New Zealand's parliament has unanimously passed legislation giving working mothers and their partners the right to paid leave after suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth, in what is believed to be one of the first provisions of its type in the world.

The bereavement allowance, passed by parliament late Wednesday, gives employees three days' leave when a pregnancy ends with a stillbirth, rather than forcing them to use their sick leave.

Lawmaker Ginny Andersen said a stillbirth should be recognised with dedicated bereavement leave but the stigma that still surrounds the issue meant many people were reluctant to discuss it.

"The grief that comes with miscarriage is not a sickness; it is a loss, and that loss takes time -- time to recover physically and time to recover mentally," she told parliament.

Andersen said the leave extends to a woman's partner if she suffers a miscarriage, as well as to people who were attempting to have a child through surrogacy.

She said the law continued the New Zealand parliament's role in pioneering women's rights, most notably on voting rights, equal pay and decriminalising abortion.

"I can only hope that while we may be one of the first, we will not be one of the last, and that other countries will also begin to legislate for a compassionate and fair leave system that recognises the pain and the grief that comes from miscarriage and stillbirth," she said.

New Zealand's parliament has unanimously passed legislation giving working mothers and their partners the right to paid leave after suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth, in what is believed to be one of the first provisions of its type in the world.

New Zealand's parliament has unanimously passed legislation giving working mothers and their partners the right to paid leave after suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth, in what is believed to be one of the first provisions of its type in the world. The bereavement allowance, passed by parliament late Wednesday, gives employees three days' leave when a pregnancy ends with a stillbirth, rather than forcing them to use their sick leave. Lawmaker Ginny Andersen said a stillbirth should be recognised with dedicated bereavement leave but the stigma that still surrounds the issue meant many people were reluctant to discuss it. "The grief that comes with miscarriage is not a sickness; it is a loss, and that loss takes time -- time to recover physically and time to recover mentally," she told parliament. Andersen said the leave extends to a woman's partner if she suffers a miscarriage, as well as to people who were attempting to have a child through surrogacy. She said the law continued the New Zealand parliament's role in pioneering women's rights, most notably on voting rights, equal pay and decriminalising abortion. "I can only hope that while we may be one of the first, we will not be one of the last, and that other countries will also begin to legislate for a compassionate and fair leave system that recognises the pain and the grief that comes from miscarriage and stillbirth," she said.

New Zealand grants automatic paid leave after miscarriage

Israel and New Zealand have given interim approval for the sale of biotech firm SaNOtize Research and Development’s Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) which could help prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Israel, New Zealand give interim approval for sale of COVID-19 nasal spray

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern felt "very honoured" after she realised that a large insect has been named after her. &nbsp;

Hemiandrus jacinda is the name given to a new species of wētā, a giant flightless cricket, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

The cricket is red in colour and "long-limbed," something which is similar to Ardern's Labour party colour and symbol.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-jacinda-ardern-lashes-out-at-greta-thunberg-349783">New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern lashes out at Greta Thunberg</a>

New Zealand's prime minister was "aware of this and very honoured," her spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"A beetle and a lichen, along with an ant in Saudi Arabia, have also been named after her."

Steven Trewick, the scientist who named and formally described the insect, said the name had struck him for "reflecting traits of the prime minister".

Trewick, a professor in evolutionary ecology at Massey University in New Zealand, said it was a "striking" and beautiful species.

The latest-discovered species is bigger and more brightly coloured than the 17 ground wētā that already exist, and found in native forests in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel in the upper North Island.&nbsp;

Zootaxa journal described it for the first time on Friday as "comparatively large, long-limbed, glossy and predominantly orange-red".

Trewick said it was remarkable that jacinda was not found until now given that it had been discovered near densely populated regions and that it was "not a small, cryptic beast but a hefty insect with flamboyant colouring",

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern felt "very honoured" after she realised that a large insect has been named after her. Hemiandrus jacinda is the name given to a new species of wētā, a giant flightless cricket, reports The Guardian.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern felt "very honoured" after she realised that a large insect has been named after her. Hemiandrus jacinda is the name given to a new species of wētā, a giant flightless cricket, reports The Guardian. The cricket is red in colour and "long-limbed," something which is similar to Ardern's Labour party colour and symbol. Also read | New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern lashes out at Greta Thunberg New Zealand's prime minister was "aware of this and very honoured," her spokesperson said. "A beetle and a lichen, along with an ant in Saudi Arabia, have also been named after her." Steven Trewick, the scientist who named and formally described the insect, said the name had struck him for "reflecting traits of the prime minister". Trewick, a professor in evolutionary ecology at Massey University in New Zealand, said it was a "striking" and beautiful species. The latest-discovered species is bigger and more brightly coloured than the 17 ground wētā that already exist, and found in native forests in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel in the upper North Island. Zootaxa journal described it for the first time on Friday as "comparatively large, long-limbed, glossy and predominantly orange-red". Trewick said it was remarkable that jacinda was not found until now given that it had been discovered near densely populated regions and that it was "not a small, cryptic beast but a hefty insect with flamboyant colouring",

Jacinda Ardern 'very honoured' after large insect species gets her name

Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, emerged on Sunday from a strict weeklong lockdown imposed after a community cluster of the more contagious UK <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> variant.

There were no new local COVID-19 cases recorded on Sunday, health officials said, allowing for the restrictions to ease. If no community cases are confirmed during the rest of Sunday, it would make a full seven days since the last community case.

There are still limits on public gathering in the city of nearly two million, however, and masks are obligatory on public transport.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-cancels-tsunami-warning-after-three-strong-offshore-earthquakes-368085">New Zealand cancels tsunami warning after three strong offshore earthquakes</a>

Footage on TVNZ, New Zealand’s state-owned television network, showed people lining up at coffee shops on Sunday morning with many saying they were feeling relieved.

The government said it might ease restrictions in Auckland further on Friday, to bring them to the same level as in the rest of New Zealand.

In neighbouring Australia, the state of Victoria, which was under a five-day lockdown in mid-February after a small COVID-19 outbreak, recorded nine straight days of no local transmissions on Sunday.

Swift public health measures combined with aggressive contact tracing, border closures and compulsory quarantine for travellers have been credited with making both New Zealand and Australia highly successful in keeping the pandemic from spreading.

