was quoted as saying by the report.&nbsp;

Ardern, 40, got engaged to Gayford, 44, during the Easter holidays in 2019 and they have a two-year-old daughter.&nbsp;

The wedding being planned in summer, which runs from December to February in the southern hemisphere, might not be celebrated in the traditional way as Ardern admitted she "feels a bit too old to have a bridal party", media reports quoted her as saying.&nbsp;

There is "nothing further to add over what has been reported this morning", a spokesman in the prime minister's office said.&nbsp;

Ardern became New Zealand's youngest prime minister when she took office in 2017 and is one of the few elected leaders to hold office while pregnant. &nbsp;

She returned to power last October delivering the biggest election victory for her centre-left Labour Party in half a century largely due to her government's decisive response to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern plans to get married during summer but did not disclose the date, local media reported on Wednesday. Ardern told Coast Radio that she and her partner television host Clarke Gayford have 'finally got a date' for the wedding, New Zealand Herald said in a report.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern plans to get married during summer but did not disclose the date, local media reported on Wednesday. Ardern told Coast Radio that she and her partner television host Clarke Gayford have 'finally got a date' for the wedding, New Zealand Herald said in a report. "That doesn't mean we've told anyone yet, so I feel like we should probably put some invites out," Ardern was quoted as saying by the report. Ardern, 40, got engaged to Gayford, 44, during the Easter holidays in 2019 and they have a two-year-old daughter. The wedding being planned in summer, which runs from December to February in the southern hemisphere, might not be celebrated in the traditional way as Ardern admitted she "feels a bit too old to have a bridal party", media reports quoted her as saying. There is "nothing further to add over what has been reported this morning", a spokesman in the prime minister's office said. Ardern became New Zealand's youngest prime minister when she took office in 2017 and is one of the few elected leaders to hold office while pregnant. She returned to power last October delivering the biggest election victory for her centre-left Labour Party in half a century largely due to her government's decisive response to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand PM Ardern plans summer wedding: Report 

Whether it's politics or sports, the show always goes on. We saw one play out over the weekend. Thankfully it was on social media. So the ordinary citizens were spared. At the centre of it were a couple of embassies in New Delhi. The row started with a video on Twitter.

The video showed oxygen cylinders being delivered to the Philippine embassy. The men delivering the cylinders belong to the Youth Congress. For those unfamiliar, they are the youth wing of Congress, India's principal opposition party.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-embassy-sos-calls-trigger-twitter-war-382621/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The matter should have ended there. But what's philanthropy without social media posts? And what's politics without a bit of chest-thumping?

Opposition leaders soon started sharing this video. Former union minister Jairam Ramesh went one step ahead. He asked whether India's foreign ministry was sleeping?

The matter could have ended there as well. But what's politics without one-upping your rival?

The reply came right from the top.

India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar was the one who responded. He said there were no Wuhan virus cases at the Philippine embassy.

Jaishankar called this an unsolicited supply. Then the story shifted to the New Zealand High Commission.

They posted a tweet which was later deleted. It was an appeal for oxygen cylinders.

The Youth Congress jumped in again. And another video followed. This time they were at the Kiwi mission delivering Oxygen.

Now it's highly unusual for a diplomatic mission to reach out to the opposition. Especially in the middle of a crisis. It sends a wrong message politically. New Zealand was quick to recognise this. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that her diplomats chose the wrong route.

New Zealand should have been more mindful of the protocols. It was some employee's moment of desperation on Twitter.

But there is no denying that our leaders should have been more mature. Jairam Ramesh continued with his jibes on Twitter.

And this time the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson set the record straight.

"The chief of protocol and heads of divisions are in continuous touch with all high commissions and embassies and MEA is responding to their medical demands, especially those related to Covid. This includes facilitating their hospital treatment. Given the pandemic situation, all are urged not to hoard essential supplies, including oxygen."

Couple of things to note here. Most importantly, this entire controversy was needless and avoidable.

We don't know the exact situation at the New Zealand High Commission. So we won't speculate on that.

But the fact is, such back and forth helps no one. This is not the time for sabre-rattling on social media.

Could the Youth Congress not have coordinated this with the MEA? Yes they could have. Could seasoned politicians not have dragged this row on Twitter? Of course they could have.

But in politics it's all about playing to the gallery. It's not about helping but being seen helping.&nbsp;

We have seen leaders flag off relief trucks in the past.

Imagine that, people are eagerly waiting for aid. But the trucks are held off so that the leader can flag them off.

This isn't the first time politics has let down India.

And it won't be the last time. But unprecedented crises call for unprecedented measures.

So maybe our leaders can hold off on playing politics. Because once the dust settles, there will be plenty of time for that.

Circling back to the embassies, why are they appealing for oxygen? The foreign minister says the Philippine embassy has zero cases. So the cylinders were a precaution.

They weren't actively looking for them. But considering how pressed we are for oxygen, precaution is in effect hoarding. This applies for all embassies.&nbsp;

We realise how vulnerable the diplomats feel. They are thousands of miles away in a foreign land. That too in the middle of a deadly pandemic. But there are patients who need oxygen right now.

So hoarding is simply not acceptable. And this was the MEA's message to embassies and high commissions.

Do not hoard essentials, including oxygen.

As for the politicians. These diplomats are our guests. Helping them is our collective responsibility. India has offered vaccines to all foreign diplomats. A few of them have already gotten the jabs.

But the season of politics is perennial. Crisis or not they continue to squabble.

Whether it's politics or sports, the show always goes on. We saw one play out over the weekend. Thankfully it was on social media. So the ordinary citizens were spared.

Whether it's politics or sports, the show always goes on. We saw one play out over the weekend. Thankfully it was on social media. So the ordinary citizens were spared. At the centre of it were a couple of embassies in New Delhi. The row started with a video on Twitter. The video showed oxygen cylinders being delivered to the Philippine embassy. The men delivering the cylinders belong to the Youth Congress. For those unfamiliar, they are the youth wing of Congress, India's principal opposition party. × The matter should have ended there. But what's philanthropy without social media posts? And what's politics without a bit of chest-thumping? Opposition leaders soon started sharing this video. Former union minister Jairam Ramesh went one step ahead. He asked whether India's foreign ministry was sleeping? The matter could have ended there as well. But what's politics without one-upping your rival? The reply came right from the top. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar was the one who responded. He said there were no Wuhan virus cases at the Philippine embassy. Jaishankar called this an unsolicited supply. Then the story shifted to the New Zealand High Commission. They posted a tweet which was later deleted. It was an appeal for oxygen cylinders. The Youth Congress jumped in again. And another video followed. This time they were at the Kiwi mission delivering Oxygen. Now it's highly unusual for a diplomatic mission to reach out to the opposition. Especially in the middle of a crisis. It sends a wrong message politically. New Zealand was quick to recognise this. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that her diplomats chose the wrong route. New Zealand should have been more mindful of the protocols. It was some employee's moment of desperation on Twitter. But there is no denying that our leaders should have been more mature. Jairam Ramesh continued with his jibes on Twitter. And this time the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson set the record straight. "The chief of protocol and heads of divisions are in continuous touch with all high commissions and embassies and MEA is responding to their medical demands, especially those related to Covid. This includes facilitating their hospital treatment. Given the pandemic situation, all are urged not to hoard essential supplies, including oxygen." Couple of things to note here. Most importantly, this entire controversy was needless and avoidable. We don't know the exact situation at the New Zealand High Commission. So we won't speculate on that. But the fact is, such back and forth helps no one. This is not the time for sabre-rattling on social media. Could the Youth Congress not have coordinated this with the MEA? Yes they could have. Could seasoned politicians not have dragged this row on Twitter? Of course they could have. But in politics it's all about playing to the gallery. It's not about helping but being seen helping. We have seen leaders flag off relief trucks in the past. Imagine that, people are eagerly waiting for aid. But the trucks are held off so that the leader can flag them off. This isn't the first time politics has let down India. And it won't be the last time. But unprecedented crises call for unprecedented measures. So maybe our leaders can hold off on playing politics. Because once the dust settles, there will be plenty of time for that. Circling back to the embassies, why are they appealing for oxygen? The foreign minister says the Philippine embassy has zero cases. So the cylinders were a precaution. They weren't actively looking for them. But considering how pressed we are for oxygen, precaution is in effect hoarding. This applies for all embassies. We realise how vulnerable the diplomats feel. They are thousands of miles away in a foreign land. That too in the middle of a deadly pandemic. But there are patients who need oxygen right now. So hoarding is simply not acceptable. And this was the MEA's message to embassies and high commissions. Do not hoard essentials, including oxygen. As for the politicians. These diplomats are our guests. Helping them is our collective responsibility. India has offered vaccines to all foreign diplomats. A few of them have already gotten the jabs. But the season of politics is perennial. Crisis or not they continue to squabble.

