New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the highly-contagious strain first found in the UK was detected in Auckland which was put under a lockdown on Sunday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-covid-lockdown-in-auckland-for-three-days-363617/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The country's health ministry said, "the result reinforces the decision to take swift and robust action around the latest cases to detect and stamp out the possibility of any further transmission."

Three members of a family in Auckland had tested positive for the UK variant, health experts confirmed.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered a three-day lockdown in Auckland after two new coronavirus infections were detected. New Zealand was free of the virus for several months but has recently witnessed COVID-19 cases from abroad.

"I know we all feel the same way when this happens -- not again," &nbsp;Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, adding, "But remember, we have been here before, that means we know how to get out of this -- together."&nbsp;

Authorities ordered Auckland residents to stay home and shut schools and non-essential businesses while imposing the level 3 lockdown. The rest of the country has been placed under level two lockdown.&nbsp;

Auckland which is the country's second-biggest city with a population of nearly two million had experienced more than two weeks in lockdown last August.

The authorities have made wearing masks mandatory with gatherings limited to a maximum of hundred people. New Zealand has recorded less than 2,000 infections and just 25 deaths in a population of five million.

New Zealand had taken strict measures as the virus was detected last March closing borders and imposing a five-week lockdown in March and April keeping the virus at bay.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the highly-contagious strain first found in the UK was detected in Auckland which was put under a lockdown on Sunday.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the highly-contagious strain first found in the UK was detected in Auckland which was put under a lockdown on Sunday. Watch: The country's health ministry said, "the result reinforces the decision to take swift and robust action around the latest cases to detect and stamp out the possibility of any further transmission." Three members of a family in Auckland had tested positive for the UK variant, health experts confirmed. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered a three-day lockdown in Auckland after two new coronavirus infections were detected. New Zealand was free of the virus for several months but has recently witnessed COVID-19 cases from abroad. "I know we all feel the same way when this happens -- not again," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, adding, "But remember, we have been here before, that means we know how to get out of this -- together." Authorities ordered Auckland residents to stay home and shut schools and non-essential businesses while imposing the level 3 lockdown. The rest of the country has been placed under level two lockdown. Auckland which is the country's second-biggest city with a population of nearly two million had experienced more than two weeks in lockdown last August. The authorities have made wearing masks mandatory with gatherings limited to a maximum of hundred people. New Zealand has recorded less than 2,000 infections and just 25 deaths in a population of five million. New Zealand had taken strict measures as the virus was detected last March closing borders and imposing a five-week lockdown in March and April keeping the virus at bay.

New Zealand confirms first case of UK variant amid Auckland lockdown

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered the country's biggest city Auckland into a snap lockdown for the first time in nearly six months on Sunday after three coronavirus cases emerged in the community.

New Zealand: COVID lockdown in Auckland for three days

After almost a month, New Zealand has reported three new local coronavirus cases, making them the first since January.

New Zealand has been subjecting all incoming travellers to hotel quarantine, which has helped the government decrease the cases. However, a traveller tested positive for the deadly coronavirus after leaving the quarantine.

The three new cases are a couple and their daughter from Auckland. This has made the New Zealand government sound alarm bells. As of now, the government has started genomic testing to make sure the new-found cases are not linked to any of the highly infectious variants found around the globe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-virus-undergoes-further-mutation-363441">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-virus-undergoes-further-mutation-363441/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

New Zealand had a handful of cases before this on January 24, which were first after almost two months of zero coronavirus cases.

The new cases also led to the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern cancelling her appearance at a gay pride event, scheduled to happen in Auckland on Sunday afternoon.

"Our system has swung into action," said New Zealand's minister for COVID-19 response, Chris Hipkins. "We are gathering all of the facts as quickly as we can. And the system that`s served us so well in the past is really gearing up to do so again."

As of now, the government has not implemented any restrictions. "No further consideration of change to alert levels has been taken at this point. We will collect more information before we would make any such decision," Hipkins said. "whether COVID-19 could be out there in the community ... or whether this is the start of what could be a chain of transmission."

These three new cases have come a few days before the country is set to vaccinate people with coronavirus vaccine to masses with the Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against COVID-19.

After almost a month, New Zealand has reported three new local coronavirus cases, making them the first since January. New Zealand has been subjecting all incoming travellers to hotel quarantine, which has helped the government decrease the cases.

After almost a month, New Zealand has reported three new local coronavirus cases, making them the first since January. New Zealand has been subjecting all incoming travellers to hotel quarantine, which has helped the government decrease the cases. However, a traveller tested positive for the deadly coronavirus after leaving the quarantine. The three new cases are a couple and their daughter from Auckland. This has made the New Zealand government sound alarm bells. As of now, the government has started genomic testing to make sure the new-found cases are not linked to any of the highly infectious variants found around the globe. WATCH| New Zealand had a handful of cases before this on January 24, which were first after almost two months of zero coronavirus cases. The new cases also led to the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern cancelling her appearance at a gay pride event, scheduled to happen in Auckland on Sunday afternoon. "Our system has swung into action," said New Zealand's minister for COVID-19 response, Chris Hipkins. "We are gathering all of the facts as quickly as we can. And the system that`s served us so well in the past is really gearing up to do so again." As of now, the government has not implemented any restrictions. "No further consideration of change to alert levels has been taken at this point. We will collect more information before we would make any such decision," Hipkins said. "whether COVID-19 could be out there in the community ... or whether this is the start of what could be a chain of transmission." These three new cases have come a few days before the country is set to vaccinate people with coronavirus vaccine to masses with the Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against COVID-19.

Three new coronavirus cases reported in New Zealand, first since January

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered the country's biggest city Auckland into a snap lockdown for the first time in nearly six months on Sunday after three coronavirus cases emerged in the community.

The Pacific island nation has been widely praised for its handling of the pandemic, with just 25 deaths in a population of five million.

But almost two million residents were told on Sunday to stay at home from midnight, when the level-three lockdown begins, with schools and businesses to close except for essential services.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-new-coronavirus-cases-reported-in-new-zealand-first-since-january-363491" hreflang="en">Three new coronavirus cases reported in New Zealand, first since January</a>

"The main thing we are asking people in Auckland to do is stay at home to avoid any risk of spread," Ardern said.

She added that the restrictions were "just in case it could be one of the more transmissible strains of Covid that we need to act with a high degree of caution around".

It came after three members of an Auckland family tested positive, with authorities concerned about the "new and active" infections as there was no obvious source of transmission.

The city will also be ring-fenced from the rest of New Zealand, with travel in and out of the metropolis highly restricted for the next three days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-virus-undergoes-further-mutation-363441">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-virus-undergoes-further-mutation-363441/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The remainder of the country will move to alert level two, Ardern said, with people required to wear masks on public transport and gatherings limited to a maximum of 100 people.

"I know we all feel the same way when this happens — not again," she said.

"But remember, we have been here before, that means we know how to get out of this — together."

Too soon to judge

Health officials said a mother — who works for a company providing laundry and catering services to international flights — and her daughter tested positive Saturday, before the father returned a positive sample Sunday.

A fourth member of the household is also showing symptoms of Covid-19 but returned a negative test.

New Zealand director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield said the initial focus was on the mother's workplace "because of its obvious connections to the border".

But he added it was "too soon to rule in or out" any source of transmission and the woman had not been at work for eight days before testing positive.

Auckland spent more than two weeks in lockdown last August after a virus outbreak was linked to a worker at a coolstore handling imported frozen freight, but New Zealand has largely been enjoying relaxed restrictions for months.

Several cases of Covid-19 were also detected in the city three weeks ago, before being traced back to a hotel where the people had completed quarantine after arriving from overseas.&nbsp;

Ardern has been widely praised for her management of the pandemic, with New Zealand recording fewer than 2,000 infections.