Both countries saw their economies recovering speedily in the second part of 2020. Australia’s economy expanded at a much faster-than-expected pace in the final quarter of last year and all signs were that 2021 has started on a firm footing too, helped by massive monetary and fiscal stimulus.

Both countries have begun coronavirus inoculation programmes, with the vaccination rollout in Australia becoming complicated after Italy blocked a shipment of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine to the country.

Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, emerged on Sunday from a strict weeklong lockdown imposed after a community cluster of the more contagious UK coronavirus variant.

Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, emerged on Sunday from a strict weeklong lockdown imposed after a community cluster of the more contagious UK coronavirus variant. There were no new local COVID-19 cases recorded on Sunday, health officials said, allowing for the restrictions to ease. If no community cases are confirmed during the rest of Sunday, it would make a full seven days since the last community case. There are still limits on public gathering in the city of nearly two million, however, and masks are obligatory on public transport. Also read | New Zealand cancels tsunami warning after three strong offshore earthquakes Footage on TVNZ, New Zealand’s state-owned television network, showed people lining up at coffee shops on Sunday morning with many saying they were feeling relieved. The government said it might ease restrictions in Auckland further on Friday, to bring them to the same level as in the rest of New Zealand. In neighbouring Australia, the state of Victoria, which was under a five-day lockdown in mid-February after a small COVID-19 outbreak, recorded nine straight days of no local transmissions on Sunday. Swift public health measures combined with aggressive contact tracing, border closures and compulsory quarantine for travellers have been credited with making both New Zealand and Australia highly successful in keeping the pandemic from spreading. Both countries saw their economies recovering speedily in the second part of 2020. Australia’s economy expanded at a much faster-than-expected pace in the final quarter of last year and all signs were that 2021 has started on a firm footing too, helped by massive monetary and fiscal stimulus. Both countries have begun coronavirus inoculation programmes, with the vaccination rollout in Australia becoming complicated after Italy blocked a shipment of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine to the country.

New Zealand's Auckland emerges from weeklong coronavirus lockdown

Earthquakes continued to rock New Zealand's North Island on Saturday with the US Geological Survey recording a magnitude 6.4 shock the day after a Pacific-wide tsunami alert sparked by a monster quake.

There have been no reports of serious damage or injury from the quakes, nor from a host of smaller tremors, which were centred offshore from the eastern city of Gisborne.&nbsp;

A swarm of quakes up to 8.1 on Friday near the remote Kermadec Islands, 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) northeast of New Zealand, triggered tsunami warnings for several South Pacific islands although the waves did not reach the predicted three metres (11 feet).

Earthquakes continued to rock New Zealand's North Island on Saturday with the US Geological Survey recording a magnitude 6.4 shock the day after a Pacific-wide tsunami alert sparked by a monster quake.

Earthquakes continued to rock New Zealand's North Island on Saturday with the US Geological Survey recording a magnitude 6.4 shock the day after a Pacific-wide tsunami alert sparked by a monster quake. There have been no reports of serious damage or injury from the quakes, nor from a host of smaller tremors, which were centred offshore from the eastern city of Gisborne. A swarm of quakes up to 8.1 on Friday near the remote Kermadec Islands, 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) northeast of New Zealand, triggered tsunami warnings for several South Pacific islands although the waves did not reach the predicted three metres (11 feet).

Strong aftershocks rock New Zealand's North Island

New Zealand was hit by 3 major offshore earthquakes in a span of fewer than 8 hours. The last earthquake was measured as being 8.1 magnitudes on the Richter scale.

New Zealand hit with 3 earthquakes in span of 8 hours

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of New Zealand's North Island Friday, the US Geological Survey said, triggering a tsunami warning from authorities.

The USGS said the quake hit 180 kilometres (111 miles) northeast of the city of Gisborne at 2:27 am (1327 Thursday GMT), at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometres.

"Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters, hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300 kilometres of the earthquake epicentre," the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.

New Zealand authorities warn those who felt earthquake near coast to "move immediately to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can."

New Zealand’s seismological agency GeoNet described the quake as “severe”, saying it had received 60,463 reports of shaking.

The National Emergency Management Agency tweeted: “Anyone near the coast who felt a LONG or STRONG quake should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can #EQNZ”.

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Anyone near the coast who felt a LONG or STRONG quake should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EQNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EQNZ</a>
— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) <a href="https://twitter.com/NZcivildefence/status/1367480499766104069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of New Zealand's North Island Friday, the US Geological Survey said, triggering a tsunami warning from authorities.

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of New Zealand's North Island Friday, the US Geological Survey said, triggering a tsunami warning from authorities. The USGS said the quake hit 180 kilometres (111 miles) northeast of the city of Gisborne at 2:27 am (1327 Thursday GMT), at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometres. "Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters, hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300 kilometres of the earthquake epicentre," the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said. New Zealand authorities warn those who felt earthquake near coast to "move immediately to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can." New Zealand’s seismological agency GeoNet described the quake as “severe”, saying it had received 60,463 reports of shaking. The National Emergency Management Agency tweeted: “Anyone near the coast who felt a LONG or STRONG quake should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can #EQNZ”. Anyone near the coast who felt a LONG or STRONG quake should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can #EQNZ — National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) March 4, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Tsunami warning after 7.3-magnitude earthquake recorded off the northeast coast of New Zealand

After Australia, New Zealand is now eyeing a similar deal with tech giants Facebook and Google. The new law will require Google, Facebook to pay for news publishers.

New Zealand mulls introducing media law similar to Australia

A 7-day lockdown has been imposed in New Zealand's biggest city Auckland after a fresh COVID-19 infection was reported in the region on Saturday.

New Zealand: Auckland goes under a 7-day COVID-19 lockdown

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that the country's biggest city, Auckland, will go into a seven-day lockdown from early morning on Sunday after a new local case of the coronavirus of unknown origin emerged.

New Zealand's largest city Auckland back to lockdown after COVID-19 case

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that Auckland will be put into a seven-day lockdown from Sunday. Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand. This decision has been taken after a COVID community case of unknown origin was recorded.

Rest of New Zealand will be put into Level 2 restrictions. These restrictions will limit public gatherings, said Arden at a news conference.

New Zealand, and particularly Jacinda Ardern has been praised for effective handling of coronavirus pandemic in the country. However, cases have been found in recent months prompting lockdowns and other restrictions.

