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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Zealand opposition chooses 'Crusher' to challenge Ardern

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

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

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

New Zealand mosque shooter to represent himself at sentencing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amid backlash, New Zealand health minister resigns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Coronavirus has returned to New Zealand. Jacinda Ardern is calling it a 'failure of the system'. What about the return of hate crimes? Isn't this a failure of the leadership? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay has a report.

Gravitas: Has Jacinda Ardern failed as a leader?

New Zealand has recorded three new cases of the coronavirus this week as quarantine breaches and other failures undermined public confidence days after it declared itself among the first countries in the world to be free of the virus.

The new infections are a set back to New Zealand, which lifted all social and economic restrictions except border controls last week.

Furthermore, an unarmed policeman was shot and killed on Friday in Auckland street, becoming the first officer to die on duty for more than a decade.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern offered condolences to the officer's family and police colleagues. "This case represents an unacceptable failure of the system," she said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-records-two-cases-of-coronavirus-in-returning-travellers-306173">Also Read:&nbsp;New Zealand records two cases of coronavirus in returning travellers</a>

The death of the cop comes just a day after parliament voted to further tighten New Zealand's firearms laws in the wake of last year's Christchurch Mosque&nbsp;massacre, when a lone gunman murdered 51 Muslim worshippers.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-has-jacinda-ardern-failed-as-a-leader-307192/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After the Christchurch Mosque massacre, Ardern swiftly shifted the focus to online hate. She questioned how Facebook could allow the mass shooting to be broadcasted live and started a global movement to end online hate.

Ardern was hailed at home and outside as a model for other leaders. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacinda-ardern-becomes-new-zealands-most-popular-prime-minister-after-covid-19-response-poll-299424">Also Read: Jacinda Ardern becomes New Zealand's most popular prime minister after COVID-19 response</a>

However, cop's death has cracked New Zealand's pitch of calling itself a well-administered country.

Experts say there has been an increase in hate crimes and xenophobia since march 2019 with at least 15 per cent of New Zealand's population being targeted.

According to one expert, there are at least 60 to 80 far-right groups in New Zealand. Recently, far-right nationalists and anti-immigration campaigners have become more active in the country and hate speech has increased. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

New Zealand has recorded three new cases of the coronavirus this week as quarantine breaches and other failures undermined public confidence days after it declared itself among the first countries in the world to be free of the virus.

New Zealand has recorded three new cases of the coronavirus this week as quarantine breaches and other failures undermined public confidence days after it declared itself among the first countries in the world to be free of the virus. The new infections are a set back to New Zealand, which lifted all social and economic restrictions except border controls last week. Furthermore, an unarmed policeman was shot and killed on Friday in Auckland street, becoming the first officer to die on duty for more than a decade. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern offered condolences to the officer's family and police colleagues. "This case represents an unacceptable failure of the system," she said. Also Read: New Zealand records two cases of coronavirus in returning travellers The death of the cop comes just a day after parliament voted to further tighten New Zealand's firearms laws in the wake of last year's Christchurch Mosque massacre, when a lone gunman murdered 51 Muslim worshippers. After the Christchurch Mosque massacre, Ardern swiftly shifted the focus to online hate. She questioned how Facebook could allow the mass shooting to be broadcasted live and started a global movement to end online hate. Ardern was hailed at home and outside as a model for other leaders. Also Read: Jacinda Ardern becomes New Zealand's most popular prime minister after COVID-19 response However, cop's death has cracked New Zealand's pitch of calling itself a well-administered country. Experts say there has been an increase in hate crimes and xenophobia since march 2019 with at least 15 per cent of New Zealand's population being targeted. According to one expert, there are at least 60 to 80 far-right groups in New Zealand. Recently, far-right nationalists and anti-immigration campaigners have become more active in the country and hate speech has increased. (With inputs from Reuters)

What's the reality beneath 'picture-perfect' New Zealand?