The country closed its borders and implemented a strict five-week lockdown in March and April last year, with occasional virus outbreaks since then being quickly contained.&nbsp;

Ardern has said New Zealand's borders were likely to remain closed for the rest of this year while the pandemic continued to rage worldwide.&nbsp;

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ordered the country's biggest city Auckland into a snap lockdown for the first time in nearly six months on Sunday after three coronavirus cases emerged in the community. The Pacific island nation has been widely praised for its handling of the pandemic, with just 25 deaths in a population of five million. But almost two million residents were told on Sunday to stay at home from midnight, when the level-three lockdown begins, with schools and businesses to close except for essential services. Also read| Three new coronavirus cases reported in New Zealand, first since January "The main thing we are asking people in Auckland to do is stay at home to avoid any risk of spread," Ardern said. She added that the restrictions were "just in case it could be one of the more transmissible strains of Covid that we need to act with a high degree of caution around". It came after three members of an Auckland family tested positive, with authorities concerned about the "new and active" infections as there was no obvious source of transmission. The city will also be ring-fenced from the rest of New Zealand, with travel in and out of the metropolis highly restricted for the next three days. WATCH| The remainder of the country will move to alert level two, Ardern said, with people required to wear masks on public transport and gatherings limited to a maximum of 100 people. "I know we all feel the same way when this happens — not again," she said. "But remember, we have been here before, that means we know how to get out of this — together." Too soon to judge Health officials said a mother — who works for a company providing laundry and catering services to international flights — and her daughter tested positive Saturday, before the father returned a positive sample Sunday. A fourth member of the household is also showing symptoms of Covid-19 but returned a negative test. New Zealand director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield said the initial focus was on the mother's workplace "because of its obvious connections to the border". But he added it was "too soon to rule in or out" any source of transmission and the woman had not been at work for eight days before testing positive. Auckland spent more than two weeks in lockdown last August after a virus outbreak was linked to a worker at a coolstore handling imported frozen freight, but New Zealand has largely been enjoying relaxed restrictions for months. Several cases of Covid-19 were also detected in the city three weeks ago, before being traced back to a hotel where the people had completed quarantine after arriving from overseas. Ardern has been widely praised for her management of the pandemic, with New Zealand recording fewer than 2,000 infections. The country closed its borders and implemented a strict five-week lockdown in March and April last year, with occasional virus outbreaks since then being quickly contained. Ardern has said New Zealand's borders were likely to remain closed for the rest of this year while the pandemic continued to rage worldwide.

New Zealand orders largest city Auckland into snap Covid lockdown

A lawmaker in New Zealand defied an order to wear a tie in Parliament - calling it a 'colonial noose'. Rawiri Waititi has won the debate he started. But most of the world still remains a slave to the tie

Gravitas: Lawmaker in New Zealand wages a war against the tie

After ejecting a Maori lawmaker because he refused to wear a tie, New Zealand's parliament backed down on Wednesday, allowing him to speak without an accessory he labelled a 'colonial noose'.&nbsp;

The issue flared on Tuesday when Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was ejected from the parliamentary debating chamber for not wearing the required attire during question time.&nbsp;

Waititi, who has a full-face 'te moko' tattoo and dons a black cowboy hat, argued that he was wearing legitimate Maori business attire -- a traditional pendant.&nbsp;

"This is not about ties, it's about cultural identity," he said as he left.&nbsp;

Indigenous Maori make up about 15 per cent of New Zealand's five million population but are over-represented in statistics, such as poverty and imprisonment, with many blaming injustices dating back to the days of British colonial rule.&nbsp;

Waititi said the tie row showed race relations still needed to improve in the South Pacific nation.&nbsp;

"This is a breach of the rights of indigenous peoples, we (must) have the freedom to express our cultural identity in a space like this," he said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she had no objection to lawmakers not wearing ties but added, "there are much more important issues for all of us".&nbsp;

After strictly enforcing the dress code on Tuesday, parliamentary speaker Trevor Mallard took a more relaxed approach when a tie-less Waititi spoke on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Rather than have the Maori leader ejected, Mallard simply let him ask a question unhindered, later saying a permanent rule change was being considered.&nbsp;

Waititi was elected to parliament for the first-time last year and in his maiden speech recounted the tale of an ancestor, who was wrongly hanged by the British for murder.&nbsp;

"I will adorn myself with the treasures of my ancestors and remove the colonial noose around my neck so that I may sing my song," he said as he removed his tie.

After ejecting a Maori lawmaker because he refused to wear a tie, New Zealand's parliament backed down on Wednesday, allowing him to speak without an accessory he labelled a 'colonial noose'.

After ejecting a Maori lawmaker because he refused to wear a tie, New Zealand's parliament backed down on Wednesday, allowing him to speak without an accessory he labelled a 'colonial noose'. The issue flared on Tuesday when Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi was ejected from the parliamentary debating chamber for not wearing the required attire during question time. Waititi, who has a full-face 'te moko' tattoo and dons a black cowboy hat, argued that he was wearing legitimate Maori business attire -- a traditional pendant. "This is not about ties, it's about cultural identity," he said as he left. Indigenous Maori make up about 15 per cent of New Zealand's five million population but are over-represented in statistics, such as poverty and imprisonment, with many blaming injustices dating back to the days of British colonial rule. Waititi said the tie row showed race relations still needed to improve in the South Pacific nation. "This is a breach of the rights of indigenous peoples, we (must) have the freedom to express our cultural identity in a space like this," he said. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she had no objection to lawmakers not wearing ties but added, "there are much more important issues for all of us". After strictly enforcing the dress code on Tuesday, parliamentary speaker Trevor Mallard took a more relaxed approach when a tie-less Waititi spoke on Wednesday. Rather than have the Maori leader ejected, Mallard simply let him ask a question unhindered, later saying a permanent rule change was being considered. Waititi was elected to parliament for the first-time last year and in his maiden speech recounted the tale of an ancestor, who was wrongly hanged by the British for murder. "I will adorn myself with the treasures of my ancestors and remove the colonial noose around my neck so that I may sing my song," he said as he removed his tie.

New Zealand's parliament backs down as Maori lawmaker rejects 'colonial noose'

The Maori Party MP leader was asked to leave the Parliament for not adhering to the dress code by not wearing a tie. MP Rawiri Waititi Waititi has previously described ties as a “colonial noose” and last year he was ejected on the same grounds.

New Zealand: Maori Party MP asked to leave Parliament over tie

New Zealand's Māori party co-leader was ejected by the Speaker in the parliament over a dispute about the dress code, or more precisely, a necktie.

Rawiri Waititi, the leader in news, decided to wear a different necktie than the one allowed and was thus ejected from the parliament's debating chamber.&nbsp;

The Speaker had said that since Waititi was not wearing a proper dress code — considering his tie was missing — he would not be allowed to speak. However, as the leader went ahead delivering his speech, the Speaker had to eject Waititi.

In the debating chambers of the parliament, every member is bound to dress as per the dressing code which is business/formal attire, with a tie for men. However, Waititi chose to wear "Māori business attire" which he said was cultural dress.

In this, he chose to wear a pounamu (greenstone) necklace instead of a necktie. This action was not appreciated by the Speaker, who then ejected the leader from the parliament on an immediate basis.
<img alt="Rawiri Waititi" data-caption="Rawiri Waititi. Picture credits: Twitter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="04bc0c1f-3e3d-4c40-8d67-4906dfb02171" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rawiri%20Waititi%20%281%29.jpg" />
"It's not about ties it's about cultural identity mate," Waititi told the Speaker before leading the chamber, as per the local media reports.

He further took to Twitter to talk about the issue. "Dissapointing the Speaker has set one precedent for some members of but not for everyone. Being told to leave the house because of my choice to wear hei-tiki as cultural business attire is absurd," he tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dissapointing the Speaker has set one precedent for some members of but not for everyone. Being told to leave the house because of my choice to wear hei-tiki as cultural business attire is absurd.
— Rawiri Waititi MP (@Rawiri_Waititi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rawiri_Waititi/status/1358968911551557633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"My hei-tiki is my tie of choice. It ties me to my tīpuna, whenua, and people. We have made it known that this party will not be subjugated nor assimilated to dated colonial rules."

New Zealand's Māori party co-leader was ejected by the Speaker in the parliament over a dispute about the dress code, or more precisely, a necktie. Rawiri Waititi, the leader in news, decided to wear a different necktie than the one allowed and was thus ejected from the parliament's debating chamber.