Amid India's Covid crisis, season of politics remains perennial

New Zealand apologised to India after its High Commission appealed to opposition parties for oxygen cylinders. The appeal triggered a Twitter war between Jairam Ramesh & S. Jaishankar. WION's Palki tells you whether this is a distraction India can afford.

Gravitas: Embassy S.O.S calls trigger Twitter war

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on May 2 told a media outlet in New Zealand that country's high commission in India should have used "other means and channels" to fulfill their need for Oxygen cylinders. The high commission created a bit of stir earlier on May 2 as it tweeted to Indian Youth Congress's Relief Campaign requesting Oxygen cylinders. President of Indian Youth Congress was tagged as well.

The high commission later quickly deleted the tweet and apologised to Indian government.

In a video posted on YouTube by '1 News', Jacinda Ardern can be heard addressing the issue that caused political ripples in India. In her reply to the journalist's question, Ardern said the high commission was "very well supported by the Indian government"

Referring to the tweet posted by New Zealand High Commission, Jacinda Ardern acknowledged that there was a message sent out. Explaining the reason behind the tweet, she said that a "local staff member" of the high commission was unwell. She said that Oxygen cylinders were required for that person.

But she stressed that the high commission should have gone through proper channels to procure cylinders and should have followed proper protocols.

The incident with New Zealand High Commission also coincided with another spat over the Philippines Embassy on Sunday. This led to a Twitter war between senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling. <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jairam_Ramesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR">https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1388700951012417537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ramesh had accused government of not helping foreign embassies, a charge denied by Jaishankar.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on May 2 told a media outlet in New Zealand that country's high commission in India should have used "other means and channels" to fulfill their need for Oxygen cylinders.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on May 2 told a media outlet in New Zealand that country's high commission in India should have used "other means and channels" to fulfill their need for Oxygen cylinders. The high commission created a bit of stir earlier on May 2 as it tweeted to Indian Youth Congress's Relief Campaign requesting Oxygen cylinders. President of Indian Youth Congress was tagged as well. The high commission later quickly deleted the tweet and apologised to Indian government. In a video posted on YouTube by '1 News', Jacinda Ardern can be heard addressing the issue that caused political ripples in India. In her reply to the journalist's question, Ardern said the high commission was "very well supported by the Indian government" Referring to the tweet posted by New Zealand High Commission, Jacinda Ardern acknowledged that there was a message sent out. Explaining the reason behind the tweet, she said that a "local staff member" of the high commission was unwell. She said that Oxygen cylinders were required for that person. But she stressed that the high commission should have gone through proper channels to procure cylinders and should have followed proper protocols. The incident with New Zealand High Commission also coincided with another spat over the Philippines Embassy on Sunday. This led to a Twitter war between senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling. @Jairam_Ramesh https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 2, 2021 × Ramesh had accused government of not helping foreign embassies, a charge denied by Jaishankar.

New Zealand High Commission should've used 'protocols' for Oxygen cylinders, says Ardern

New Zealand’s customs agency has reportedly fired nine employees who refused to get COVID-19 jabs.&nbsp; All frontline workers at borders were required to get vaccinated by the end of April.

But in February, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had said that that her government would not make vaccines compulsory for frontline workers. Ardern had also said that those who declined the vaccines would be shifted to roles that don’t require much contact with others.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hugs-tears-as-new-zealand-australia-travel-bubble-opens-378531/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The nine employees were in a fixed term employment at the maritime border and The Guardian reported that no other roles were available for them. But no other work could be found to redeploy the nine workers who were in fixed term employment at the maritime border, Jacinda Funnell, Customs’ deputy chief executive for people and capability, said.

“We regret that these individuals have had to leave employment, and understand what a difficult situation this is for them,” Jacinda Funnell, Customs’ Deputy Chief Executive for People and Capability said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-zealands-ardern-says-differences-with-china-becoming-harder-to-reconcile-382404" hreflang="en">New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile&nbsp;</a>

Funnell added that 95 per cent of Customs’ workers at the frontline had received the first dose of the vaccine, while 85 per cent had received both the doses.

An order by the country’s Ministry of Health required under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act made it a legal obligation for anyone deployed at borders to get inoculated before May 1. According to Funnell there exist limited roles for people who have refused vaccinations so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-zealand-australia-travel-bubble-faces-disruption-due-to-fresh-covid-cases-382361" hreflang="en">New Zealand-Australia travel bubble faces disruption due to fresh Covid cases</a>

In April, the New Zealand Defence Force reportedly threatened for fire employees who did not want to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Currently, New Zealand is exploring ways to restart old ways of life, including travel bubbles with countries it deems for travel. The people does not require people to quarantine after arrival.

New Zealand’s customs agency has reportedly fired nine employees who refused to get COVID-19 jabs. All frontline workers at borders were required to get vaccinated by the end of April.

New Zealand’s customs agency has reportedly fired nine employees who refused to get COVID-19 jabs. All frontline workers at borders were required to get vaccinated by the end of April. But in February, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had said that that her government would not make vaccines compulsory for frontline workers. Ardern had also said that those who declined the vaccines would be shifted to roles that don’t require much contact with others. The nine employees were in a fixed term employment at the maritime border and The Guardian reported that no other roles were available for them. But no other work could be found to redeploy the nine workers who were in fixed term employment at the maritime border, Jacinda Funnell, Customs’ deputy chief executive for people and capability, said. “We regret that these individuals have had to leave employment, and understand what a difficult situation this is for them,” Jacinda Funnell, Customs’ Deputy Chief Executive for People and Capability said in a statement. Also read: New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile Funnell added that 95 per cent of Customs’ workers at the frontline had received the first dose of the vaccine, while 85 per cent had received both the doses. An order by the country’s Ministry of Health required under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act made it a legal obligation for anyone deployed at borders to get inoculated before May 1. According to Funnell there exist limited roles for people who have refused vaccinations so far. Also read: New Zealand-Australia travel bubble faces disruption due to fresh Covid cases In April, the New Zealand Defence Force reportedly threatened for fire employees who did not want to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Currently, New Zealand is exploring ways to restart old ways of life, including travel bubbles with countries it deems for travel. The people does not require people to quarantine after arrival.