In mid-February, Auckland's nearly 2 million residents were plunged into a snap three-day lockdown after a family of three were diagnosed with the more transmissible UK variant of COVID-19.

(With Reuters inputs)

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that Auckland will be put into a seven-day lockdown from Sunday. Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that Auckland will be put into a seven-day lockdown from Sunday. Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand. This decision has been taken after a COVID community case of unknown origin was recorded. Rest of New Zealand will be put into Level 2 restrictions. These restrictions will limit public gatherings, said Arden at a news conference. New Zealand, and particularly Jacinda Ardern has been praised for effective handling of coronavirus pandemic in the country. However, cases have been found in recent months prompting lockdowns and other restrictions. In mid-February, Auckland's nearly 2 million residents were plunged into a snap three-day lockdown after a family of three were diagnosed with the more transmissible UK variant of COVID-19. (With Reuters inputs)

New Zealand: Auckland to be put into seven day COVID lockdown

New Zealand's government said on Friday that it was backing a new project that uses drone technology to understand and protect the endangered Maui dolphins in the country.&nbsp;

Maui dolphins live in a small stretch of ocean off the west coast of New Zealand's North Island and current estimates suggest that only 63 dolphins older than one year remain, raising concerns that they may soon become extinct.&nbsp;

The new Maui Drone Project is a one-year collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), non-profit wildlife technology organisation MAUI63 and WWF-New Zealand.&nbsp;

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is capable of finding and tracking Maui dolphins using artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

The technology has the potential to compile detailed data on the habitats, population size and distribution and behaviour of the dolphins, along with many other types of marine species, such as other dolphins, seabirds, and whales, officials said.&nbsp;

"There has been unfortunately for many years disputes over how to best protect Maui dolphins," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after announcing the initiative, adding that the government has stepped in to fund the project and help protect the dolphins. "But we need everyone to come together."&nbsp;

Fishing companies Moana New Zealand and Sanford Limited are also supporting the project. The government has already moved to restrict fishing around the areas Maui dolphins frequent.&nbsp;

“By advancing our understanding of how Maui dolphins behave during the day and throughout the year this project will help us ensure the measures our Government has already put in place to protect our Maui dolphins are robust and appropriate,” said Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker.&nbsp;

The drone ensures dolphins remain undisturbed as they fly at an altitude of over 120 metres (394 feet).&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)&nbsp;

New Zealand's government said on Friday that it was backing a new project that uses drone technology to understand and protect the endangered Maui dolphins in the country.

New Zealand's government said on Friday that it was backing a new project that uses drone technology to understand and protect the endangered Maui dolphins in the country. Maui dolphins live in a small stretch of ocean off the west coast of New Zealand's North Island and current estimates suggest that only 63 dolphins older than one year remain, raising concerns that they may soon become extinct. The new Maui Drone Project is a one-year collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), non-profit wildlife technology organisation MAUI63 and WWF-New Zealand. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is capable of finding and tracking Maui dolphins using artificial intelligence. The technology has the potential to compile detailed data on the habitats, population size and distribution and behaviour of the dolphins, along with many other types of marine species, such as other dolphins, seabirds, and whales, officials said. "There has been unfortunately for many years disputes over how to best protect Maui dolphins," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after announcing the initiative, adding that the government has stepped in to fund the project and help protect the dolphins. "But we need everyone to come together." Fishing companies Moana New Zealand and Sanford Limited are also supporting the project. The government has already moved to restrict fishing around the areas Maui dolphins frequent. “By advancing our understanding of how Maui dolphins behave during the day and throughout the year this project will help us ensure the measures our Government has already put in place to protect our Maui dolphins are robust and appropriate,” said Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker. The drone ensures dolphins remain undisturbed as they fly at an altitude of over 120 metres (394 feet). (With agency inputs)

New Zealand backs drone project to protect endangered dolphins 

More than a dozen pilot whales have died and many others remain stranded near a narrow sand spit at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island despite efforts to move them out to sea, authorities said on Tuesday (February 23).

Volunteers try to help stranded whales off New Zealand's South Island

Rescuers in New Zealand had to race against time to save dozens of pilot whales that were stranded on the beachside in New Zealand on Monday.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) reported that a pod of 49 long-finned pilot whales was discovered at Farewell Spit, which is nearly 90 kilometres (55 metres) north of Nelson.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-whales-commit-suicide-answer-may-be-sonar-193807" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-whales-commit-suicide-answer-may-be-sonar-193807&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMhNHO8fzuAhUZxzgGHeq7ArEQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0f06izBhCiXiaIjSu65uPK" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-whales-commit-suicide-answer-may-be-sonar-193807" target="_blank">Why do&nbsp;whales&nbsp;commit suicide? Answer may be sonar</a>

As soon as the pod was discovered, more than 60 people set to work to rescue the whales and bring them back to a healthy life. However, by mid-afternoon nine of the whales from the pod were declared dead.

"Marine mammal medics will assist with refloating the whales and caring for them on the beach, keeping them cool and wet until they can be refloated," a spokeswoman for DOC reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-3-of-45-pilot-whales-survive-mass-stranding-in-indonesia-364867" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/only-3-of-45-pilot-whales-survive-mass-stranding-in-indonesia-364867&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMhNHO8fzuAhUZxzgGHeq7ArEQFjADegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Fr745ysFK1jBdU5YMRNke" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-3-of-45-pilot-whales-survive-mass-stranding-in-indonesia-364867" target="_blank">Only 3 of 45 pilot&nbsp;whales&nbsp;survive mass stranding in Indonesia</a>

Farewell Spit is a stretch of 26-kilometre of sand that protrudes into the sea at Golden Bay. It has, in the recent past, too, seen similar whale stranding, the recent one being in February 2017, when almost 700 of the marine mammals beached, resulting in 250 deaths.

The reason behind these whale strandings is not yet clear as even the scientists are puzzled as to why is this specific beach so deadly. One given theory, till now is that the spit might be creating a shallow seabed in the bay that may interfere with the whales' sonar navigation systems.

Rescuers in New Zealand had to race against time to save dozens of pilot whales that were stranded on the beachside in New Zealand on Monday. The Department of Conservation (DOC) reported that a pod of 49 long-finned pilot whales was discovered at Farewell Spit, which is nearly 90 kilometres (55 metres) north of Nelson.