New Zealand's Māori party co-leader was ejected by the Speaker in the parliament over a dispute about the dress code, or more precisely, a necktie. Rawiri Waititi, the leader in news, decided to wear a different necktie than the one allowed and was thus ejected from the parliament's debating chamber. The Speaker had said that since Waititi was not wearing a proper dress code — considering his tie was missing — he would not be allowed to speak. However, as the leader went ahead delivering his speech, the Speaker had to eject Waititi. In the debating chambers of the parliament, every member is bound to dress as per the dressing code which is business/formal attire, with a tie for men. However, Waititi chose to wear "Māori business attire" which he said was cultural dress. In this, he chose to wear a pounamu (greenstone) necklace instead of a necktie. This action was not appreciated by the Speaker, who then ejected the leader from the parliament on an immediate basis. "It's not about ties it's about cultural identity mate," Waititi told the Speaker before leading the chamber, as per the local media reports. He further took to Twitter to talk about the issue. "Dissapointing the Speaker has set one precedent for some members of but not for everyone. Being told to leave the house because of my choice to wear hei-tiki as cultural business attire is absurd," he tweeted. Dissapointing the Speaker has set one precedent for some members of but not for everyone. Being told to leave the house because of my choice to wear hei-tiki as cultural business attire is absurd. — Rawiri Waititi MP (@Rawiri_Waititi) February 9, 2021 × "My hei-tiki is my tie of choice. It ties me to my tīpuna, whenua, and people. We have made it known that this party will not be subjugated nor assimilated to dated colonial rules."

It's about culture, mate: Māori MP ejected from New Zealand parliament over necktie

After halting the refugee intake for nearly a year, New Zealand said it will start receiving refugees again from this month.

The island-country had shut the refugee intake for nearly a year to stop the possible spread of the deadly coronavirus.

On Friday, the Jacinda Ardern-led government announced they will be resuming the refugee intake now, with the first group arriving soon.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/here-are-top-10-countries-that-battled-covid-pandemic-the-best-359883">Here are top 10 countries that battled COVID pandemic the best</a>

The first group will be of 35 refugees, who will be arriving in February itself and nearly 210 refugees coming to the country by the end of June, Immigration New Zealand officials reported.

"With health protocols in place and safe travel routes, we are ready to welcome small groups of refugee families as New Zealand residents to this country, to begin their new lives," Fiona Whiteridge, general manager for refugee and migrant services at Immigration New Zealand, said in a statement.

All arriving refugees, however, will still have to complete a compulsory 14-day quarantine stay in isolation facilities which will be managed by the New Zealand government.

This decision has been appreciated by the experts who had expected an increased intake of refugees (from 1,000 per year to 1,500) from last year itself, which was not carried out due to coronavirus.

Now, the intake has resumed as New Zealand was one of the first countries to completely eliminate coronavirus from within their borders and continues to be a country with zero domestically-bred cases and deaths.

Till now, New Zealand has had 62 current coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 1,959, with the latest one being reported on Friday at a coronavirus quarantine facility.&nbsp;

After halting the refugee intake for nearly a year, New Zealand said it will start receiving refugees again from this month. The island-country had shut the refugee intake for nearly a year to stop the possible spread of the deadly coronavirus.

After halting the refugee intake for nearly a year, New Zealand said it will start receiving refugees again from this month. The island-country had shut the refugee intake for nearly a year to stop the possible spread of the deadly coronavirus. On Friday, the Jacinda Ardern-led government announced they will be resuming the refugee intake now, with the first group arriving soon. Also read| Here are top 10 countries that battled COVID pandemic the best The first group will be of 35 refugees, who will be arriving in February itself and nearly 210 refugees coming to the country by the end of June, Immigration New Zealand officials reported. "With health protocols in place and safe travel routes, we are ready to welcome small groups of refugee families as New Zealand residents to this country, to begin their new lives," Fiona Whiteridge, general manager for refugee and migrant services at Immigration New Zealand, said in a statement. All arriving refugees, however, will still have to complete a compulsory 14-day quarantine stay in isolation facilities which will be managed by the New Zealand government. This decision has been appreciated by the experts who had expected an increased intake of refugees (from 1,000 per year to 1,500) from last year itself, which was not carried out due to coronavirus. Now, the intake has resumed as New Zealand was one of the first countries to completely eliminate coronavirus from within their borders and continues to be a country with zero domestically-bred cases and deaths. Till now, New Zealand has had 62 current coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 1,959, with the latest one being reported on Friday at a coronavirus quarantine facility.

New Zealand to resume refugee intake with 35 arriving in February

China and New Zealand signed a deal on Tuesday upgrading a free trade pact to give exports from the Pacific nation greater access to the world’s second-largest economy.

The pact comes as Beijing seeks to establish itself as a strong advocate of multilateralism after a bruising trade war with the United States, at a time when the coronavirus has forced the closure of many international borders.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the signing of the expanded deal.

“China remains one of our most important trade partners...For this to take place during the global economic crisis bought about by COVID-19 makes it particularly important,” she told a news conference.

The pact widens an existing trade deal with China to ensure it remains fit for purpose for another decade, Trade Minister Damien O’Connor said in a statement.

It provides for tariffs to be either removed or cut on many of New Zealand’s mostly commodities-based exports, ranging from dairy to timber and seafood, while compliance costs will also be reduced.

China's multilateral push

“The upgrade shows the two sides’ firm determination to support multilateralism and free trade,” Zhao Lijian, a spokesman of China’s foreign ministry, told a news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.

The previous day, speaking at a virtual meeting of the World Economic Forum, President Xi Jinping had criticised isolationism and “Cold War” thinking and called for barriers to trade, investment and technological exchange to be removed.

In recent months, Beijing has signed an investment pact with the European Union and joined the world’s largest free trade bloc in the 15-country Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes New Zealand.

China has also expressed interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Agreement, the successor to a pact from which Washington withdrew.

China’s new deal with Wellington also opens up sectors such as aviation, education and finance. In exchange, New Zealand will increase visa quotas for Chinese language teachers and tour guides, the official Xinhua news agency said.

New Zealand was the first developed nation to sign a free trade pact with China in 2008, and has long been touted by Beijing as an exemplar of Western engagement.

China is now New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with annual two-way trade of more than NZ$32 billion ($21.58 billion).

But ties have been tested under Ardern’s government as New Zealand criticised China’s influence on small Pacific islands and raised human rights concerns about Muslim Uighurs.

Ardern also backed Taiwan’s participation at the World Health Organization (WHO) despite a warning from Beijing.

The wider trade pact also comes as Beijing’s ties with neighbouring Australia worsened after Canberra called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which was first reported in central China.

Australia has appealed to the World Trade Organization to review China’s decision to impose hefty tariffs on imports of its barley.

New Zealand, which will host the regional Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this year, has said it would be willing to help negotiate a truce between China and Australia.

China and New Zealand signed a deal on Tuesday upgrading a free trade pact to give exports from the Pacific nation greater access to the world’s second-largest economy.