New Zealand fires nine border workers who refused coronavirus vaccines

Differences between New Zealand and its top trading partner China are becoming harder to reconcile as Beijing's role in the world grows and changes, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.&nbsp;

The comments come as New Zealand faces pressure from some elements among Western allies over its reluctance to use the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance to criticise Beijing. &nbsp;

In a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland, Ardern said there are things on which China and New Zealand "do not, cannot, and will not agree", but added these differences need not define their relationship.&nbsp;

"It will not have escaped the attention of anyone here that as China's role in the world grows and changes, the differences between our systems – and the interests and values that shape those systems – are becoming harder to reconcile," Ardern said.&nbsp;

"This is a challenge that we, and many other countries across the Indo-Pacific region, but also in Europe and other regions, are also grappling with," she added.&nbsp;

In comments that sparked some reaction among Western allies, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said last month, she was uncomfortable expanding the role of Five Eyes, which includes Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States.&nbsp;

"This speech appears to be crafted to deflect surprisingly sharp and severe criticism from commentators after Mahuta's remarks last month," said Geoffrey Miller, international analyst at the political website Democracy Project.&nbsp;

However, the comments do not change New Zealand's overall shift to a more China-friendly, or at least more neutral position, he said.&nbsp;

"Ardern and Mahuta are selling the new stance as New Zealand advancing an ‘independent foreign policy’ that is not loyal to any major bloc," he added.&nbsp;

China, which takes almost one-third of New Zealand's exports, has accused the Five Eyes of ganging up on it by issuing statements on Hong Kong and the treatment of ethnic Muslim Uyhgurs in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

New Zealand's parliament on Tuesday is set to look at a motion put forward by a smaller party to declare the situation in Xinjiang as a genocide. &nbsp;

Ardern said New Zealand would continue to speak about these issues individually as well as through its partners, noting that managing the relationship with China is not always going to be easy.&nbsp;

China's Ambassador to New Zealand, Wu Xi, who also spoke at the event warned that Hong Kong and Xinjiang related issues were China's internal affairs. &nbsp;

"We hope that the New Zealand side could hold an objective and a just a position, abide by international law and not interfere in China's internal affairs so as to maintain the sound development of our bilateral relations," she said in her speech.&nbsp;

Beijing is engaged in a diplomatic row with Australia and has imposed trade restrictions after Canberra lobbied for an international inquiry into the source of the coronavirus. China denies the curbs are reprisals, saying reduced imports of Australian products are the result of buyers' own decisions.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said China had recently acted "more aggressively abroad" and was behaving "increasingly in adversarial ways."&nbsp;

When asked if New Zealand would risk trade punishment with China, as did Australia, to uphold values, Ardern said, "It would be a concern to anyone in New Zealand if the consideration was 'Do we speak on this or are we too worried of economic impacts?'"&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Differences between New Zealand and its top trading partner China are becoming harder to reconcile as Beijing's role in the world grows and changes, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.

Differences between New Zealand and its top trading partner China are becoming harder to reconcile as Beijing's role in the world grows and changes, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday. The comments come as New Zealand faces pressure from some elements among Western allies over its reluctance to use the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance to criticise Beijing. In a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland, Ardern said there are things on which China and New Zealand "do not, cannot, and will not agree", but added these differences need not define their relationship. "It will not have escaped the attention of anyone here that as China's role in the world grows and changes, the differences between our systems – and the interests and values that shape those systems – are becoming harder to reconcile," Ardern said. "This is a challenge that we, and many other countries across the Indo-Pacific region, but also in Europe and other regions, are also grappling with," she added. In comments that sparked some reaction among Western allies, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said last month, she was uncomfortable expanding the role of Five Eyes, which includes Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States. "This speech appears to be crafted to deflect surprisingly sharp and severe criticism from commentators after Mahuta's remarks last month," said Geoffrey Miller, international analyst at the political website Democracy Project. However, the comments do not change New Zealand's overall shift to a more China-friendly, or at least more neutral position, he said. "Ardern and Mahuta are selling the new stance as New Zealand advancing an ‘independent foreign policy’ that is not loyal to any major bloc," he added. China, which takes almost one-third of New Zealand's exports, has accused the Five Eyes of ganging up on it by issuing statements on Hong Kong and the treatment of ethnic Muslim Uyhgurs in Xinjiang. New Zealand's parliament on Tuesday is set to look at a motion put forward by a smaller party to declare the situation in Xinjiang as a genocide. Ardern said New Zealand would continue to speak about these issues individually as well as through its partners, noting that managing the relationship with China is not always going to be easy. China's Ambassador to New Zealand, Wu Xi, who also spoke at the event warned that Hong Kong and Xinjiang related issues were China's internal affairs. "We hope that the New Zealand side could hold an objective and a just a position, abide by international law and not interfere in China's internal affairs so as to maintain the sound development of our bilateral relations," she said in her speech. Beijing is engaged in a diplomatic row with Australia and has imposed trade restrictions after Canberra lobbied for an international inquiry into the source of the coronavirus. China denies the curbs are reprisals, saying reduced imports of Australian products are the result of buyers' own decisions. Over the weekend, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said China had recently acted "more aggressively abroad" and was behaving "increasingly in adversarial ways." When asked if New Zealand would risk trade punishment with China, as did Australia, to uphold values, Ardern said, "It would be a concern to anyone in New Zealand if the consideration was 'Do we speak on this or are we too worried of economic impacts?'" (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile 

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said.

Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia said the state won't go into lockdown "at this point".

However, New Zealand health ministry officials said they had conducted "rapid" assessment and had "determined scheduled direct flights from Western Australia to New Zealand should be immediately paused while a further assessment is carried out."

A flight scheduled to arrive in Auckland from Perth at 5:50am Sunday (1750 GMT Saturday) has been cancelled, but travel to other Australian states and territories is not affected.

This is a second disruption since Australia and New Zealand opened their quarantine-free travel bubble on April 18. This step came 400 days after both had closed their international borders due to the pandemic. Flights between New Zealand and Western Australia were suspended less than a week later, when the Perth and Peel regions were sent into a three-day lockdown after recording a case of community transmission on April 23.

The bubble, which followed months of negotiations between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours, was hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Zealand's tourism industry was its biggest export industry before Covid-19, with Australians accounting for about 40 percent of the international visitors.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said.

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said. Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia said the state won't go into lockdown "at this point". However, New Zealand health ministry officials said they had conducted "rapid" assessment and had "determined scheduled direct flights from Western Australia to New Zealand should be immediately paused while a further assessment is carried out." A flight scheduled to arrive in Auckland from Perth at 5:50am Sunday (1750 GMT Saturday) has been cancelled, but travel to other Australian states and territories is not affected. This is a second disruption since Australia and New Zealand opened their quarantine-free travel bubble on April 18. This step came 400 days after both had closed their international borders due to the pandemic. Flights between New Zealand and Western Australia were suspended less than a week later, when the Perth and Peel regions were sent into a three-day lockdown after recording a case of community transmission on April 23. The bubble, which followed months of negotiations between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours, was hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic. New Zealand's tourism industry was its biggest export industry before Covid-19, with Australians accounting for about 40 percent of the international visitors. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand-Australia travel bubble faces disruption due to fresh Covid cases

The New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi issued an SOS call for the need for an oxygen cylinder in India’s capital, on Sunday.

"@sosiyc @srinivasiyc Could you please help with the oxygen cylinder urgently at the New Zealand High Commission? Thank you," the tweet read, which was later deleted.
<img alt="New Zealand High Commission" data-caption="The deleted tweet of&amp;nbsp;New Zealand High Commission" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="952422fe-58ec-43ba-9032-6ddd4ff71561" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20Zealand%20High%20Commission.jpg" />
However, the High Commission quickly followed that deleted tweet with another tweet explaining the reason behind the same. "We are trying all sources to arrange for oxygen cylinders urgently and our appeal has unfortunately been misinterpreted, for which we are sorry,"&nbsp;the high commission clarified.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are trying all sources to arrange for oxygen cylinders urgently and our appeal has unfortunately been misinterpreted, for which we are sorry.
— NZ in India (@NZinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/NZinIndia/status/1388714299774754817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The IYC also claimed that the patient inside the high commission was "critically ill".