Rescuers in New Zealand had to race against time to save dozens of pilot whales that were stranded on the beachside in New Zealand on Monday. The Department of Conservation (DOC) reported that a pod of 49 long-finned pilot whales was discovered at Farewell Spit, which is nearly 90 kilometres (55 metres) north of Nelson. Also read| Why do whales commit suicide? Answer may be sonar As soon as the pod was discovered, more than 60 people set to work to rescue the whales and bring them back to a healthy life. However, by mid-afternoon nine of the whales from the pod were declared dead. "Marine mammal medics will assist with refloating the whales and caring for them on the beach, keeping them cool and wet until they can be refloated," a spokeswoman for DOC reported. Also read| Only 3 of 45 pilot whales survive mass stranding in Indonesia Farewell Spit is a stretch of 26-kilometre of sand that protrudes into the sea at Golden Bay. It has, in the recent past, too, seen similar whale stranding, the recent one being in February 2017, when almost 700 of the marine mammals beached, resulting in 250 deaths. The reason behind these whale strandings is not yet clear as even the scientists are puzzled as to why is this specific beach so deadly. One given theory, till now is that the spit might be creating a shallow seabed in the bay that may interfere with the whales' sonar navigation systems.

Dozens of pilot whales stranded in new Zealand; 9 dead

Air New Zealand will trial a digital travel pass to give airlines and border authorities access to passenger health information, including their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 vaccination</a> status, the carrier said Monday.

The scheme, dubbed a "vaccination passport" by industry observers, is intended to streamline travel once borders reopen by allowing passengers to store their health credentials in one place.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-years-after-christchurch-quake-a-hush-where-8000-homes-once-stood-365374" hreflang="en">10 years after Christchurch quake, a hush where 8,000 homes once stood</a>

"It's essentially like having a digital health certificate that can be easily and securely shared with airlines," said Air New Zealand chief digital officer Jennifer Sepull.

It relies on an app developed by the International Air Transport Association (AITA) and other airlines including Etihad and Emirates have already signed up for their own trials.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-snap-lockdown-new-zealand-begins-vaccine-programme-364999" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/after-snap-lockdown-new-zealand-begins-vaccine-programme-364999&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixmr3jrfruAhWO7XMBHaqCAWc4HhAWMAV6BAgEEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rQD6TR16UvV-Q00dzGBIM" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-snap-lockdown-new-zealand-begins-vaccine-programme-364999" target="_blank">After snap lockdown,&nbsp;New Zealand&nbsp;begins vaccine programme</a>

The industry body's senior vice-president Nick Careen said it was an important milestone in restarting international travel as global vaccine rollouts get underway.

"Governments can be confident that passengers who are 'OK to travel' are in full compliance of Covid-19 travel requirements," he said.

Careen said the app ensured privacy by giving users control of the health data they provided.

The Air New Zealand trial begins in April.

Air New Zealand will trial a digital travel pass to give airlines and border authorities access to passenger health information, including their Covid-19 vaccination status, the carrier said Monday.

Air New Zealand will trial a digital travel pass to give airlines and border authorities access to passenger health information, including their Covid-19 vaccination status, the carrier said Monday. The scheme, dubbed a "vaccination passport" by industry observers, is intended to streamline travel once borders reopen by allowing passengers to store their health credentials in one place. Also read| 10 years after Christchurch quake, a hush where 8,000 homes once stood "It's essentially like having a digital health certificate that can be easily and securely shared with airlines," said Air New Zealand chief digital officer Jennifer Sepull. It relies on an app developed by the International Air Transport Association (AITA) and other airlines including Etihad and Emirates have already signed up for their own trials. Also read| After snap lockdown, New Zealand begins vaccine programme The industry body's senior vice-president Nick Careen said it was an important milestone in restarting international travel as global vaccine rollouts get underway. "Governments can be confident that passengers who are 'OK to travel' are in full compliance of Covid-19 travel requirements," he said. Careen said the app ensured privacy by giving users control of the health data they provided. The Air New Zealand trial begins in April.

Air New Zealand to trial digital Covid 'vaccination passport'

First the houses and cars vanished. Fences, driveways and the other remaining markers of suburban life followed. Now, only stretches of green remain — an eerie memorial to two earthquakes that leveled Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city, 10 years ago.

The undulating expanse, which begins 2 miles from downtown Christchurch, was deemed uninhabitable after the quakes, the second of which killed 185 people on Feb. 22, 2011. The 8,000 properties it encompassed were bought by the government and razed, the remnants swept away.

The land now sits in limbo, a reflection of the difficult decisions Christchurch has faced about how, what and where to rebuild on disaster-prone terrain. In the central business district, cranes, diggers and drills are still a feature of nearly every street. But in the eastern suburbs, a swath nearly twice the size of Central Park in New York is steadily being reclaimed by nature.

Cul-de-sacs taper into swamp and sludge, evidence of why residents left, not all of them by choice. Lawns have the look of scruffy golf courses; grass is mowed and sprayed for weeds, but nothing is newly planted. Beyond slouching lamp posts and faded road stenciling, there is little sign of a human past.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ardern-leads-tributes-on-new-zealand-quake-anniversary-365369" hreflang="en">Ardern leads tributes on New Zealand quake anniversary</a>

Gone wild, parts of the area, which the government named the red zone, now attract foragers. On a recent late-summer Sunday afternoon, a group of families straggled across a field of wildflowers that was once a backyard, stopping to pick yarrow and camomile for tea.

A carpet of fruit on the ground below a towering pear tree was far more than they could carry off in their bags and baskets. Children crammed pears into their mouths, the next one already in hand.

“They’re sweet but they’re quite crunchy,” Baxter MacArthur, 10, called from his perch halfway up the tree.

The red zone is a sobering reminder that New Zealanders live in one of the most geologically active places on earth. The capital, Wellington, stands atop seismic fault lines, and the largest city, Auckland, is built on a ring of about 50 dormant volcanoes.

The first of the two earthquakes a decade ago, a magnitude 7.1 convulsion on Sept. 4, 2010, caused severe structural damage in Christchurch, a city of 380,000 that is the largest on New Zealand’s South Island. No one died as a direct result, though one person had a fatal heart attack.