China and New Zealand signed a deal on Tuesday upgrading a free trade pact to give exports from the Pacific nation greater access to the world’s second-largest economy. The pact comes as Beijing seeks to establish itself as a strong advocate of multilateralism after a bruising trade war with the United States, at a time when the coronavirus has forced the closure of many international borders. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the signing of the expanded deal. “China remains one of our most important trade partners...For this to take place during the global economic crisis bought about by COVID-19 makes it particularly important,” she told a news conference. The pact widens an existing trade deal with China to ensure it remains fit for purpose for another decade, Trade Minister Damien O’Connor said in a statement. It provides for tariffs to be either removed or cut on many of New Zealand’s mostly commodities-based exports, ranging from dairy to timber and seafood, while compliance costs will also be reduced. China's multilateral push “The upgrade shows the two sides’ firm determination to support multilateralism and free trade,” Zhao Lijian, a spokesman of China’s foreign ministry, told a news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday. The previous day, speaking at a virtual meeting of the World Economic Forum, President Xi Jinping had criticised isolationism and “Cold War” thinking and called for barriers to trade, investment and technological exchange to be removed. In recent months, Beijing has signed an investment pact with the European Union and joined the world’s largest free trade bloc in the 15-country Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes New Zealand. China has also expressed interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Agreement, the successor to a pact from which Washington withdrew. China’s new deal with Wellington also opens up sectors such as aviation, education and finance. In exchange, New Zealand will increase visa quotas for Chinese language teachers and tour guides, the official Xinhua news agency said. New Zealand was the first developed nation to sign a free trade pact with China in 2008, and has long been touted by Beijing as an exemplar of Western engagement. China is now New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with annual two-way trade of more than NZ$32 billion ($21.58 billion). But ties have been tested under Ardern’s government as New Zealand criticised China’s influence on small Pacific islands and raised human rights concerns about Muslim Uighurs. Ardern also backed Taiwan’s participation at the World Health Organization (WHO) despite a warning from Beijing. The wider trade pact also comes as Beijing’s ties with neighbouring Australia worsened after Canberra called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which was first reported in central China. Australia has appealed to the World Trade Organization to review China’s decision to impose hefty tariffs on imports of its barley. New Zealand, which will host the regional Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this year, has said it would be willing to help negotiate a truce between China and Australia.

China, New Zealand ink trade deal as Beijing calls for reduced global barriers

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern said today that the county may close its border for most part of the year amid the global vaccine rollout.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-govt-accused-of-mishandling-pandemic-death-toll-nears-100000-359467/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Given the risks in the world around us and the uncertainty of the global rollout of a vaccine, we can expect our borders to be impacted for much of this year," &nbsp;Ardern said.

New Zealand will, however, continue its travel arrangements with Australia and other Pacific nations.&nbsp;

"We will continue to pursue travel bubbles with Australia and the Pacific, but the rest of the world simply poses too great a risk to our health and our economy to take the risk at this stage," Ardern asserted.

Ardern, however, criticised Australia for re-imposing quarantine for New Zealanders and she communicated her views to &nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"If we're to enter a trans-Tasman travel bubble, we need to give people confidence they won't see border closures at very short notice over incidents that we believe can be well managed domestically," the New Zealand prime minister asserted.

New Zealand recently confirmed its first case of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-curfew-demonstrations-erupt-in-netherlands-as-europe-battles-virus-359222">COVID-19 </a>in several months after a woman who returned to New Zealand tested positive for the South African strain.

The country's health authorities may approve a COVID-19 vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech next week amid pressure to begin the vaccination drive. The Ardern government had earlier eliminated the virus from the country, however, two new cases COVID-19 were detected at an isolation facility on Tuesday.

New Zealand currently has 1,934 confirmed coronavirus cases including 25 deaths with &nbsp;65 active cases.&nbsp;

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern said today that the county may close its border for most part of the year amid the global vaccine rollout. Watch: "Given the risks in the world around us and the uncertainty of the global rollout of a vaccine, we can expect our borders to be impacted for much of this year," Ardern said.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern said today that the county may close its border for most part of the year amid the global vaccine rollout. Watch: "Given the risks in the world around us and the uncertainty of the global rollout of a vaccine, we can expect our borders to be impacted for much of this year," Ardern said. New Zealand will, however, continue its travel arrangements with Australia and other Pacific nations. "We will continue to pursue travel bubbles with Australia and the Pacific, but the rest of the world simply poses too great a risk to our health and our economy to take the risk at this stage," Ardern asserted. Ardern, however, criticised Australia for re-imposing quarantine for New Zealanders and she communicated her views to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. "If we're to enter a trans-Tasman travel bubble, we need to give people confidence they won't see border closures at very short notice over incidents that we believe can be well managed domestically," the New Zealand prime minister asserted. New Zealand recently confirmed its first case of COVID-19 in several months after a woman who returned to New Zealand tested positive for the South African strain. The country's health authorities may approve a COVID-19 vaccine Pfizer-BioNTech next week amid pressure to begin the vaccination drive. The Ardern government had earlier eliminated the virus from the country, however, two new cases COVID-19 were detected at an isolation facility on Tuesday. New Zealand currently has 1,934 confirmed coronavirus cases including 25 deaths with 65 active cases.

New Zealand may keep its borders closed for much of 2021 amid pandemic

New Zealand on Sunday reported its first case of coronavirus in the community after over two months. In view of the transmission, the country has stepped up contact-tracing efforts.

A 56-year-old woman from Europe tested positive for COVID-19 after spending 10 days in state-sanctioned quarantine. She had noticed symptoms a few days before she was tested for the virus. 
 
Authorities in the country are rushing to trace all those who may have come in contact with her. It was found that the woman, along with her husband, spent a few days travelling across the Northland region. It is suspected that she was infectious during this time when she visited 30 different locations. 
 
In view of the situation, Health Minister Chris Hipkins claimed that the country has so far not decided whether a full or partial lockdown would be introduced in the country. 
 
"We don't know the origin or the strain of the infection," Hipkins told a press conference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-from-germany-made-paralysed-mice-walk-again-how-did-they-do-it-358925" hreflang="en">Scientists from Germany made paralysed mice walk again. How did they do it?</a>

The woman had come back to New Zealand on December 30 after spending four months in Europe, most of which she spent in Spain and the Netherlands. On January 13, she was released from quarantine. 
 
The country's director-general - Ashley Bloomfield said she had tested negative twice while she was kept isolation, and that her husband had not displayed any symptoms. This marks the first case of coronavirus community transmission since November 18.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-can-cause-neurological-damage-stuttering-study-358362" hreflang="en">COVID-19 &nbsp;can cause neurological damage, stuttering: Study</a> 
 
600 people who were in the hotel have been urged to self-isolate and to get tested for COVID-19 again.

New Zealand has received praise for how it tackled the pandemic, with 25 deaths recorded throughout the pandemic. 1,927 confirmed cases of the virus have been reported among its five million citizens.

New Zealand on Sunday reported its first case of coronavirus in the community after over two months. In view of the transmission, the country has stepped up contact-tracing efforts.

New Zealand on Sunday reported its first case of coronavirus in the community after over two months. In view of the transmission, the country has stepped up contact-tracing efforts. A 56-year-old woman from Europe tested positive for COVID-19 after spending 10 days in state-sanctioned quarantine. She had noticed symptoms a few days before she was tested for the virus. Authorities in the country are rushing to trace all those who may have come in contact with her. It was found that the woman, along with her husband, spent a few days travelling across the Northland region. It is suspected that she was infectious during this time when she visited 30 different locations. In view of the situation, Health Minister Chris Hipkins claimed that the country has so far not decided whether a full or partial lockdown would be introduced in the country. "We don't know the origin or the strain of the infection," Hipkins told a press conference. Also read: Scientists from Germany made paralysed mice walk again. How did they do it? The woman had come back to New Zealand on December 30 after spending four months in Europe, most of which she spent in Spain and the Netherlands. On January 13, she was released from quarantine. The country's director-general - Ashley Bloomfield said she had tested negative twice while she was kept isolation, and that her husband had not displayed any symptoms. This marks the first case of coronavirus community transmission since November 18. Also read: COVID-19 can cause neurological damage, stuttering: Study 600 people who were in the hotel have been urged to self-isolate and to get tested for COVID-19 again. New Zealand has received praise for how it tackled the pandemic, with 25 deaths recorded throughout the pandemic. 1,927 confirmed cases of the virus have been reported among its five million citizens.

New Zealand reports first community case of COVID-19 in two months

Nature is full of wonders and though we have studied it closely across millennia, it will be plain stupid for humans to claim the title of 'know-it-all' species. New discoveries amaze us each day. And this exactly what has happened yet again. Two female ray fish have given birth to pups without a male ray fish being present in their ranks. The news has created quite a stir in scientific community and beyond.&nbsp;

The female fish, named Nibble and Spot are at display at SEA Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium in Auckland, New Zealand. They of the Eagle Ray type.

Both of them delivered pups on New Year's Eve. Both Eagle rays had not been with a male for two years. And this is what is causing the amazement.