"Update- New Zealand high commission opened gates of the embassy and accepted cylinders," a follow-up tweet stated. "Also, they thanked the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOSIYC?src=hashtag_click">#SOSIYC</a> team for this quick relief as patient inside embassy was critically ill."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-row-over-sos-from-new-zealand-embassy-382297">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-row-over-sos-from-new-zealand-embassy-382297/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This caused a row of accusations on Twitter, with many alleging the tweet was deleted under pressure — but no proof was given to back these allegations.

It also coincided with another spat over a case of the Philippines Embassy, prompting an exchange of tweets between senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Congress minister had accused the government of not helping the foreign embassies — a claim that was proved false by the EAM.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling. <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jairam_Ramesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR">https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1388700951012417537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling," Jaishankar clarified in a tweet. "Jairamji, MEA never sleeps; our people know across the world. MEA also never fakes; we know who does."

The New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi issued an SOS call for the need for an oxygen cylinder in India’s capital, on Sunday. "@sosiyc @srinivasiyc Could you please help with the oxygen cylinder urgently at the New Zealand High Commission?

The New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi issued an SOS call for the need for an oxygen cylinder in India’s capital, on Sunday. "@sosiyc @srinivasiyc Could you please help with the oxygen cylinder urgently at the New Zealand High Commission? Thank you," the tweet read, which was later deleted. However, the High Commission quickly followed that deleted tweet with another tweet explaining the reason behind the same. "We are trying all sources to arrange for oxygen cylinders urgently and our appeal has unfortunately been misinterpreted, for which we are sorry," the high commission clarified. We are trying all sources to arrange for oxygen cylinders urgently and our appeal has unfortunately been misinterpreted, for which we are sorry. — NZ in India (@NZinIndia) May 2, 2021 × The IYC also claimed that the patient inside the high commission was "critically ill". "Update- New Zealand high commission opened gates of the embassy and accepted cylinders," a follow-up tweet stated. "Also, they thanked the #SOSIYC team for this quick relief as patient inside embassy was critically ill." Watch | This caused a row of accusations on Twitter, with many alleging the tweet was deleted under pressure — but no proof was given to back these allegations. It also coincided with another spat over a case of the Philippines Embassy, prompting an exchange of tweets between senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Congress minister had accused the government of not helping the foreign embassies — a claim that was proved false by the EAM. MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling. @Jairam_Ramesh https://t.co/G3jPE3c0nR — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 2, 2021 × "MEA checked with the Philippines Embassy. This was an unsolicited supply as they had no Covid cases. Clearly for cheap publicity by you know who. Giving away cylinders like this when there are people in desperate need of oxygen is simply appalling," Jaishankar clarified in a tweet. "Jairamji, MEA never sleeps; our people know across the world. MEA also never fakes; we know who does."

India: Row over New Zealand High Commission's request of oxygen cylinder

Controversy erupts after the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi tweeted to the youth wing of the Indian opposition party Congress seeking a supply of oxygen cylinders

India: Row over SOS from New Zealand embassy

An airport worker has tested positive for coronavirus in New Zealand, a day after the trans-Tasman travel bubble with Australia opened. The staff member works at Auckland Airport and is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday.

"When we opened, on both sides, we of course knew we would continue to have cases connected to our border," Ardern said.&nbsp;

"We accept that's going to be part of our journey together, I think Australia accepts that."

New Zealand's health authorities were liaising with their Australian counterparts, Ardern said, with no initial indication that the so-called "travel bubble" would be halted.

The infected worker had been cleaning aeroplanes coming from countries with known virus outbreaks, Ardern told reporters in Auckland.

The worker had tested negative on April 12 but Monday tested positive as part of routine testing, she said, adding that contact tracing was underway.

Australia Health Minister Greg Hunt said he has "full confidence" in New Zealand's health system to contain the new infection.

(With inputs from agencies)

An airport worker has tested positive for coronavirus in New Zealand, a day after the trans-Tasman travel bubble with Australia opened. The staff member works at Auckland Airport and is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday.

An airport worker has tested positive for coronavirus in New Zealand, a day after the trans-Tasman travel bubble with Australia opened. The staff member works at Auckland Airport and is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday. "When we opened, on both sides, we of course knew we would continue to have cases connected to our border," Ardern said. "We accept that's going to be part of our journey together, I think Australia accepts that." New Zealand's health authorities were liaising with their Australian counterparts, Ardern said, with no initial indication that the so-called "travel bubble" would be halted. The infected worker had been cleaning aeroplanes coming from countries with known virus outbreaks, Ardern told reporters in Auckland. The worker had tested negative on April 12 but Monday tested positive as part of routine testing, she said, adding that contact tracing was underway. Australia Health Minister Greg Hunt said he has "full confidence" in New Zealand's health system to contain the new infection. (With inputs from agencies)

Day after travel bubble opens with Australia, airport worker in New Zealand tests Covid positive

Emotions ran high Monday as excited passengers set off on the first flights to take advantage of a quarantine-free travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand

Hugs, tears as New Zealand-Australia travel bubble opens

New Zealand unveiled plans to create a smoke-free generation by 2025. The plan to ban nicotine is being praised by public health groups, but does it qualify as government overreach into personal life? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: New Zealand to phase out cigarettes

Smoking is often called the hardest vice to quit. It takes months of rehab and a lot of determination, which is why it is ideal to stay away from it.

It causes cancer and is among the leading cause of deaths in the world. However, New Zealand is looking to tackle this menace by going smoke-free.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-zealand-to-phase-out-cigarettes-378067/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The country is trying to make an entire generation stay away from nicotine. The cigarette makers make people believe that a puff is an answer to all sad, tiring and even celebratory days. It's an industry that thrives on addiction and has no qualms about it.

Around the world, nicotine cartels are mighty. Government officials dare not challenge them, especially with the cigarette stain on their shirts.

However, New Zealand is looking to mount a challenge and has come up with a proposal to make the country smoke-free by 2025.

The first step is to increase the minimum age for smoking and then to ban sales to anyone born after 2004. This will make sure that an entire generation will no longer have access to cigarettes.

Other measures include putting lesser nicotine in cigarettes, setting a minimum price and slashing the number of stores.

This has come as reports revealed nearly 4,500 New Zealanders die from tobacco use every year. However, this isn't about helping people quit but is about forcing them to quit. So, public opinion is split.

Public health organisations say tobacco affects low-income communities harder. The number of tobacco retailers is four times higher in such neighbourhoods and the same for the indigenous communities. Data reveals 30 per cent of Maori women smoke every day. Cancer is the leading cause of death in their community.

For these groups, there is an incentive to ban smoking. It has gotten them hooked and emptied their pockets.

However, with this proposal, small shops will be the worst hit as cigarettes are their biggest movers. So, a smoke-free New Zealand would be a poorer New Zealand for them.

Also, it might bring a rise in the black market and with the illegal nicotine trade comes street muscle and gangs which is very much different from the usual spirit of New Zealand.

It is not just New Zealand, many other countries have grappled with the question of how to help people stay away from smoking and it has also, in some cases, led to some strange policies.

In Slovakia, smoking is banned in workplaces where non-smokers also work. In Australia, you can't smoke in most places, including public transport and near underage events.

Only a couple of countries have imposed near-total bans. Bhutan and Turkmenistan are the most cited examples and both these countries have a thriving parallel market.

New Zealand recently held referendums on two key issues — approval of euthanasia and rejection of marijuana.&nbsp;Now, even though smoking is a bad habit, consent, in most cases, is of utmost importance

Smoking is often called the hardest vice to quit. It takes months of rehab and a lot of determination, which is why it is ideal to stay away from it. It causes cancer and is among the leading cause of deaths in the world.