That was followed five months later by a magnitude 6.2 quake that killed 173 people in the central city and 12 elsewhere, as facades and high-rise buildings crumbled. The city’s infrastructure — roads, bridges, water systems — was ravaged, and the central business district would remain closed for two years.

The mammoth task of reinventing itself has been fraught for Christchurch, which before the quakes was a fairly conservative city featuring traditional English architecture. The efforts have proceeded slowly, but a remade downtown, greener and more compact, is emerging.
<img alt="The Christchurch Cathedral, still undergoing repair work ten years on from a pair of devastating earthquakes, in the New Zealand city’s center, Feb. 14, 2021. A destroyed area of 8,000 properties — twice the size of New York’s Central Park — that was deemed uninhabitable and razed by the government is slowly being reclaimed by nature. (Cornell Tukiri" data-caption="The Christchurch Cathedral, still undergoing repair work ten years on from a pair of devastating earthquakes, in the New Zealand city’s center, Feb. 14, 2021. A destroyed area of 8,000 properties — twice the size of New York’s Central Park — that was deemed uninhabitable and razed by the government is slowly being reclaimed by nature. (Cornell Tukiri&amp;nbsp;2021 The New York Times)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b969f206-198c-4a8f-9907-682f327648d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20Zealand%20earthquake%20%282%29.jpg" />
Deciding what to do with the red zone has been no less vexing. The open space, though born of tragedy, is a treasure rare among major cities. And if the outdoors is vital to mental health, Christchurch may need it more than most places. The city’s treatment services are still strained a decade after the quakes, the pressure having been compounded by the terrorist attack on two mosques in 2019 that killed 51 people.

But planning for the zone has taken years and remains unsettled. The Christchurch City Council and the central government have focused on the central city at the expense of the abandoned suburbs, said Yani Johanson, a city councilor for an area straddling part of the red zone.

Advocates for conservation projects on the land have urged the council to commit to ecological restoration.

“It should be somewhere people can come and be where their property was, but not have it ruined through large buildings,” said Celia Hogan, co-chair of the community group Greening the Red Zone, as her children ate freshly picked apples and tried to climb into a left-behind treehouse.

Years of local consultation has been necessary to determine what should happen to the land, but native tree planting should begin soon, she said. A native forest would be “a respectful way to acknowledge people who have given up sometimes their lifelong home,” she added.

A blueprint for the zone created by a central government agency in 2019 tried to balance what everyone wanted — ecology and the environment, recreation, memorial space and commercial endeavor.

There is another consideration, too. New Zealand is in the grip of a housing crisis. Johanson said pressure would most likely grow on the council to consider whether parts of the zone were truly uninhabitable, as they were deemed a decade ago.

For now, anyone who wants to walk in the red zone can park at the end of blocked-off roads and, as the sounds of the city fall away, feel like the only person on Earth.

Other sections are livelier. A patch along the Avon River on the recent Sunday felt like a bustling, untidy park — noisy with cyclists, joggers, dogs and children. On another empty street, custom-built drones buzzed around a track; nearby, parents were using a street dotted with miniature traffic signs to give their children lessons on road safety.

“The idea that it was homes once is getting less and less,” said Joanna Payne, a founding member of the group Otautahi Urban Foraging, which uses the Maori name for Christchurch. She and her friends said that when they pick fruit, they always wonder who planted the tree.

When the government sought to buy out thousands of homeowners after the 2011 quake, it intended to give them certainty about their futures. Many were angered by the offer, which was based on 4-year-old property valuations.

Some were compelled to accept in order to pay their mortgages, others when officials warned that red-zoned areas would no longer be served by utilities, infrastructure or insurance.

A handful of residents called the government’s bluff and stayed.

Brooklands, a semirural area, is home to the most united display of red-zone defiance. When the land there was judged unlivable, most residents sold up and left, but a little over a dozen homes remain.

“It’s beautiful,” said one of the homeowners, Stephen Bourke. “There’s no one here. It’s paradise.”

A project manager in the civil construction industry, Bourke repaired his 80-year-old wooden villa himself. “It doesn’t leak,” he said. “It’s all on an angle, but we’ve water-sealed it.”

Ramshackle bus shelters remain on Brooklands’ single-house streets, although no buses arrive. Surviving homes are flanked by overgrown lots.

The local authorities still collect trash and mow the verges, contrary to warnings in 2011 that they would stop, but the roads are potholed and uneven.

Bourke said he saw little point in moving elsewhere, given that much of New Zealand is prone to earthquakes and floods.

“It’s all very well having these politicians turn up and tell people where they can go,” he said. “But where are you going to tell me to go in New Zealand that’s safe to live?

First the houses and cars vanished. Fences, driveways and the other remaining markers of suburban life followed. Now, only stretches of green remain — an eerie memorial to two earthquakes that leveled Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city, 10 years ago.