At present, theories are being raised but there appears to be no confirmation in this specific case. However, this may change later.

The curator of the museum thinks that the rays gave birth without a male as they had stored the sperms from their last encounter.

But there is another argument.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-glaciers-give-insights-on-the-planets-many-ice-ages-358330">Mars' glaciers give insights on the planet's many ice ages</a>

Adele Dutilloy, a fisheries modeller at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) was mentioned by the Guardian as saying that this was the case of Parthinongenesis.

A Parthinogenesis (virgin birth) is a natural process in which an egg develops into an embryo without being fertilised. Dutilloy said sperm storage was uncommon in rays.

This suggests that the case may be first instance of such a birth in Eagle rays being documented.

Nature is full of wonders and though we have studied it closely across millennia, it will be plain stupid for humans to claim the title of 'know-it-all' species.

Nature is full of wonders and though we have studied it closely across millennia, it will be plain stupid for humans to claim the title of 'know-it-all' species. New discoveries amaze us each day. And this exactly what has happened yet again. Two female ray fish have given birth to pups without a male ray fish being present in their ranks. The news has created quite a stir in scientific community and beyond. The female fish, named Nibble and Spot are at display at SEA Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium in Auckland, New Zealand. They of the Eagle Ray type. Both of them delivered pups on New Year's Eve. Both Eagle rays had not been with a male for two years. And this is what is causing the amazement. At present, theories are being raised but there appears to be no confirmation in this specific case. However, this may change later. The curator of the museum thinks that the rays gave birth without a male as they had stored the sperms from their last encounter. But there is another argument. Also Read | Mars' glaciers give insights on the planet's many ice ages Adele Dutilloy, a fisheries modeller at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) was mentioned by the Guardian as saying that this was the case of Parthinongenesis. A Parthinogenesis (virgin birth) is a natural process in which an egg develops into an embryo without being fertilised. Dutilloy said sperm storage was uncommon in rays. This suggests that the case may be first instance of such a birth in Eagle rays being documented.

Two female ray fish give birth without males, baffle scientists

A woman in New Zealand died on Thursday following a suspected shark attack in the country's northern island, police said in a statement.

She was pulled from the waters at Waihi Beach, located about a two-hour drive south-east of Auckland, with wounds on at least one leg, local media reported. Emergency services were called to the beach but the woman died at the scene a short time later, police officials said.

Shark attacks are rare in New Zealand, where water sports and beach holidays are popular during the current summer season. More than 60 shark species are known to swim in the country's waters.

The last shark attack in New Zealand was in 2018 at Baylys Beach, north west of Auckland, although it was not fatal, according to the New Zealand police website.

The last fatal shark attack in the country was in 2013, the Shark Attack Data website shows.

The police could not confirm the woman died from a shark attack and have referred the case to the coroner, a police spokeswoman said.

A woman in New Zealand died on Thursday following a suspected shark attack in the country's northern island, police said in a statement. She was pulled from the waters at Waihi Beach, located about a two-hour drive south-east of Auckland, with wounds on at least one leg, local media reported.

A woman in New Zealand died on Thursday following a suspected shark attack in the country's northern island, police said in a statement. She was pulled from the waters at Waihi Beach, located about a two-hour drive south-east of Auckland, with wounds on at least one leg, local media reported. Emergency services were called to the beach but the woman died at the scene a short time later, police officials said. Shark attacks are rare in New Zealand, where water sports and beach holidays are popular during the current summer season. More than 60 shark species are known to swim in the country's waters. The last shark attack in New Zealand was in 2018 at Baylys Beach, north west of Auckland, although it was not fatal, according to the New Zealand police website. The last fatal shark attack in the country was in 2013, the Shark Attack Data website shows. The police could not confirm the woman died from a shark attack and have referred the case to the coroner, a police spokeswoman said.

Woman dies in suspected New Zealand shark attack

Paceman Kyle Jamieson took five for 69 as New Zealand overcame some stiff Pakistan resistance to dismiss the tourists for 297 at close of play on the opening day of the second and final test at Christchurch on Sunday. 
 
Already 1-0 up in the series and needing only a draw to rise to the top of the world rankings for the first time, the Black Caps won the toss and elected to field on what looked like a Hagley Oval track tailor-made for their attack. 
 
Pakistan had shown great fight at the end of their 101-run defeat in the first test, however, and started out as they had finished at Mount Maunganui with some batting of real intent on a day largely uninterrupted by the Christchurch rain. 
 
Azhar Ali led the way with a superb innings of 93 but there were also cameos from Mohammad Rizwan, who was again forced to stand-in as captain for the injured Babar Azam and scored 61, as well as Faheem Ashraf, who hit 48. 
 
Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar extended the tail with a 62-ball 34 in his first test innings until he top edged a short delivery from Tim Southee just after New Zealand took the second new ball. 
 
The hosts rattled off the last two wickets in short order to bring up stumps, giving New Zealand`s openers the night to rest up before going out again to bat. 
 
Given the swing and seam in the pitch, New Zealand`s attack would have hoped to have got the job done more quickly and it looked like they would when Jamieson ripped through the Pakistan top order to reduce the tourists to 88-4 at lunch. 
 
Bowling with real venom and bounce, the 26-year-old sent back opener Abid Ali, Haris Sohail and Fawad Alam in three overs, the latter with an unplayable delivery that the batsman could only fend away from his helmet with his glove. 
 
Azhar Ali and Rizwan stalled the New Zealand attack with a partnership of 88 for the fifth wicket during which the stand-in skipper secured his fifth consecutive half century before edging a Jamieson delivery behind. 
 
Seamer Matt Henry, brought in to replace the injured Neil Wagner, finally winkled out Azhar Ali in the final session before Faheem Ashraf departed to give Jamieson his third five-wicket haul in six tests.

Paceman Kyle Jamieson took five for 69 as New Zealand overcame some stiff Pakistan resistance to dismiss the tourists for 297 at close of play on the opening day of the second and final test at Christchurch on Sunday.

Paceman Kyle Jamieson took five for 69 as New Zealand overcame some stiff Pakistan resistance to dismiss the tourists for 297 at close of play on the opening day of the second and final test at Christchurch on Sunday. Already 1-0 up in the series and needing only a draw to rise to the top of the world rankings for the first time, the Black Caps won the toss and elected to field on what looked like a Hagley Oval track tailor-made for their attack. Pakistan had shown great fight at the end of their 101-run defeat in the first test, however, and started out as they had finished at Mount Maunganui with some batting of real intent on a day largely uninterrupted by the Christchurch rain. Azhar Ali led the way with a superb innings of 93 but there were also cameos from Mohammad Rizwan, who was again forced to stand-in as captain for the injured Babar Azam and scored 61, as well as Faheem Ashraf, who hit 48. Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar extended the tail with a 62-ball 34 in his first test innings until he top edged a short delivery from Tim Southee just after New Zealand took the second new ball. The hosts rattled off the last two wickets in short order to bring up stumps, giving New Zealand`s openers the night to rest up before going out again to bat. Given the swing and seam in the pitch, New Zealand`s attack would have hoped to have got the job done more quickly and it looked like they would when Jamieson ripped through the Pakistan top order to reduce the tourists to 88-4 at lunch. Bowling with real venom and bounce, the 26-year-old sent back opener Abid Ali, Haris Sohail and Fawad Alam in three overs, the latter with an unplayable delivery that the batsman could only fend away from his helmet with his glove. Azhar Ali and Rizwan stalled the New Zealand attack with a partnership of 88 for the fifth wicket during which the stand-in skipper secured his fifth consecutive half century before edging a Jamieson delivery behind. Seamer Matt Henry, brought in to replace the injured Neil Wagner, finally winkled out Azhar Ali in the final session before Faheem Ashraf departed to give Jamieson his third five-wicket haul in six tests.