Smoking is often called the hardest vice to quit. It takes months of rehab and a lot of determination, which is why it is ideal to stay away from it. It causes cancer and is among the leading cause of deaths in the world. However, New Zealand is looking to tackle this menace by going smoke-free. Watch | The country is trying to make an entire generation stay away from nicotine. The cigarette makers make people believe that a puff is an answer to all sad, tiring and even celebratory days. It's an industry that thrives on addiction and has no qualms about it. Around the world, nicotine cartels are mighty. Government officials dare not challenge them, especially with the cigarette stain on their shirts. However, New Zealand is looking to mount a challenge and has come up with a proposal to make the country smoke-free by 2025. The first step is to increase the minimum age for smoking and then to ban sales to anyone born after 2004. This will make sure that an entire generation will no longer have access to cigarettes. Other measures include putting lesser nicotine in cigarettes, setting a minimum price and slashing the number of stores. This has come as reports revealed nearly 4,500 New Zealanders die from tobacco use every year. However, this isn't about helping people quit but is about forcing them to quit. So, public opinion is split. Public health organisations say tobacco affects low-income communities harder. The number of tobacco retailers is four times higher in such neighbourhoods and the same for the indigenous communities. Data reveals 30 per cent of Maori women smoke every day. Cancer is the leading cause of death in their community. For these groups, there is an incentive to ban smoking. It has gotten them hooked and emptied their pockets. However, with this proposal, small shops will be the worst hit as cigarettes are their biggest movers. So, a smoke-free New Zealand would be a poorer New Zealand for them. Also, it might bring a rise in the black market and with the illegal nicotine trade comes street muscle and gangs which is very much different from the usual spirit of New Zealand. It is not just New Zealand, many other countries have grappled with the question of how to help people stay away from smoking and it has also, in some cases, led to some strange policies. In Slovakia, smoking is banned in workplaces where non-smokers also work. In Australia, you can't smoke in most places, including public transport and near underage events. Only a couple of countries have imposed near-total bans. Bhutan and Turkmenistan are the most cited examples and both these countries have a thriving parallel market. New Zealand recently held referendums on two key issues — approval of euthanasia and rejection of marijuana. Now, even though smoking is a bad habit, consent, in most cases, is of utmost importance

After euthanasia and marijuana, New Zealand targets smoking

New Zealand has announced a number of proposals that intend to outlaw smoking for the next generation and making the nation smoke-free by 2025.&nbsp;

These plans include gradually increasing the legal smoking age, which could lead to a complete ban on the cigarettes and tobacco products sale to people born after 2004, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/science/obesity-killed-more-than-smoking-did-study-363567">Obesity killed more than smoking did: Study</a>

Considerations are also being made to greatly reduce the level of nicotine allowed in tobacco products, set a minimum price for tobacco, and restrict places where these products are sold.&nbsp;

"We need a new approach," Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said on Thursday, as she announced the proposals.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/trying-to-quit-smoking-according-to-a-review-heres-what-works-the-best-335250">Trying to quit smoking? According to a review, here's what works the best</a>

"About 4,500 New Zealanders die every year from tobacco, and we need to make accelerated progress to be able to reach that goal [of Smokefree 2025]. Business-as-usual without a tobacco control program won't get us there."

Several public health organisations praised these proposals. &nbsp;

"This proposal goes beyond assisting people to quit," Cancer Society chief executive Lucy Elwood in a statement said.&nbsp;

She highlighted that the number of tobacco retailers was four times more in low-income communities, where smoking rates were at their maximum.&nbsp;

"These glaring inequities are why we need to protect future generations from the harms of tobacco," Elwood said.&nbsp;

New Zealand has announced a number of proposals that intend to outlaw smoking for the next generation and making the nation smoke-free by 2025. These plans include gradually increasing the legal smoking age, which could lead to a complete ban on the cigarettes and tobacco products sale to people born after 2004, reports The Guardian.

New Zealand has announced a number of proposals that intend to outlaw smoking for the next generation and making the nation smoke-free by 2025. These plans include gradually increasing the legal smoking age, which could lead to a complete ban on the cigarettes and tobacco products sale to people born after 2004, reports The Guardian. Also read | Obesity killed more than smoking did: Study Considerations are also being made to greatly reduce the level of nicotine allowed in tobacco products, set a minimum price for tobacco, and restrict places where these products are sold. "We need a new approach," Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said on Thursday, as she announced the proposals. Also read | Trying to quit smoking? According to a review, here's what works the best "About 4,500 New Zealanders die every year from tobacco, and we need to make accelerated progress to be able to reach that goal [of Smokefree 2025]. Business-as-usual without a tobacco control program won't get us there." Several public health organisations praised these proposals. "This proposal goes beyond assisting people to quit," Cancer Society chief executive Lucy Elwood in a statement said. She highlighted that the number of tobacco retailers was four times more in low-income communities, where smoking rates were at their maximum. "These glaring inequities are why we need to protect future generations from the harms of tobacco," Elwood said.

No smoking: New Zealand announces proposals to make the nation smoke-free by 2025

New Zealand could make banks reveal their impact on climate change, marking the first such legislation anywhere in the world to make banking sector’s environmental impact transparent.

The legislation forces&nbsp;banks to&nbsp;reveal the impact caused by their investments. New Zealand’s Commerce Minister David Clark said that this law makes reporting compulsory for not only banks but also investment firms and insurance companies.

"Becoming the first country in the world to introduce a law like this means we have an opportunity to show real leadership and pave the way for other countries to make climate-related disclosures mandatory," AFP cited him as saying.

As part of this move, New Zealand is set to compel its financial institutions to report its climate impact in the real world, opening up arrays for the public to judge their climate performance. "It is important that every part of New Zealand's economy is helping&nbsp;us cut emissions and transition to a low-carbon future," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-zealand-mp-golriz-ghahraman-questions-arderns-ban-on-travellers-from-india-376517" hreflang="en">New Zealand MP Golriz Ghahraman questions Ardern's ban on travellers from India</a>

The legislation was introduced on Monday and would make climate reporting compulsory by 2023 if passed.

Clark added that the legislation would ensure financial organisations disclose all their actions corresponding to climate change, while forcing them to take affirmative action against climate change.

New Zealand’s Climate Change Minister James Shaw said that these annual climate reports would undermine high-carbon investments while shedding light on how such investments cannot flourish as the country aims to curb emissions. "We simply cannot get to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 unless&nbsp;the financial sector&nbsp;knows what impact their investments are having on the climate," Shaw was cited by AFP as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hope-it-breaks-taboo-says-new-zealand-lawmaker-behind-miscarriage-bereavement-leave-law-374069" hreflang="en">Hope it breaks taboo, says New Zealand lawmaker behind miscarriage bereavement leave law</a>

In addition, Shaw hopes that this move would help bring climate risks and ways to fight it into the “heart of financial and business decision making”.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. In addition, the country aims to generate all its energy from renewable sources by 2035.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand could make banks reveal their impact on climate change, marking the first such legislation anywhere in the world to make banking sector’s environmental impact transparent.