New Zealand recorded on Thursday its third new case of the coronavirus this week as quarantine breaches and other failures undermined public confidence days after it declared itself among the first countries in the world to be free of the virus.

The new case is a man in his 60s who flew in from Lahore in Pakistan, via Doha and Melbourne on June 11 and is in quarantine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-free-new-zealand-allows-two-women-from-uk-to-exit-quarantine-early-306428">'COVID-free' New Zealand allows two women from UK to exit quarantine early</a>

It comes after two women who had arrived from Britain and were given permission to leave quarantine early on compassionate grounds tested positive.

The government has been forced to explain why the women were let out without proper testing, and questions were raised about whether quarantine facilities are being properly managed.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday called in the military to oversee the facilities and to manage border defences.

"I know the case of these two women will have upset people ... I am certainly upset by it," Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told a news conference on Thursday.

"I apologise that we ended up in this position," he said.

New Zealand's border is closed to everyone except returning citizens though some exceptions have been made for business and compassionate reasons. Everyone has to go into quarantine.

In response to the case of the two women, the government has suspended all exemptions to quarantine rules and said no one is to leave the isolated hotels where people are kept unless they have been tested.

Contact tracing is underway for the hundreds of people who may have come into contact with the three new cases.

Only last week, New Zealand trumpeted its achievement of becoming one of the first countries to eliminate the novel coronavirus and return to normal with the lifting all social and economic restrictions except the border controls.

Bloomfield said he was convinced there had been no community transmission linked to the new cases. 
&nbsp;

New Zealand recorded on Thursday its third new case of the coronavirus this week as quarantine breaches and other failures undermined public confidence days after it declared itself among the first countries in the world to be free of the virus.

New Zealand recorded on Thursday its third new case of the coronavirus this week as quarantine breaches and other failures undermined public confidence days after it declared itself among the first countries in the world to be free of the virus. The new case is a man in his 60s who flew in from Lahore in Pakistan, via Doha and Melbourne on June 11 and is in quarantine. Also read | 'COVID-free' New Zealand allows two women from UK to exit quarantine early It comes after two women who had arrived from Britain and were given permission to leave quarantine early on compassionate grounds tested positive. The government has been forced to explain why the women were let out without proper testing, and questions were raised about whether quarantine facilities are being properly managed. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday called in the military to oversee the facilities and to manage border defences. "I know the case of these two women will have upset people ... I am certainly upset by it," Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told a news conference on Thursday. "I apologise that we ended up in this position," he said. New Zealand's border is closed to everyone except returning citizens though some exceptions have been made for business and compassionate reasons. Everyone has to go into quarantine. In response to the case of the two women, the government has suspended all exemptions to quarantine rules and said no one is to leave the isolated hotels where people are kept unless they have been tested. Contact tracing is underway for the hundreds of people who may have come into contact with the three new cases. Only last week, New Zealand trumpeted its achievement of becoming one of the first countries to eliminate the novel coronavirus and return to normal with the lifting all social and economic restrictions except the border controls. Bloomfield said he was convinced there had been no community transmission linked to the new cases.

Fresh coronavirus cases in New Zealand amid breach of quarantine measures

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 jolted 705 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand at 12:49:52 GMT on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicentre, with a depth of 33.0 km, was initially determined to be at 33.513 degrees south latitude and 177.192 degrees west longitude.

The government agency GNS Science is still evaluating the tsunami threat from the quake.

(With inputs from agencies)

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 jolted 705 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand at 12:49:52 GMT on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said. The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicentre, with a depth of 33.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 jolted 705 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand at 12:49:52 GMT on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said. The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicentre, with a depth of 33.0 km, was initially determined to be at 33.513 degrees south latitude and 177.192 degrees west longitude. The government agency GNS Science is still evaluating the tsunami threat from the quake. (With inputs from agencies)

Magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits 705 km north-east of Opotiki, New Zealand