Jamieson takes five as New Zealand dismiss Pakistan for 297

People in New Zealand were amongst the first globally to welcome 2021 as fireworks light up Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower.&nbsp;

Revellers on the waterfront viewed the five-minute show which comprised fireworks and laser lighting colouring the night sky over the city's harbour.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-years-gift-india-sends-bcg-vaccines-to-maldives-353635">New Year's gift! India sends BCG vaccines to Maldives</a>

The festivities began in other countries as well amid the low-key celebrations seen in the wake of novel coronavirus that has killed millions this year. Let's take a look.

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pandemic-diminishes-new-years-magic-353691/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Australia</h2>

In the Sydney Opera House in Australia,&nbsp;fireworks sparkle the sky, but the harbour beneath was empty as a ghost town.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h2>North Korea</h2>

To mark the New Year, crowds thronged the main square in the North Korean capital Pyongyang to celebrate new year amid concert and fireworks, state media reported.&nbsp;

The performers sang and danced on a stage decorated with a big, colourful "2021" sign without wearing masks.&nbsp;

People witnessing the event wore masks but did not maintain social distancing as they displayed glowing lights and balloons in Kim II Sung Square.

<h2>Taiwan</h2>

In Taiwan's capital Taipei, people welcomed 2021 with spectacular fireworks held in the 101 tower, city's tallest skyscraper.&nbsp;

However, the crowd was not as big as it generally is during the time of the new year due to Covid-19 restrictions.&nbsp;

<h2>India</h2>

India welcomed the new year in a very precautious manner as several metro cities imposed night curfews to avoid crowding which can lead to a spike in coronavirus infections.&nbsp;

Popular attractions in Mumbai, including the Gateway of India looked deserted on new year's eve as the city is under night curfew from 11 pm to 6 am till January 5.&nbsp;

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the IT city of Bengaluru from 6 pm on Thursday to 6 am Friday which made the celebrations very limited.

In the southern city of Chennai, festivities and celebrations took a toll as the government shut down restaurants, hotels, clubs and resorts on Thursday and Friday. 
&nbsp;

People in New Zealand were amongst the first globally to welcome 2021 as fireworks light up Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower. Revellers on the waterfront viewed the five-minute show which comprised fireworks and laser lighting colouring the night sky over the city's harbour.

People in New Zealand were amongst the first globally to welcome 2021 as fireworks light up Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower. Revellers on the waterfront viewed the five-minute show which comprised fireworks and laser lighting colouring the night sky over the city's harbour. Also read | New Year's gift! India sends BCG vaccines to Maldives The festivities began in other countries as well amid the low-key celebrations seen in the wake of novel coronavirus that has killed millions this year. Let's take a look. Watch | Australia In the Sydney Opera House in Australia, fireworks sparkle the sky, but the harbour beneath was empty as a ghost town. North Korea To mark the New Year, crowds thronged the main square in the North Korean capital Pyongyang to celebrate new year amid concert and fireworks, state media reported. The performers sang and danced on a stage decorated with a big, colourful "2021" sign without wearing masks. People witnessing the event wore masks but did not maintain social distancing as they displayed glowing lights and balloons in Kim II Sung Square. Taiwan In Taiwan's capital Taipei, people welcomed 2021 with spectacular fireworks held in the 101 tower, city's tallest skyscraper. However, the crowd was not as big as it generally is during the time of the new year due to Covid-19 restrictions. India India welcomed the new year in a very precautious manner as several metro cities imposed night curfews to avoid crowding which can lead to a spike in coronavirus infections. Popular attractions in Mumbai, including the Gateway of India looked deserted on new year's eve as the city is under night curfew from 11 pm to 6 am till January 5. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the IT city of Bengaluru from 6 pm on Thursday to 6 am Friday which made the celebrations very limited. In the southern city of Chennai, festivities and celebrations took a toll as the government shut down restaurants, hotels, clubs and resorts on Thursday and Friday.

With fireworks, India, other nations welcome 2021 as celebrations turn low-key

A rare white kiwi has died following surgery, prompting an outpouring of grief among conservationists in New Zealand.

Manukura was born at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, with staff at the time not knowing she was white until she hatched. She was the first of three white kiwis that went on to be hatched at the wildlife centre during the 2011-2012 breeding seasons.

Manukura was not albino (where there is a lack of melanin that makes pigmentation white and features pink eyes), but, pure white, which means she was the rare progeny of two parents who carry the recessive white feather gene.

Manukura was an ambassador for Pūkaha, conservation and tourism in Wairarapa. Her popularity with the public spawned a Facebook page, soft toys, children’s books and other memorabilia. 
 
Her popularity spawned online with her very own Facebook page, and soft toys, children's books, and other memorabilia were created in her likeness.

People took to Twitter to share their memories of spotting the unique beauty, and pay respects.

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Wairarapa was proud to be the home of Manukura. This is sad. 
<a href="https://t.co/WPKPJWYWeA">https://t.co/WPKPJWYWeA</a>
— Kieran McAnulty MP (@Kieran_McAnulty) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kieran_McAnulty/status/1343341045946281985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I was fortunate to see the pure white kiwi Manukura a year ago at Pūkaha. She was amazing, and I'm sad to hear she died yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/Jy9Mc8pjh1">https://t.co/Jy9Mc8pjh1</a> <a href="https://t.co/E6S8C4MqcE">pic.twitter.com/E6S8C4MqcE</a>
— André Brett (@DrDreHistorian) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrDreHistorian/status/1343359727674118145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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💔 
 
I'm so glad we got to visit her a few years ago. 
 
You will be missed, Manukura. Thank you for being such a wonderful kiwi ambassador. <a href="https://t.co/PdBRZcwuMC">https://t.co/PdBRZcwuMC</a>
— Adri (@genericgeekgirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/genericgeekgirl/status/1343309935480889346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Really sad about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manukura?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manukura</a> - saw her a couple of times, last time only a few weeks ago. Crazy wee lady, a real bundle of energy and fun. RIP beautiful critter <a href="https://twitter.com/PukahaMtBruce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PukahaMtBruce</a>
— Simon Wood (@WoodOnWineNZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/WoodOnWineNZ/status/1343425607447638023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

A rare white kiwi has died following surgery, prompting an outpouring of grief among conservationists in New Zealand. Manukura was born at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, with staff at the time not knowing she was white until she hatched.

A rare white kiwi has died following surgery, prompting an outpouring of grief among conservationists in New Zealand. Manukura was born at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, with staff at the time not knowing she was white until she hatched. She was the first of three white kiwis that went on to be hatched at the wildlife centre during the 2011-2012 breeding seasons. Manukura was not albino (where there is a lack of melanin that makes pigmentation white and features pink eyes), but, pure white, which means she was the rare progeny of two parents who carry the recessive white feather gene. Manukura was an ambassador for Pūkaha, conservation and tourism in Wairarapa. Her popularity with the public spawned a Facebook page, soft toys, children’s books and other memorabilia. Her popularity spawned online with her very own Facebook page, and soft toys, children's books, and other memorabilia were created in her likeness. People took to Twitter to share their memories of spotting the unique beauty, and pay respects. Wairarapa was proud to be the home of Manukura. This is sad. https://t.co/WPKPJWYWeA — Kieran McAnulty MP (@Kieran_McAnulty) December 27, 2020 × I was fortunate to see the pure white kiwi Manukura a year ago at Pūkaha. She was amazing, and I'm sad to hear she died yesterday. https://t.co/Jy9Mc8pjh1 pic.twitter.com/E6S8C4MqcE — André Brett (@DrDreHistorian) December 28, 2020 × 💔 I'm so glad we got to visit her a few years ago. You will be missed, Manukura. Thank you for being such a wonderful kiwi ambassador. https://t.co/PdBRZcwuMC — Adri (@genericgeekgirl) December 27, 2020 × Really sad about #Manukura - saw her a couple of times, last time only a few weeks ago. Crazy wee lady, a real bundle of energy and fun. RIP beautiful critter @PukahaMtBruce — Simon Wood (@WoodOnWineNZ) December 28, 2020 × (With inputs from agencies)

Rare white kiwi, Manukura, dies following surgery in New Zealand

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said it is nice to come this far after he became the country`s most capped player across all three formats. The former skipper achieved the feat in the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the Bay Oval here.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-vs-nz-all-rounder-shadab-khan-ruled-out-of-series-due-to-thigh-injury-352574" hreflang="en">Pak vs NZ: All-rounder Shadab Khan ruled out of series due to thigh injury</a>

This is Taylor`s 438th match for the New Zealand cricket team."At the start of my career, I was happy to play just one or two games. But I have come this far, it`s nice. I didn`t really expect much. I didn`t really hear what the announcer said, but few of the Pakistani players congratulated me," Taylor said after the match.