New Zealand could make banks reveal their impact on climate change, marking the first such legislation anywhere in the world to make banking sector’s environmental impact transparent. The legislation forces banks to reveal the impact caused by their investments. New Zealand’s Commerce Minister David Clark said that this law makes reporting compulsory for not only banks but also investment firms and insurance companies. "Becoming the first country in the world to introduce a law like this means we have an opportunity to show real leadership and pave the way for other countries to make climate-related disclosures mandatory," AFP cited him as saying. As part of this move, New Zealand is set to compel its financial institutions to report its climate impact in the real world, opening up arrays for the public to judge their climate performance. "It is important that every part of New Zealand's economy is helping us cut emissions and transition to a low-carbon future," he added. Also read: New Zealand MP Golriz Ghahraman questions Ardern's ban on travellers from India The legislation was introduced on Monday and would make climate reporting compulsory by 2023 if passed. Clark added that the legislation would ensure financial organisations disclose all their actions corresponding to climate change, while forcing them to take affirmative action against climate change. New Zealand’s Climate Change Minister James Shaw said that these annual climate reports would undermine high-carbon investments while shedding light on how such investments cannot flourish as the country aims to curb emissions. "We simply cannot get to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 unless the financial sector knows what impact their investments are having on the climate," Shaw was cited by AFP as saying. Also read: Hope it breaks taboo, says New Zealand lawmaker behind miscarriage bereavement leave law In addition, Shaw hopes that this move would help bring climate risks and ways to fight it into the “heart of financial and business decision making”. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. In addition, the country aims to generate all its energy from renewable sources by 2035. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand's new legislation will force banks to report impact on climate

The Australian convict, Brenton Tarrant, who has been jailed for carrying out the Christchurch mosque massacres, is now planning to launch a legal challenge against the government.

Tarrant is unhappy with the condition of the jail and has requested a judicial review to see if the decisions have been made appropriately or not within the law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christchurch-mosque-attacker-brenton-tarrant-sentenced-to-life-without-parole-323310">Christchurch mosque attacker Brenton Tarrant sentenced to life without parole</a>

The convicted felon has decided to represent himself in a hearing scheduled for Thursday in Auckland. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment for 51 murders and one charge of terrorism.

The hearing will not be open to the media but the authorities have made clear that his new legal challenge will not affect his current life imprisonment sentence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christchurch-attack-gunman-wanted-to-burn-down-the-two-mosques-court-told-322631">Christchurch attack: Gunman wanted to burn down the two mosques, court told</a>

Housed in Auckland jail, he is challenging decisions taken by the Department of Corrections regarding the conditions of his jail and is also questioning him being labelled as a “terrorist entity” under the Terrorism Suppression Act.

Tarrant, 29, had live-streamed the event while killing at least 51 people in two mosques in Christchurch. The judge called him "wicked" and "inhuman".

He had admitted to 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one of terrorism after reversing not-guilty plea earlier. New Zealand does not have the death penalty.

The Australian convict, Brenton Tarrant, who has been jailed for carrying out the Christchurch mosque massacres, is now planning to launch a legal challenge against the government.

The Australian convict, Brenton Tarrant, who has been jailed for carrying out the Christchurch mosque massacres, is now planning to launch a legal challenge against the government. Tarrant is unhappy with the condition of the jail and has requested a judicial review to see if the decisions have been made appropriately or not within the law. Also read | Christchurch mosque attacker Brenton Tarrant sentenced to life without parole The convicted felon has decided to represent himself in a hearing scheduled for Thursday in Auckland. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment for 51 murders and one charge of terrorism. The hearing will not be open to the media but the authorities have made clear that his new legal challenge will not affect his current life imprisonment sentence. Also read | Christchurch attack: Gunman wanted to burn down the two mosques, court told Housed in Auckland jail, he is challenging decisions taken by the Department of Corrections regarding the conditions of his jail and is also questioning him being labelled as a “terrorist entity” under the Terrorism Suppression Act. Tarrant, 29, had live-streamed the event while killing at least 51 people in two mosques in Christchurch. The judge called him "wicked" and "inhuman". He had admitted to 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one of terrorism after reversing not-guilty plea earlier. New Zealand does not have the death penalty.

Christchurch mosque terrorist to launch legal action against New Zealand government

At a time when every nation wants an independent probe over the origin of Covid-19 that took millions of lives, New Zealand on Thursday backs off from supporting any joint statement over the latest Covid-19 report released by World Health Organisation. NZ's Foreign Ministry says 'We want to investigate the origins of Coronavirus independently before coming to any conclusion and commenting on the same'

New Zealand backs off from joint statement on Covid report

In yet another positive announcement of the year, the Jacinda Ardern-led New Zealand government has decided to increase its minimum wage and the top tax rate for the rich.

The minimum wage will be increased to $20 an hour, with increases in unemployment and sickness benefits. The government has decided to increase the minimum wage by $1.14 per hour.&nbsp;

This increase is expected to help nearly 175,000 workers and help the economy by $216 million.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-becomes-second-country-to-give-women-bereavement-leaves-after-miscarriage-373854">New Zealand becomes second country to give women bereavement leaves after miscarriage</a>

Ardern has also decided to increase the top tax rate for the highest earners to 39 per cent. This will be applied to anyone earning more than $180,000 in a year — which is nearly 2 per cent of locals.

The increase in top tax rate has been initiated with the aim of increasing the country's annual revenue by nearly $550 million for this year.

Jacinda Ardern, speaking about the changes, said her cabinet has brought in the changes to fulfil the pre-election promise and show "real and long-overdue improvements to the support we provide our most vulnerable".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/deeply-sorry-new-zealands-catholic-church-apologises-to-victims-of-abuse-373314" hreflang="en">'Deeply sorry': New Zealand's Catholic Church apologises to victims of abuse</a>

She also talked about the need to improve other important sectors too. "There is still much more to do, including building more homes, improving our health system, investing in education, training and job opportunities," she said.

The changes have come after the unions called for an increase in the living wage in 2020 (which was $22.10) for frontline workers.

"It’s a big deal to these workers. Part of it’s the money, part of it’s the dignity of feeling rewarded by the community for the sacrifices they’re making," United Union national secretary John Crocker had told local media at that time.

The opposition leaders, however, are not happy with the increase in the minimum wage. "Sharply increasing the minimum wage during a period of extreme uncertainty for small businesses is economic vandalism," claimed opposition National party spokesman, Scott Simpson.

In yet another positive announcement of the year, the Jacinda Ardern-led New Zealand government has decided to increase its minimum wage and the top tax rate for the rich.

In yet another positive announcement of the year, the Jacinda Ardern-led New Zealand government has decided to increase its minimum wage and the top tax rate for the rich. The minimum wage will be increased to $20 an hour, with increases in unemployment and sickness benefits. The government has decided to increase the minimum wage by $1.14 per hour. This increase is expected to help nearly 175,000 workers and help the economy by $216 million. Also read | New Zealand becomes second country to give women bereavement leaves after miscarriage Ardern has also decided to increase the top tax rate for the highest earners to 39 per cent. This will be applied to anyone earning more than $180,000 in a year — which is nearly 2 per cent of locals. The increase in top tax rate has been initiated with the aim of increasing the country's annual revenue by nearly $550 million for this year. Jacinda Ardern, speaking about the changes, said her cabinet has brought in the changes to fulfil the pre-election promise and show "real and long-overdue improvements to the support we provide our most vulnerable". Also read | 'Deeply sorry': New Zealand's Catholic Church apologises to victims of abuse She also talked about the need to improve other important sectors too. "There is still much more to do, including building more homes, improving our health system, investing in education, training and job opportunities," she said. The changes have come after the unions called for an increase in the living wage in 2020 (which was $22.10) for frontline workers. "It’s a big deal to these workers. Part of it’s the money, part of it’s the dignity of feeling rewarded by the community for the sacrifices they’re making," United Union national secretary John Crocker had told local media at that time. The opposition leaders, however, are not happy with the increase in the minimum wage. "Sharply increasing the minimum wage during a period of extreme uncertainty for small businesses is economic vandalism," claimed opposition National party spokesman, Scott Simpson.

Jacinda Ardern increases minimum wage and taxes for rich

Ginny Andersen, member of parliament for Hutt South, introduced this bill after hearing the ordeal of a woman who had suffered a miscarriage but was unable to access bereavement leaves.

New Zealand lawmaker behind miscarriage bereavement leave law on WION

New Zealand has passed a legislation giving working mothers and their partners the right to paid leave after suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth. The bill, which also includes people who were planning to have a child through surrogacy, was unanimously passed in parliament on March 24.