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described as an “unacceptable failure” after a slip up allowed two people with coronavirus to move around the country.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described as an “unacceptable failure” after a slip up allowed two people with coronavirus to move around the country. Ardern said the infected person should never have been allowed to leave. "We require not one but two tests to be undertaken at those facilities. ..it did not, and there are no excuses," she said. She further said the defence force will now oversee the country's quarantine facilities and strengthen border requirements. New Zealand on Tuesday lost its COVID-free status when two women who had been given permission to leave quarantine early on compassionate grounds after arriving from Britain tested positive for the coronavirus. Also read: New Zealand's last active patient of coronavirus recovers, country now has zero cases Ardern said she was appointing the Assistant Chief of Defence, Air Commodore Digby Webb, to oversee all quarantine and to manage isolation facilities, including the processes of exiting people from these facilities. Ardern said Webb can seek access to military logistics, its operational expertise and, if needed, personnel, for running of the quarantine facilities. She added that an audit would be done to make sure all processes in place are followed and any changes needed can be made to further strengthen the border facilities. Also read: New Zealand lifts lockdown; goes back to new normal "I cannot allow the gains we have all made to be squandered by processes that are not followed," Ardern said at a news conference in parliament. New Zealand had trumpeted its achievement last week of becoming one of the first countries in the world to eliminate COVID-19 and return to pre-pandemic normality, lifting all social and economic restrictions except border controls. The two women who arrived from Britain on June 7 went into compulsory quarantine after landing, but had been given special permission to leave the facility early to see their dying parent, even though one had symptoms which she attributed to a pre-existing condition.

'COVID-free' New Zealand allows two women from UK to exit quarantine early

Breaking the 24-day streak of no cases of coronavirus, New Zealand has recorded two new COVID-19 cases from returning overseas travellers. Both the new cases have been diagnosed as a result of recent travel from the UK, The Guardian reported quoting the country's health officials.

Breaking the 24-day streak of no cases of coronavirus, New Zealand has recorded two new COVID-19 cases from returning overseas travellers. Both the new cases have been diagnosed as a result of recent travel from the UK, The Guardian reported quoting the country's health officials. Both the new cases are related, the report added. More details will be given at a news conference in two hours. The New Zealand government recently declared the country coronavirus free and removed most of the restrictions. However, the country’s top health official said at the time that there would inevitably be more cases as new arrivals entered the country. New Zealanders, their families, and particular essential workers are the only people currently permitted to enter the country. They must stay in government-run quarantine for two weeks, during which time they will be tested twice for the virus. The country has recorded less than 1,500 confirmed cases of Covid-19, and 22 deaths, after a strict and early national lockdown.

New Zealand records two cases of coronavirus in returning travellers

New Zealand said on Tuesday that it has two new cases of the coronavirus, both related to recent travel from the UK

New Zealand no longer COVID free, confirms two new cases

Artists in Syria, Britain, America, Germany, Pakistan, Kenya, and more countries are showing their solidarity towards the 'Black lives Matter' campaign by painting murals and graffiti of George Floyd as a tribute to him.

Graffiti in support of George floyd has popped us globally

Filming the sequel of James Cameron's sci-fi blockbuster 'Avatar' will bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars to New Zealand after it ended its coronavirus outbreak, the film's producer told media as production resumed on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/avatar-2-crew-resumes-shooting-in-new-zealand-opposition-calls-it-political-favoritism-303242" hreflang="en">Avatar 2 crew resumes shooting in New Zealand; opposition calls it political favoritism</a> 
 
The film`s crew, including director Cameron and producer Jon Landau, was given special permission to fly to New Zealand two weeks ago, even though its borders are closed to keep out the coronavirus, stirring some grumbling about unfair treatment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/avatar-2-james-cameron-teases-photos-videos-from-the-much-anticipated-sequel-272865" hreflang="en">Avatar 2: James Cameron teases photos, videos from the much-anticipated sequel</a> 
 
But Landau said New Zealand had much to gain. "This one product alone is going to hire 400 New Zealanders to work on it," Landau told 1News after coming out of a hotel in Wellington where he and his colleagues have been in quarantine since they arrived.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/james-camerons-avatar-2-has-a-budget-of-over-rs-7500-crore-making-it-the-most-expensive-film-298681" hreflang="en">James Cameron's 'Avatar 2' has a budget of over Rs 7500 crore, making it the most expensive film</a> 
 
"We're going to spend, in the next five months alone, over $70 million here," he said. Filming was suspended in March, shortly before New Zealand went into a strict coronavirus lockdown. 
 