Earlier, Daniel Vettori held the record with 437 appearances to his name for New Zealand. The third player on the list is Brendon McCullum, who represented the team in 432 matches, followed by Stephen Fleming with 395 games.

After the early departure of the openers -- Tom Latham (4) and Tom Blundell (5) --, Taylor came to the rescue and joined skipper Kane Williamson. The duo played cautiously and built a 120-run stand for the third wicket.

Playing in his milestone game, Taylor scored 70 runs including six and 10 fours. Henry Nicholls came in to bat at number five. Nicholls and Williamson then had an unbeaten 89-run partnership before the day`s play came to an end. Williamson is unbeaten on 94 while Nicholls is batting on 42.

Williamson`s anchor knock derailed Pakistan`s hope to dominate the Kiwis after two quick wickets. New Zealand were at 222/3 at the end of the opening day. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi bagged all three wickets and returned with the figures of 3-55 in his 20 overs.

"Throughout the summer it has been green, but this one (pitch) is not as green as the other two. You can expect that in a Test match. We are happy to get through unscathed. After losing those two early wickets, we definitely would have taken that. Shaheen bowled fantastically well, he was not giving you anything. It was tough," Taylor said.

"Sometimes the pressure is on the bowler when the skipper wants to make inroads and take wickets. But on these NZ wickets, the margin for error is very less. Hopefully, the up and down nature of this wicket will make things hard later, on day 4 and day 5," he added.

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said it is nice to come this far after he became the country`s most capped player across all three formats. The former skipper achieved the feat in the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the Bay Oval here.

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said it is nice to come this far after he became the country`s most capped player across all three formats. The former skipper achieved the feat in the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the Bay Oval here. Also read: Pak vs NZ: All-rounder Shadab Khan ruled out of series due to thigh injury This is Taylor`s 438th match for the New Zealand cricket team."At the start of my career, I was happy to play just one or two games. But I have come this far, it`s nice. I didn`t really expect much. I didn`t really hear what the announcer said, but few of the Pakistani players congratulated me," Taylor said after the match. Earlier, Daniel Vettori held the record with 437 appearances to his name for New Zealand. The third player on the list is Brendon McCullum, who represented the team in 432 matches, followed by Stephen Fleming with 395 games. After the early departure of the openers -- Tom Latham (4) and Tom Blundell (5) --, Taylor came to the rescue and joined skipper Kane Williamson. The duo played cautiously and built a 120-run stand for the third wicket. Playing in his milestone game, Taylor scored 70 runs including six and 10 fours. Henry Nicholls came in to bat at number five. Nicholls and Williamson then had an unbeaten 89-run partnership before the day`s play came to an end. Williamson is unbeaten on 94 while Nicholls is batting on 42. Williamson`s anchor knock derailed Pakistan`s hope to dominate the Kiwis after two quick wickets. New Zealand were at 222/3 at the end of the opening day. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi bagged all three wickets and returned with the figures of 3-55 in his 20 overs. "Throughout the summer it has been green, but this one (pitch) is not as green as the other two. You can expect that in a Test match. We are happy to get through unscathed. After losing those two early wickets, we definitely would have taken that. Shaheen bowled fantastically well, he was not giving you anything. It was tough," Taylor said. "Sometimes the pressure is on the bowler when the skipper wants to make inroads and take wickets. But on these NZ wickets, the margin for error is very less. Hopefully, the up and down nature of this wicket will make things hard later, on day 4 and day 5," he added.

At the start of my career, was happy to play just one or two games: Ross Taylor

Taiwan has reported its first locally transmitted case of COVID-19 since April. A New Zealand pilot has blamed for transmission. Taiwan's 253 virus free days ended.

Taiwan : First locally transmitted COVID Case since April

New Zealand are currently hosting Pakistan for a three-match T20I series. The hosts went on to seal the series by winning the second T20 at Seddon Park in Hamilton by 9 wickets.

However, the favourite highlight for many was when the cameraman captured Jupiter and Saturn during the second innings making it a talking point on social media.&nbsp;

During the 10th over of the Kiwis' innings,&nbsp;the camera person managed to get hold of the two planets in the night sky.

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Jupiter and Saturn can be seen from Seddon Park, but the stars/planets don't appear to be aligning for Pakistan today. 
 
NZ need 64 from 53 balls with nine wickets in hand. 
 
LIVE COMMENTARY: 
👉 <a href="https://t.co/omeN2wkNrJ">https://t.co/omeN2wkNrJ</a> 👈<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/JUl8GpRO1U">pic.twitter.com/JUl8GpRO1U</a>
— 🏏FlashScore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlashCric/status/1340576670781239298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan chose to bat first but the decision backfired after Tim Southee dismantled the visitors' batting line-up and scalping four wickets. However, Hafeez's unbeaten 99 powered Pakistan to 163.&nbsp;

In reply, Tim Seifert's 84 and skipper Williamson's 57 sealed the deal for the Kiwis to win by nine wickets.&nbsp;

Williamson also got to his half-century celebrating the arrival of his new-born daughter. The duo took the team home in the 20th over of the innings.

New Zealand will host Pakistan for the third and final T20I of the series at the McLean Park, Napier on December 22.&nbsp;

New Zealand are currently hosting Pakistan for a three-match T20I series. The hosts went on to seal the series by winning the second T20 at Seddon Park in Hamilton by 9 wickets.

New Zealand are currently hosting Pakistan for a three-match T20I series. The hosts went on to seal the series by winning the second T20 at Seddon Park in Hamilton by 9 wickets. However, the favourite highlight for many was when the cameraman captured Jupiter and Saturn during the second innings making it a talking point on social media. During the 10th over of the Kiwis' innings, the camera person managed to get hold of the two planets in the night sky. Jupiter and Saturn can be seen from Seddon Park, but the stars/planets don't appear to be aligning for Pakistan today. NZ need 64 from 53 balls with nine wickets in hand. LIVE COMMENTARY: 👉 https://t.co/omeN2wkNrJ 👈#NZvPAK #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/JUl8GpRO1U — 🏏FlashScore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) December 20, 2020 × Pakistan chose to bat first but the decision backfired after Tim Southee dismantled the visitors' batting line-up and scalping four wickets. However, Hafeez's unbeaten 99 powered Pakistan to 163. In reply, Tim Seifert's 84 and skipper Williamson's 57 sealed the deal for the Kiwis to win by nine wickets. Williamson also got to his half-century celebrating the arrival of his new-born daughter. The duo took the team home in the 20th over of the innings. New Zealand will host Pakistan for the third and final T20I of the series at the McLean Park, Napier on December 22.

NZ vs PAK: Cameraman captures Jupiter, Saturn in sky during second T20I

On Wednesday the commission released its interim report, which found that up to 250,000 people suffered abuse during the time period investigated.

WION Fineprint: At least 250,000 suffered abuse in New Zealand's state care system

New Zealand's Prime Minister&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern has reacted to the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg's latest accusation towards the country.

The celebrated leader lashed out at the Thunberg claiming her government has been doing more than Thunberg might realise. Ardern was referring to Thunberg's tweet from the weekend in which she shared a news article of a local website and quoted the article that claimed, "In other words, the Government has just committed to reducing less than 1 percent of the country's emissions by 2025."

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-lashes-out-at-world-leaders-says-action-needed-not-in-sight-349127">&nbsp;Greta Thunberg lashes out at world leaders, says 'action needed not in sight'</a>

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"In other words, the Government has just committed to reducing less than 1 percent of the country's emissions by 2025". 
Text explaining New Zealand's so-called climate emergency declaration. This is of course nothing unique to any nation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FightFor1Point5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FightFor1Point5</a><a href="https://t.co/Yp8nuek9Pn">https://t.co/Yp8nuek9Pn</a>
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1338057046596399106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The story retweeted by Thunberg was critical of the New Zealand government and called it as the "so-called climate emergency declaration".