First the houses and cars vanished. Fences, driveways and the other remaining markers of suburban life followed. Now, only stretches of green remain — an eerie memorial to two earthquakes that leveled Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city, 10 years ago. The undulating expanse, which begins 2 miles from downtown Christchurch, was deemed uninhabitable after the quakes, the second of which killed 185 people on Feb. 22, 2011. The 8,000 properties it encompassed were bought by the government and razed, the remnants swept away. The land now sits in limbo, a reflection of the difficult decisions Christchurch has faced about how, what and where to rebuild on disaster-prone terrain. In the central business district, cranes, diggers and drills are still a feature of nearly every street. But in the eastern suburbs, a swath nearly twice the size of Central Park in New York is steadily being reclaimed by nature. Cul-de-sacs taper into swamp and sludge, evidence of why residents left, not all of them by choice. Lawns have the look of scruffy golf courses; grass is mowed and sprayed for weeds, but nothing is newly planted. Beyond slouching lamp posts and faded road stenciling, there is little sign of a human past. Also read| Ardern leads tributes on New Zealand quake anniversary Gone wild, parts of the area, which the government named the red zone, now attract foragers. On a recent late-summer Sunday afternoon, a group of families straggled across a field of wildflowers that was once a backyard, stopping to pick yarrow and camomile for tea. A carpet of fruit on the ground below a towering pear tree was far more than they could carry off in their bags and baskets. Children crammed pears into their mouths, the next one already in hand. “They’re sweet but they’re quite crunchy,” Baxter MacArthur, 10, called from his perch halfway up the tree. The red zone is a sobering reminder that New Zealanders live in one of the most geologically active places on earth. The capital, Wellington, stands atop seismic fault lines, and the largest city, Auckland, is built on a ring of about 50 dormant volcanoes. The first of the two earthquakes a decade ago, a magnitude 7.1 convulsion on Sept. 4, 2010, caused severe structural damage in Christchurch, a city of 380,000 that is the largest on New Zealand’s South Island. No one died as a direct result, though one person had a fatal heart attack. That was followed five months later by a magnitude 6.2 quake that killed 173 people in the central city and 12 elsewhere, as facades and high-rise buildings crumbled. The city’s infrastructure — roads, bridges, water systems — was ravaged, and the central business district would remain closed for two years. The mammoth task of reinventing itself has been fraught for Christchurch, which before the quakes was a fairly conservative city featuring traditional English architecture. The efforts have proceeded slowly, but a remade downtown, greener and more compact, is emerging. Deciding what to do with the red zone has been no less vexing. The open space, though born of tragedy, is a treasure rare among major cities. And if the outdoors is vital to mental health, Christchurch may need it more than most places. The city’s treatment services are still strained a decade after the quakes, the pressure having been compounded by the terrorist attack on two mosques in 2019 that killed 51 people. But planning for the zone has taken years and remains unsettled. The Christchurch City Council and the central government have focused on the central city at the expense of the abandoned suburbs, said Yani Johanson, a city councilor for an area straddling part of the red zone. Advocates for conservation projects on the land have urged the council to commit to ecological restoration. “It should be somewhere people can come and be where their property was, but not have it ruined through large buildings,” said Celia Hogan, co-chair of the community group Greening the Red Zone, as her children ate freshly picked apples and tried to climb into a left-behind treehouse. Years of local consultation has been necessary to determine what should happen to the land, but native tree planting should begin soon, she said. A native forest would be “a respectful way to acknowledge people who have given up sometimes their lifelong home,” she added. A blueprint for the zone created by a central government agency in 2019 tried to balance what everyone wanted — ecology and the environment, recreation, memorial space and commercial endeavor. There is another consideration, too. New Zealand is in the grip of a housing crisis. Johanson said pressure would most likely grow on the council to consider whether parts of the zone were truly uninhabitable, as they were deemed a decade ago. For now, anyone who wants to walk in the red zone can park at the end of blocked-off roads and, as the sounds of the city fall away, feel like the only person on Earth. Other sections are livelier. A patch along the Avon River on the recent Sunday felt like a bustling, untidy park — noisy with cyclists, joggers, dogs and children. On another empty street, custom-built drones buzzed around a track; nearby, parents were using a street dotted with miniature traffic signs to give their children lessons on road safety. “The idea that it was homes once is getting less and less,” said Joanna Payne, a founding member of the group Otautahi Urban Foraging, which uses the Maori name for Christchurch. She and her friends said that when they pick fruit, they always wonder who planted the tree. When the government sought to buy out thousands of homeowners after the 2011 quake, it intended to give them certainty about their futures. Many were angered by the offer, which was based on 4-year-old property valuations. Some were compelled to accept in order to pay their mortgages, others when officials warned that red-zoned areas would no longer be served by utilities, infrastructure or insurance. A handful of residents called the government’s bluff and stayed. Brooklands, a semirural area, is home to the most united display of red-zone defiance. When the land there was judged unlivable, most residents sold up and left, but a little over a dozen homes remain. “It’s beautiful,” said one of the homeowners, Stephen Bourke. “There’s no one here. It’s paradise.” A project manager in the civil construction industry, Bourke repaired his 80-year-old wooden villa himself. “It doesn’t leak,” he said. “It’s all on an angle, but we’ve water-sealed it.” Ramshackle bus shelters remain on Brooklands’ single-house streets, although no buses arrive. Surviving homes are flanked by overgrown lots. The local authorities still collect trash and mow the verges, contrary to warnings in 2011 that they would stop, but the roads are potholed and uneven. Bourke said he saw little point in moving elsewhere, given that much of New Zealand is prone to earthquakes and floods. “It’s all very well having these politicians turn up and tell people where they can go,” he said. “But where are you going to tell me to go in New Zealand that’s safe to live?

10 years after Christchurch quake, a hush where 8,000 homes once stood

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern paid tribute to victims of the Christchurch earthquake Monday as New Zealand paused to mark the 10th anniversary of the disaster that claimed 185 lives.

Thousands gathered at a memorial service in the South Island city and marked a minute's silence at 12:51 pm (2351 Sunday GMT), the precise time the shallow 6.3-magnitude quake hit.

Ardern said it was a moment that changed everything in the city of 400,000.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-pilot-whales-stranded-in-new-zealand-9-dead-365339" hreflang="en">Dozens of pilot whales stranded in new Zealand; 9 dead</a>

"The toll could not have been more significant, and daily reminders made it harder -– a fractured landscape, aftershocks, struggling friends and neighbours, and children with deep and unseen scars," she said.

"Ten years on there will be people still living their daily lives with the long shadow of that day."

The seismic jolt crumpled office buildings, crushing dozens of people, and sent shop awnings tumbling down into pedestrians who moments before had been enjoying a lunchtime stroll.

The tragedy's aftermath was followed by a drawn-out rebuild that is only now starting to gain momentum and Ardern acknowledged many residents had found it hard to move on.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-wrong-new-zealand-australia-clash-over-responsibility-of-terrorist-with-dual-nationality-363934">&nbsp;'It is wrong': New Zealand-Australia clash over responsibility of terrorist with dual nationality</a>

"It's been a hugely difficult decade for this city -- at times I'm sure it's felt impossible," she said.

"But as we look ahead to the coming decade, I see hope and energy and optimism, and I see Christchurch taking its rightful place amongst New Zealand's best and brightest cities."

Governor-General Patsy Reddy read the crowd a message from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.

"While there are many sad memories of that terrible time, there is also solace in remembering how your community rose to the challenge of rebuilding your lives and supporting each other," it said.

"You displayed great fortitude in the face of sudden, overwhelming loss."