The lockdown smothered the outbreak and last week, New Zealand lifted all restrictions except border controls after declaring it was free of the virus, one of the first countries in the world to return to pre-pandemic normality. 
 
Cameron, Landau and dozens of crew members working on the 'Avatar'&nbsp;sequel were allowed back on economic grounds, which critics said was unfair while families are still separated and businesses are struggling without key staff. 
 
The film is among a handful of productions getting going in New Zealand, which hopes to win more film business after its successful campaign against the coronavirus. "The opportunities are immense," Landau said. 
"We are just the wedge in the door that hopefully unlocks a lot for the economy.” 
New Zealand`s mountains, meadows and forests were made famous by "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and have drawn a growing number of major film productions over recent years.

Filming the sequel of James Cameron's sci-fi blockbuster 'Avatar' will bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars to New Zealand after it ended its coronavirus outbreak, the film's producer told media as production resumed on Monday.

Filming the sequel of James Cameron's sci-fi blockbuster 'Avatar' will bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars to New Zealand after it ended its coronavirus outbreak, the film's producer told media as production resumed on Monday. Also read: Avatar 2 crew resumes shooting in New Zealand; opposition calls it political favoritism The film`s crew, including director Cameron and producer Jon Landau, was given special permission to fly to New Zealand two weeks ago, even though its borders are closed to keep out the coronavirus, stirring some grumbling about unfair treatment. Also read: Avatar 2: James Cameron teases photos, videos from the much-anticipated sequel But Landau said New Zealand had much to gain. "This one product alone is going to hire 400 New Zealanders to work on it," Landau told 1News after coming out of a hotel in Wellington where he and his colleagues have been in quarantine since they arrived. Also read: James Cameron's 'Avatar 2' has a budget of over Rs 7500 crore, making it the most expensive film "We're going to spend, in the next five months alone, over $70 million here," he said. Filming was suspended in March, shortly before New Zealand went into a strict coronavirus lockdown. The lockdown smothered the outbreak and last week, New Zealand lifted all restrictions except border controls after declaring it was free of the virus, one of the first countries in the world to return to pre-pandemic normality. Cameron, Landau and dozens of crew members working on the 'Avatar' sequel were allowed back on economic grounds, which critics said was unfair while families are still separated and businesses are struggling without key staff. The film is among a handful of productions getting going in New Zealand, which hopes to win more film business after its successful campaign against the coronavirus. "The opportunities are immense," Landau said. "We are just the wedge in the door that hopefully unlocks a lot for the economy.” New Zealand`s mountains, meadows and forests were made famous by "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and have drawn a growing number of major film productions over recent years.

'Avatar' sequel resumes filming in coronavirus-free New Zealand

It is estimated that in total more than 20,000 people marched across New Zealand, with some 5,000 taking to the streets of Wellington.

BLM Protests: Thousands of protesters take a knee in Auckland

Thousands of people took the knee outside the US consulate in Auckland Sunday as New Zealanders demonstrated for a second week to support the Black Lives Matter movement and highlight local discrimination issues.

As Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us" played in the background, the protesters chanted "No justice, no peace" and "Ain't no power like the power of the people, because the power of the people don't stop".

In Wellington, more than 2,000 people marched on parliament after gathering in the city centre to hear speeches on racial bias within the police, New Zealand's high Maori imprisonment rates and the push to remove statues of colonisers.

The city of Hamilton has already torn down a statue of the colonial military commander it was named after following threats from anti-racism protesters to topple the bronze sculpture of Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton, who they accused of murder.