Ardern took the opportunity to talk about the tweet, claiming although she has not seen the tweet yet, she has been informed it was a "reference to our public service carbon neutral goal of 2025".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-is-making-winter-ice-more-dangerous-344406">Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous</a>

"I would, of course, give the context there that, if that was the sum ambition of any government, then that would be worthy of criticism," Ardern&nbsp;said.

"It is not our sum ambition. And it is not the totality of our plans on climate change," she said. "But again, I think that it’s actually for us just to get on with the business of fulfilling our obligations and expectations."

The statement has come a week after Ardern declared a climate emergency and had declared that her government will only be buying electric or hybrid cars from now onwards. She also explained that the government will be reducing by over 20 per cent soon. It has also been decided to slowly start phasing out the&nbsp;200 coal-fired boilers.

This tweet by Thunberg, therefore, came as a surprise to the Ardern government who added, "But equally I think it’s only a good thing [that] there are people out there continuing to urge ambition in action."&nbsp;

Thunberg had, a few days ago, lashed out at all the world leaders claiming not much was being done to meet the set targets. "Hypothetical targets are being set and big speeches are being given, yet when it comes to the immediate action we need, we are still in state of complete denial." she said.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has reacted to the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg's latest accusation towards the country. The celebrated leader lashed out at the Thunberg claiming her government has been doing more than Thunberg might realise.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has reacted to the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg's latest accusation towards the country. The celebrated leader lashed out at the Thunberg claiming her government has been doing more than Thunberg might realise. Ardern was referring to Thunberg's tweet from the weekend in which she shared a news article of a local website and quoted the article that claimed, "In other words, the Government has just committed to reducing less than 1 percent of the country's emissions by 2025." Also read| Greta Thunberg lashes out at world leaders, says 'action needed not in sight' "In other words, the Government has just committed to reducing less than 1 percent of the country's emissions by 2025". Text explaining New Zealand's so-called climate emergency declaration. This is of course nothing unique to any nation. #FightFor1Point5https://t.co/Yp8nuek9Pn — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) December 13, 2020 × The story retweeted by Thunberg was critical of the New Zealand government and called it as the "so-called climate emergency declaration". Ardern took the opportunity to talk about the tweet, claiming although she has not seen the tweet yet, she has been informed it was a "reference to our public service carbon neutral goal of 2025". Also read | Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous "I would, of course, give the context there that, if that was the sum ambition of any government, then that would be worthy of criticism," Ardern said. "It is not our sum ambition. And it is not the totality of our plans on climate change," she said. "But again, I think that it’s actually for us just to get on with the business of fulfilling our obligations and expectations." The statement has come a week after Ardern declared a climate emergency and had declared that her government will only be buying electric or hybrid cars from now onwards. She also explained that the government will be reducing by over 20 per cent soon. It has also been decided to slowly start phasing out the 200 coal-fired boilers. This tweet by Thunberg, therefore, came as a surprise to the Ardern government who added, "But equally I think it’s only a good thing [that] there are people out there continuing to urge ambition in action." Thunberg had, a few days ago, lashed out at all the world leaders claiming not much was being done to meet the set targets. "Hypothetical targets are being set and big speeches are being given, yet when it comes to the immediate action we need, we are still in state of complete denial." she said.

New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern lashes out at Greta Thunberg

A global anti-terror drive has picked up. While Europe is battling radical Islamist terrorism, New Zealand and Australia are battling far-right extremism.

On December 8, New Zealand called for sweeping changes to counter-terrorism operations, put forward by those probing the Christchurch massacre.

Following NZ, on December 9, Australia ordered an enquiry into combatting violent extremism. A parliamentary committee in Australia has announced that it will examine the spread of radical movements.

On the same day, Australia arrested an 18-year-old who was researching bomb making. Authorities say that the teenager was accessing “Neo-Nazi, white supremacist and anti-semitic material” online.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/after-blaming-us-and-india-china-claims-covid-19-originated-in-australia-348371" hreflang="en">After blaming US and India, China claims COVID-19 originated in Australia</a>

Australia's far right radicalism - is not really unique and centres around Neo-Nazism, anti-immigration rhetoric, Islamophobia and preservation of western values and cultural purity.

Far-right leaning Australians believe that white identity is under threat. For the longest time, such extremism went unchecked because Australia narrowed its anti-terror drives to just Islamist groups. The Christchurch attack across the border- forced Canberra to change direction. The terrorist in the attack was an Australian citizen.

In October this year, a study funded by the government of New South Wales identified 30 Australian rightwing extremist group pages on Facebook. It also ear-marked over 37,000 tweets and 3,000 users.

Researchers said that these extremist groups were “appropriating conservative politics and appropriating Trumpism” to expose potential recruits to their narratives. The challenge before Australia is to act before the extremism online spills offline in the form of violence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australia-to-make-facebook-google-pay-news-outlets-for-content-348266" hreflang="en">Australia to make Facebook, Google pay news outlets for content</a>

In September this year, the country's intelligence official said that white supremacist extremism accounts for 40 per cent of their counter-terrorism case load. Just four years ago, the number was 15 per cent.

Experts point out that several Australian leaders do not have an appetite to deal with the problem. In October this year, Australia's domestic spy agency was criticised for using the term “right-wing” when referring to extremism.

One senator said that it caused “unnecessary anxiety” and could offend conservatives. Two months on, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton wants to broaden the probe on white terror to include Islamist groups.

A global anti-terror drive has picked up. While Europe is battling radical Islamist terrorism, New Zealand and Australia are battling far-right extremism. On December 8, New Zealand called for sweeping changes to counter-terrorism operations, put forward by those probing the Christchurch massacre.

A global anti-terror drive has picked up. While Europe is battling radical Islamist terrorism, New Zealand and Australia are battling far-right extremism. On December 8, New Zealand called for sweeping changes to counter-terrorism operations, put forward by those probing the Christchurch massacre. Following NZ, on December 9, Australia ordered an enquiry into combatting violent extremism. A parliamentary committee in Australia has announced that it will examine the spread of radical movements. On the same day, Australia arrested an 18-year-old who was researching bomb making. Authorities say that the teenager was accessing “Neo-Nazi, white supremacist and anti-semitic material” online. Also read: After blaming US and India, China claims COVID-19 originated in Australia Australia's far right radicalism - is not really unique and centres around Neo-Nazism, anti-immigration rhetoric, Islamophobia and preservation of western values and cultural purity. Far-right leaning Australians believe that white identity is under threat. For the longest time, such extremism went unchecked because Australia narrowed its anti-terror drives to just Islamist groups. The Christchurch attack across the border- forced Canberra to change direction. The terrorist in the attack was an Australian citizen. In October this year, a study funded by the government of New South Wales identified 30 Australian rightwing extremist group pages on Facebook. It also ear-marked over 37,000 tweets and 3,000 users. Researchers said that these extremist groups were “appropriating conservative politics and appropriating Trumpism” to expose potential recruits to their narratives. The challenge before Australia is to act before the extremism online spills offline in the form of violence. Also read: Australia to make Facebook, Google pay news outlets for content In September this year, the country's intelligence official said that white supremacist extremism accounts for 40 per cent of their counter-terrorism case load. Just four years ago, the number was 15 per cent. Experts point out that several Australian leaders do not have an appetite to deal with the problem. In October this year, Australia's domestic spy agency was criticised for using the term “right-wing” when referring to extremism. One senator said that it caused “unnecessary anxiety” and could offend conservatives. Two months on, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton wants to broaden the probe on white terror to include Islamist groups.

One day after New Zealand, Australia begins quelling far-right extremism

However, the Royal Commission of Inquiry, which conducted the report, said there were no failings within government agencies that would have alerted them to the attack by Brenton Tarrant.

'New Zealand police failed to enforce checks on firearm licenses', claims Christchurch attack report

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