Ginny Andersen, member of parliament for Hutt South, introduced this bill after hearing the ordeal of a woman who had suffered a miscarriage but was unable to access bereavement leaves.

"The woman felt it's unfair and approached a local member of parliament after which the idea came to me and I drafted the bill. When I spoke over it, many people supported it. There was a need here," Andersen told WION.&nbsp;

Drawn through a lottery system in the parliament in 2018, this bill has garnered enormous positive response locally and internationally. With this, New Zealand has become the second country in the world to have such law, after India.&nbsp;

In India, women are entitled to six weeks of paid leave in case of miscarriage under the Maternity Benefit Act 1961. Moreover, there is no prescribed time period after which it is provided, and excludes the partners of the mourning mothers.&nbsp;

Talking about the importance of this bill, Andersen in the Parliament had said that one in four New Zealand women have had a miscarriage. She told WION that this will help in destigmatising miscarriages.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"In New Zealand, women don't talk about their pregnancy till the third month, as there are high chances of miscarriage in those initial days. It is just like an unspoken rule amongst women. So, I think this bill might bring some change, enable women to talk about it and break these taboos," the Hutt South MP said.

The leave provisions apply to mothers, their partners as well as parents planning to have a child through adoption or surrogacy, but excludes abortions.

On whether&nbsp;abortion was considered to be included, Andersen said, "This issue had come up. New Zealand has removed abortion from the crime list and there is a huge debate about it. I was quite clear to not steer my bill into that hot debate. There was a clear need for women and their partners to have bereavement leave for miscarriage, and I was focused to deliver that."

However, she stated that if any other MP would like to take a member vote on including abortion under the bill, then it would be a great idea.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

New Zealand has passed a legislation giving working mothers and their partners the right to paid leave after suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth. The bill, which also includes people who were planning to have a child through surrogacy, was unanimously passed in parliament on March 24.

New Zealand has passed a legislation giving working mothers and their partners the right to paid leave after suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth. The bill, which also includes people who were planning to have a child through surrogacy, was unanimously passed in parliament on March 24. Ginny Andersen, member of parliament for Hutt South, introduced this bill after hearing the ordeal of a woman who had suffered a miscarriage but was unable to access bereavement leaves. "The woman felt it's unfair and approached a local member of parliament after which the idea came to me and I drafted the bill. When I spoke over it, many people supported it. There was a need here," Andersen told WION. Drawn through a lottery system in the parliament in 2018, this bill has garnered enormous positive response locally and internationally. With this, New Zealand has become the second country in the world to have such law, after India. In India, women are entitled to six weeks of paid leave in case of miscarriage under the Maternity Benefit Act 1961. Moreover, there is no prescribed time period after which it is provided, and excludes the partners of the mourning mothers. Talking about the importance of this bill, Andersen in the Parliament had said that one in four New Zealand women have had a miscarriage. She told WION that this will help in destigmatising miscarriages. "In New Zealand, women don't talk about their pregnancy till the third month, as there are high chances of miscarriage in those initial days. It is just like an unspoken rule amongst women. So, I think this bill might bring some change, enable women to talk about it and break these taboos," the Hutt South MP said. The leave provisions apply to mothers, their partners as well as parents planning to have a child through adoption or surrogacy, but excludes abortions. On whether abortion was considered to be included, Andersen said, "This issue had come up. New Zealand has removed abortion from the crime list and there is a huge debate about it. I was quite clear to not steer my bill into that hot debate. There was a clear need for women and their partners to have bereavement leave for miscarriage, and I was focused to deliver that." However, she stated that if any other MP would like to take a member vote on including abortion under the bill, then it would be a great idea.

Hope it breaks taboo, says New Zealand lawmaker behind miscarriage bereavement leave law

New Zealand has become the second country after India to extend bereavement allowance measures to women following a miscarriage or still birth.

The country’s parliament passed the legislation giving women and their partners the right to paid leave in case of a miscarriage.

The bereavement allowance was passed in the parliament late on March 24. Now, employees can avail three days leave if a pregnancy ends with a stillbirth or miscarriage. These offs will be different from the sick leaves available to employees.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/deeply-sorry-new-zealands-catholic-church-apologises-to-victims-of-abuse-373314" hreflang="en">'Deeply sorry': New Zealand's Catholic Church apologises to victims of abuse</a>

"The grief that comes with miscarriage is not a sickness Mr Speaker, it is a loss, and that loss takes time. Time to recover physically and time to recover mentally. Time to recover with a partner, because often Mr Speaker the mother is not alone in her grief. The grief of a partner is the shared grief, and I am so pleased that the provisions in this bill extend to both mothers and partners. Couples need time to work through their grief together without the pressure of loss of income or using up sick leave",&nbsp;Labour Party MP Ginny Andersen said in the parliament.

The leave provisions are valid on mothers, their partners, as well as parents planning to have a child through surrogacy or adoption. Labour Party MP Ginny Andersen, who initiated the bill said that one in four women in New Zealand undergo a miscarriage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-zealand-grants-automatic-paid-leave-after-miscarriage-373055" hreflang="en">New Zealand grants automatic paid leave after miscarriage</a>

New Zealand is seen as the pioneer in terms of women rights and corresponding issues. In fact, New Zealand was the first country in the world to give voting rights to women.

The current Labour government is led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, perceived as a global leader for women. Last year, New Zealand passed a historic law which decriminalised abortion. India is the only other country in the world to offer similar provisions to women.

New Zealand has become the second country after India to extend bereavement allowance measures to women following a miscarriage or still birth. The country’s parliament passed the legislation giving women and their partners the right to paid leave in case of a miscarriage.

New Zealand has become the second country after India to extend bereavement allowance measures to women following a miscarriage or still birth. The country’s parliament passed the legislation giving women and their partners the right to paid leave in case of a miscarriage. The bereavement allowance was passed in the parliament late on March 24. Now, employees can avail three days leave if a pregnancy ends with a stillbirth or miscarriage. These offs will be different from the sick leaves available to employees. Also read: 'Deeply sorry': New Zealand's Catholic Church apologises to victims of abuse "The grief that comes with miscarriage is not a sickness Mr Speaker, it is a loss, and that loss takes time. Time to recover physically and time to recover mentally. Time to recover with a partner, because often Mr Speaker the mother is not alone in her grief. The grief of a partner is the shared grief, and I am so pleased that the provisions in this bill extend to both mothers and partners. Couples need time to work through their grief together without the pressure of loss of income or using up sick leave", Labour Party MP Ginny Andersen said in the parliament. The leave provisions are valid on mothers, their partners, as well as parents planning to have a child through surrogacy or adoption. Labour Party MP Ginny Andersen, who initiated the bill said that one in four women in New Zealand undergo a miscarriage. Also read: New Zealand grants automatic paid leave after miscarriage New Zealand is seen as the pioneer in terms of women rights and corresponding issues. In fact, New Zealand was the first country in the world to give voting rights to women. The current Labour government is led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, perceived as a global leader for women. Last year, New Zealand passed a historic law which decriminalised abortion. India is the only other country in the world to offer similar provisions to women.

New Zealand becomes second country to give women bereavement leaves after miscarriage

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya took to social media after he said that he would "rape" fellow fighter Kevin Holland.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/germany-players-in-human-rights-message-ahead-of-world-cup-qualifier-373322" hreflang="en">Germany players in 'Human Rights' message ahead of World Cup qualifier</a>

He made those remarks in an expletive-laden video on Instagram earlier this week directed at Holland, who had targeted him in a series of remarks.

The 31-year-old, who currently resides in New Zealand, later deleted the video and said he had "crossed the line".

"I understand the gravity of this word and how it can affect and hurt other people apart from my opponent, although that was never my intention," Adesanya tweeted.