At the end of the service, wreaths were laid at a memorial wall and many in the crowd threw flowers into the city's Avon River.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern paid tribute to victims of the Christchurch earthquake Monday as New Zealand paused to mark the 10th anniversary of the disaster that claimed 185 lives.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern paid tribute to victims of the Christchurch earthquake Monday as New Zealand paused to mark the 10th anniversary of the disaster that claimed 185 lives. Thousands gathered at a memorial service in the South Island city and marked a minute's silence at 12:51 pm (2351 Sunday GMT), the precise time the shallow 6.3-magnitude quake hit. Ardern said it was a moment that changed everything in the city of 400,000. Also read| Dozens of pilot whales stranded in new Zealand; 9 dead "The toll could not have been more significant, and daily reminders made it harder -– a fractured landscape, aftershocks, struggling friends and neighbours, and children with deep and unseen scars," she said. "Ten years on there will be people still living their daily lives with the long shadow of that day." The seismic jolt crumpled office buildings, crushing dozens of people, and sent shop awnings tumbling down into pedestrians who moments before had been enjoying a lunchtime stroll. The tragedy's aftermath was followed by a drawn-out rebuild that is only now starting to gain momentum and Ardern acknowledged many residents had found it hard to move on. Also read| 'It is wrong': New Zealand-Australia clash over responsibility of terrorist with dual nationality "It's been a hugely difficult decade for this city -- at times I'm sure it's felt impossible," she said. "But as we look ahead to the coming decade, I see hope and energy and optimism, and I see Christchurch taking its rightful place amongst New Zealand's best and brightest cities." Governor-General Patsy Reddy read the crowd a message from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. "While there are many sad memories of that terrible time, there is also solace in remembering how your community rose to the challenge of rebuilding your lives and supporting each other," it said. "You displayed great fortitude in the face of sudden, overwhelming loss." At the end of the service, wreaths were laid at a memorial wall and many in the crowd threw flowers into the city's Avon River.

Ardern leads tributes on New Zealand quake anniversary

A few days after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ended the snap lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand has launched its first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccination</a> programme.

The country is using Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine against the deadly coronavirus.

On Saturday, a small group of medical professionals were injected with the approved vaccine in Auckland.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-ends-snap-lockdown-in-auckland-364194">New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern ends snap lockdown in Auckland</a>

Following this, border staff and so-called Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) workers will initiate a bigger and wider rollout of the vaccine.

"Today, we kick off the largest immunisation programme in our history, by vaccinating the first of our border workforce, a critical step in protecting everyone in Aotearoa," said New Zealand health minister Ashley Bloomfield.&nbsp;

"We will be moving through these first few days and weeks in a measured way to make sure our systems and processes are solid."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-confirms-first-case-of-uk-variant-amid-auckland-lockdown-363640" hreflang="en">New Zealand confirms first case of UK variant amid Auckland lockdown</a>

While the cases and deaths due to coronavirus have been less in New Zealand, as compared to the rest of the world, the authorities are still urging people to exercise caution and make sure they self-isolate themselves in cases of possible infection.

"It's the start of what we might call a new chapter but we still have a long way to go," Bloomfield said.

The vaccination programme will first concentrate on medical professionals, aged and vulnerable individuals.

A few days after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ended the snap lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand has launched its first COVID-19 vaccination programme. The country is using Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine against the deadly coronavirus.

A few days after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ended the snap lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand has launched its first COVID-19 vaccination programme. The country is using Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine against the deadly coronavirus. On Saturday, a small group of medical professionals were injected with the approved vaccine in Auckland. Also read| New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern ends snap lockdown in Auckland Following this, border staff and so-called Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) workers will initiate a bigger and wider rollout of the vaccine. "Today, we kick off the largest immunisation programme in our history, by vaccinating the first of our border workforce, a critical step in protecting everyone in Aotearoa," said New Zealand health minister Ashley Bloomfield. "We will be moving through these first few days and weeks in a measured way to make sure our systems and processes are solid." Also read| New Zealand confirms first case of UK variant amid Auckland lockdown While the cases and deaths due to coronavirus have been less in New Zealand, as compared to the rest of the world, the authorities are still urging people to exercise caution and make sure they self-isolate themselves in cases of possible infection. "It's the start of what we might call a new chapter but we still have a long way to go," Bloomfield said. The vaccination programme will first concentrate on medical professionals, aged and vulnerable individuals.

After snap lockdown, New Zealand begins vaccine programme

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern accused Australia of abdicating its responsibilities by cancelling the citizenship of a woman detained in Turkey and accused of having links to the Islamic State.

Jacinda Ardern lashes at Australia in citizenship row over terror suspect

A few days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/australia-and-new-zealand">New Zealand</a> Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, imposed a snap lockdown in Auckland, she has decided to lift the 'stay-at-home' order.

Ardern, on Wednesday, announced that she is confident the deadly coronavirus has ended and has therefore decided to lift the lockdown from its largest city, Auckland.

"(It appears) that we don't have a widespread outbreak, but rather a small chain of transmission which is manageable via our normal contact tracing and testing procedures," she said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-confirms-first-case-of-uk-variant-amid-auckland-lockdown-363640" hreflang="en">New Zealand confirms first case of UK variant amid Auckland lockdown</a>

The lockdown will end late Wednesday. However, the city will still remain at alert level two, under which all public gatherings have been limited to a maximum headcount of 100 and face masks have been made compulsory on all forms of public transport.

While the whole city is now allowed to step out of their homes with necessary precautions, students and staff of a specific suburban school have been asked to stay at home as the school had reported three positive cases.

Ardern, who has been widely praised for handling the pandemic nicely in her country said the snap lockdown was to make sure the country does not get infected with the new variation of the deadly virus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melbourne-to-end-coronavirus-lockdown-after-short-sharp-circuit-breaker-364151">Melbourne to end coronavirus lockdown after 'short, sharp circuit-breaker'</a>

"We wanted to make sure we took a cautious approach because that's much, much better than getting it wrong and having a large scale outbreak and a long lockdown," she said.

Meanwhile, health experts and scientists of New Zealand are still working to detect the source of the infection detected recently — which is a strain of the new UK variant.

"There is an indescribable anxiety that comes with the daily grind of managing a pandemic and I think we all feel it," Ardern said.

A few days after the New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, imposed a snap lockdown in Auckland, she has decided to lift the 'stay-at-home' order. Ardern, on Wednesday, announced that she is confident the deadly coronavirus has ended and has therefore decided to lift the lockdown from its largest city, Auckland.