"I am still growing under the spotlight, and I take this as a lesson to be more selective with words under pressure."

His apology came after New Zealand's deputy prime minister and minister of sport and recreation, Grant Robertson, condemned his comment.

"We have to take rape seriously. It's not an issue that anyone should be making jokes or flippant comments about at all," Robertson said.

Adesanya was undefeated in MMA with a 20-0 record until he was beaten by Jan Blachowicz in a light heavyweight title match at UFC 259 on March 6.

(Inputs from Reuters)

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya took to social media after he said that he would "rape" fellow fighter Kevin Holland. ALSO READ: Germany players in 'Human Rights' message ahead of World Cup qualifier He made those remarks in an expletive-laden video on Instagram earlier this week directed at Holland, who had targeted him in a series of remarks.

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya took to social media after he said that he would "rape" fellow fighter Kevin Holland. ALSO READ: Germany players in 'Human Rights' message ahead of World Cup qualifier He made those remarks in an expletive-laden video on Instagram earlier this week directed at Holland, who had targeted him in a series of remarks. The 31-year-old, who currently resides in New Zealand, later deleted the video and said he had "crossed the line". "I understand the gravity of this word and how it can affect and hurt other people apart from my opponent, although that was never my intention," Adesanya tweeted. "I am still growing under the spotlight, and I take this as a lesson to be more selective with words under pressure." His apology came after New Zealand's deputy prime minister and minister of sport and recreation, Grant Robertson, condemned his comment. "We have to take rape seriously. It's not an issue that anyone should be making jokes or flippant comments about at all," Robertson said. Adesanya was undefeated in MMA with a 20-0 record until he was beaten by Jan Blachowicz in a light heavyweight title match at UFC 259 on March 6. (Inputs from Reuters)

'Lesson to be more selective with words': UFC star Adesanya apologises for 'rape' remark

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and Metropolitan of New Zealand, Cardinal John Dew apologised at the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care on behalf of congregational leaders and bishops in the country.

“Today, recognising the importance of this moment, I apologise to you on behalf of the bishops and congregational leaders of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand. I also apologise to you on behalf of those who preceded us as bishops and congregational leaders”, the Cardinal said.

The country is currently conducting an “Abuse in Care” enquiry to ascertain the extend of abuse and to resolve historic claims.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/in-setback-for-gay-catholics-vatican-says-church-cannot-bless-same-sex-unions-370686" hreflang="en">In setback for gay Catholics, Vatican says church cannot bless same-sex unions</a>

“Any kind of abuse is unacceptable and indefensible. We are deeply sorry. We acknowledge that the systems and culture of the church allowed abuse to occur. These systems and culture failed you and must change”, Cardinal John Dew said.

It is part of this enquiry that the Cardinals comments came in, along with witness statements from religious institutions. The Royal Commission was set up by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018, claiming that the country must confront a “dark chapter” in its history.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/in-another-archaeological-discovery-ancient-churches-rooms-found-in-egypt-370443" hreflang="en">In another archaeological discovery, ancient churches, rooms found in Egypt</a>

The Commission was later extended to include churches, along with other religious institutions.

The enquiry revealed astounding discoveries about the extent of abuse under the church. Reportedly, kids as young as nine months old suffered years of abuse. Among other things, the victims were raped, given electric shock treatments by psychiatric and state care facilities.

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change.

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and Metropolitan of New Zealand, Cardinal John Dew apologised at the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care on behalf of congregational leaders and bishops in the country. “Today, recognising the importance of this moment, I apologise to you on behalf of the bishops and congregational leaders of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand. I also apologise to you on behalf of those who preceded us as bishops and congregational leaders”, the Cardinal said. The country is currently conducting an “Abuse in Care” enquiry to ascertain the extend of abuse and to resolve historic claims. Also read: In setback for gay Catholics, Vatican says church cannot bless same-sex unions “Any kind of abuse is unacceptable and indefensible. We are deeply sorry. We acknowledge that the systems and culture of the church allowed abuse to occur. These systems and culture failed you and must change”, Cardinal John Dew said. It is part of this enquiry that the Cardinals comments came in, along with witness statements from religious institutions. The Royal Commission was set up by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018, claiming that the country must confront a “dark chapter” in its history. Also read: In another archaeological discovery, ancient churches, rooms found in Egypt The Commission was later extended to include churches, along with other religious institutions. The enquiry revealed astounding discoveries about the extent of abuse under the church. Reportedly, kids as young as nine months old suffered years of abuse. Among other things, the victims were raped, given electric shock treatments by psychiatric and state care facilities.

'Deeply sorry': New Zealand's Catholic Church apologises to victims of abuse

In a bid to help the government meet the costs of managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ), the New Zealand government has doubled the time the returning citizens are required to stay to avoid the massive quarantine fee.

The New Zealand government charges a $3,100 quarantine fee, as of now and has increased the quarantine time from three months to six months now.

This decision has been taken by the Jacinda Ardern-led government to make the MIQ system "more financially sustainable".

However, this decision has faced backlash from New Zealand citizens living abroad who have criticised the government for not thinking about the financial burden this imposes on those wanting to return back to the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealands-largest-city-auckland-back-to-lockdown-after-covid-19-case-366703">Also watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealands-largest-city-auckland-back-to-lockdown-after-covid-19-case-366703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

People visiting from areas such as the US and Canada have expressed disappointment and frustration as they claim they are already paying nearly $3,000 for air expenses, with the addition of $270 for a pre-departure test.

"Switching it to six months is just undoable with the extra cost of MIQ [managed isolate and quarantine] – it puts it out of reach to go home before this thing is over, which seems to be the point of it all," Owen Williams, a New Zealand citizen living in Canada was quoted by Guardian. "The message is loud and clear: even if you’re a citizen, unless you’re wealthy, don’t come back."

Citizens, who were working abroad or were stuck overseas, have urged the government to think about the people who were hoping to return to New Zealand and work from home temporarily or work in the country.&nbsp;

As of now, citizens struggle to find a spot for a quarantine period which requires online booking that fills up within seconds of availability. Several Facebook groups have also popped up where people are helping others to find a way around the system and negotiate MIQ bookings.

In a bid to help the government meet the costs of managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ), the New Zealand government has doubled the time the returning citizens are required to stay to avoid the massive quarantine fee.

In a bid to help the government meet the costs of managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ), the New Zealand government has doubled the time the returning citizens are required to stay to avoid the massive quarantine fee. The New Zealand government charges a $3,100 quarantine fee, as of now and has increased the quarantine time from three months to six months now. This decision has been taken by the Jacinda Ardern-led government to make the MIQ system "more financially sustainable". However, this decision has faced backlash from New Zealand citizens living abroad who have criticised the government for not thinking about the financial burden this imposes on those wanting to return back to the country. Also watch | People visiting from areas such as the US and Canada have expressed disappointment and frustration as they claim they are already paying nearly $3,000 for air expenses, with the addition of $270 for a pre-departure test. "Switching it to six months is just undoable with the extra cost of MIQ [managed isolate and quarantine] – it puts it out of reach to go home before this thing is over, which seems to be the point of it all," Owen Williams, a New Zealand citizen living in Canada was quoted by Guardian. "The message is loud and clear: even if you’re a citizen, unless you’re wealthy, don’t come back." Citizens, who were working abroad or were stuck overseas, have urged the government to think about the people who were hoping to return to New Zealand and work from home temporarily or work in the country. As of now, citizens struggle to find a spot for a quarantine period which requires online booking that fills up within seconds of availability. Several Facebook groups have also popped up where people are helping others to find a way around the system and negotiate MIQ bookings.

Jacinda Ardern increases quarantine fee; New Zealand citizens question her empathy

new-zealand

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

new zealand