A few days after the New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, imposed a snap lockdown in Auckland, she has decided to lift the 'stay-at-home' order. Ardern, on Wednesday, announced that she is confident the deadly coronavirus has ended and has therefore decided to lift the lockdown from its largest city, Auckland. "(It appears) that we don't have a widespread outbreak, but rather a small chain of transmission which is manageable via our normal contact tracing and testing procedures," she said. Also read| New Zealand confirms first case of UK variant amid Auckland lockdown The lockdown will end late Wednesday. However, the city will still remain at alert level two, under which all public gatherings have been limited to a maximum headcount of 100 and face masks have been made compulsory on all forms of public transport. While the whole city is now allowed to step out of their homes with necessary precautions, students and staff of a specific suburban school have been asked to stay at home as the school had reported three positive cases. Ardern, who has been widely praised for handling the pandemic nicely in her country said the snap lockdown was to make sure the country does not get infected with the new variation of the deadly virus. Also read| Melbourne to end coronavirus lockdown after 'short, sharp circuit-breaker' "We wanted to make sure we took a cautious approach because that's much, much better than getting it wrong and having a large scale outbreak and a long lockdown," she said. Meanwhile, health experts and scientists of New Zealand are still working to detect the source of the infection detected recently — which is a strain of the new UK variant. "There is an indescribable anxiety that comes with the daily grind of managing a pandemic and I think we all feel it," Ardern said.

New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern ends snap lockdown in Auckland

The two neighbouring countries, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/australia-and-new-zealand">Australia and New Zealand</a> seem to be in a bad position with each other over the nationality of the terrorist arrested in Turkey.

A 26-year-old woman was reportedly arrested this week in Turkey with her two children. The woman was arrested by the Turkish authorities near the Syrian border and is believed to be a member of the Islamic State extremist group.

This woman is believed to hold dual citizenship of Australia and New Zealand. However, Australia seems to be backing away from taking her responsibility.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-and-facebook-close-to-deals-with-australian-media-363691" hreflang="en">Google and Facebook 'close' to deals with Australian media</a>

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, this time, has not shied away from telling her Australian counterpart that his country is at "wrong" this time.

"Any fair minded person would consider this person an Australian and that is my view too," Ardern said in a statement. "We believe Australia has abdicated its responsibilities."

It is believed the accused had spent the majority of her childhood and adult life in Australia and also has her family members settled there. However, the Australian government has shrieked from taking her responsibility, which has now angered Ardern.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-confirms-first-case-of-uk-variant-amid-auckland-lockdown-363640" hreflang="en">New Zealand confirms first case of UK variant amid Auckland lockdown</a>

"It is wrong that New Zealand should shoulder the responsibility for a situation involving a woman who has not lived in New Zealand since she was six," Ardern said. "(The woman) has resided in Australia since that time, has her family in Australia and left for Syria from Australia on her Australian passport."

Ardern has accused Australia of cancelling her citizenship after her arrest, leaving New Zealand solely responsible for her terrorism-related activities and involvements.

Australia PM Scott Morrison, meanwhile, has defended this action as the best possible way to ensure the nation's security interests.&nbsp;

"We do not want to see terrorists who fought with terrorism organisations enjoying privileges of citizenship, which I think they forfeit the second they engage as an enemy of our country," Morrison said in a press conference.&nbsp;

However, he has also ensured that he will have a dialogue with Ardern. "There is still a lot more unknown about this case and where it sits and where it may go to next," he said.

Ardern has also requested Morrison to consider the future of the two children too, who have been caught in the crossfire through no fault of their own.

"Coming to New Zealand, where they have no immediate family, would not be in their best interests. We know that young children thrive best when surrounded by people who love them," she said.

The two neighbouring countries, Australia and New Zealand seem to be in a bad position with each other over the nationality of the terrorist arrested in Turkey. A 26-year-old woman was reportedly arrested this week in Turkey with her two children.

The two neighbouring countries, Australia and New Zealand seem to be in a bad position with each other over the nationality of the terrorist arrested in Turkey. A 26-year-old woman was reportedly arrested this week in Turkey with her two children. The woman was arrested by the Turkish authorities near the Syrian border and is believed to be a member of the Islamic State extremist group. This woman is believed to hold dual citizenship of Australia and New Zealand. However, Australia seems to be backing away from taking her responsibility. Also read| Google and Facebook 'close' to deals with Australian media New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, this time, has not shied away from telling her Australian counterpart that his country is at "wrong" this time. "Any fair minded person would consider this person an Australian and that is my view too," Ardern said in a statement. "We believe Australia has abdicated its responsibilities." It is believed the accused had spent the majority of her childhood and adult life in Australia and also has her family members settled there. However, the Australian government has shrieked from taking her responsibility, which has now angered Ardern. Also read| New Zealand confirms first case of UK variant amid Auckland lockdown "It is wrong that New Zealand should shoulder the responsibility for a situation involving a woman who has not lived in New Zealand since she was six," Ardern said. "(The woman) has resided in Australia since that time, has her family in Australia and left for Syria from Australia on her Australian passport." Ardern has accused Australia of cancelling her citizenship after her arrest, leaving New Zealand solely responsible for her terrorism-related activities and involvements. Australia PM Scott Morrison, meanwhile, has defended this action as the best possible way to ensure the nation's security interests. "We do not want to see terrorists who fought with terrorism organisations enjoying privileges of citizenship, which I think they forfeit the second they engage as an enemy of our country," Morrison said in a press conference. However, he has also ensured that he will have a dialogue with Ardern. "There is still a lot more unknown about this case and where it sits and where it may go to next," he said. Ardern has also requested Morrison to consider the future of the two children too, who have been caught in the crossfire through no fault of their own. "Coming to New Zealand, where they have no immediate family, would not be in their best interests. We know that young children thrive best when surrounded by people who love them," she said.

'It is wrong': New Zealand-Australia clash over responsibility of terrorist with dual nationality

WION Fineprint: New Zealand PM slams Australia over dual citizen detained in Turkey

New Zealand has not had any local virus cases for months until the recent infections and was ranked the best performing in an index of almost 100 countries based on containment of the coronavirus

New Zealand city enters 3-day lockdown after virus found

The first batch of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in New Zealand as the country looks forward to inoculate its population.

COVID-19: First batch of Pfizer Coronavirus vaccine arrives in New Zealand

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