The protests are part of a worldwide movement following the killing in the United States of African-American man George Floyd who died after a white policeman knelt on his neck for several minutes.

"George Floyd doesn't have any more breaths left, it's our job to ensure that wasn't in vain," social justice activist Julia Whaipooti told the crowd in Auckland.

Auckland University social sciences professor Camille Nakhid said there was a "knee on the neck" of indigenous people and people of colour throughout New Zealand.

"We have longer waiting lines out of hospital. We are less likely to get medicines that we need... when they gentrify our neighbourhoods and we have to move to suburbs that have poor transportation, less access to employment, less access to healthcare, that is a knee on our necks," she added.

"Our indigenous people, our black people, our people of colour... we see you, we acknowledge you. Let us collectively put our arms around each other, embrace each other, and help push those damn knees off our necks."

Thousands of people took the knee outside the US consulate in Auckland Sunday as New Zealanders demonstrated for a second week to support the Black Lives Matter movement and highlight local discrimination issues.

Thousands of people took the knee outside the US consulate in Auckland Sunday as New Zealanders demonstrated for a second week to support the Black Lives Matter movement and highlight local discrimination issues. As Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us" played in the background, the protesters chanted "No justice, no peace" and "Ain't no power like the power of the people, because the power of the people don't stop". In Wellington, more than 2,000 people marched on parliament after gathering in the city centre to hear speeches on racial bias within the police, New Zealand's high Maori imprisonment rates and the push to remove statues of colonisers. The city of Hamilton has already torn down a statue of the colonial military commander it was named after following threats from anti-racism protesters to topple the bronze sculpture of Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton, who they accused of murder. The protests are part of a worldwide movement following the killing in the United States of African-American man George Floyd who died after a white policeman knelt on his neck for several minutes. "George Floyd doesn't have any more breaths left, it's our job to ensure that wasn't in vain," social justice activist Julia Whaipooti told the crowd in Auckland. Auckland University social sciences professor Camille Nakhid said there was a "knee on the neck" of indigenous people and people of colour throughout New Zealand. "We have longer waiting lines out of hospital. We are less likely to get medicines that we need... when they gentrify our neighbourhoods and we have to move to suburbs that have poor transportation, less access to employment, less access to healthcare, that is a knee on our necks," she added. "Our indigenous people, our black people, our people of colour... we see you, we acknowledge you. Let us collectively put our arms around each other, embrace each other, and help push those damn knees off our necks."

New Zealand protesters take knee outside US consulate

New Zealand has joined the list of countries that are removing statues in the wake of anti-racism protests as&nbsp;its city Hamilton brought down the statue of a colonial military commander.&nbsp;

A crane toppled the bronze sculpture of Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton on Friday morning after requests from local Maori and warnings from anti-racism demonstrators.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suppression-of-truth-triggers-violence-falling-statues-tell-a-story-305228">Suppression of truth triggers violence - falling statues tell a story</a>

A small group of people present there cheered as the statue was being pulled down.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/topple-the-racists-a-map-showing-all-of-the-racist-statues-in-britain-305219">'Topple the Racists': A map showing all of the 'racist' statues in Britain</a>

Hamilton City Council acknowledged that the treatment of the statue was part of an effort to get done with monuments, landmarks "which are seen to represent cultural disharmony and oppression".&nbsp;

"I know many people -– in fact, a growing number of people –- find the statue personally and culturally offensive," mayor Paula Southgate said.

"We can't ignore what is happening all over the world and nor should we. At a time when we are trying to build tolerance and understanding... I don't think the statue helps us to bridge those gaps."

Hamilton, a naval commander, fought indigenous Maori, who were defending their land against the British in the 19th century.

In 1864, Hamilton died at the Battle of Pukehinahina, after a group of Maori successfully defended themselves against British troops, despite being outnumbered.&nbsp;

Anti-racism protesters vowed to remove this statue that came into existence in 2013, with activist Taitimu Maipi calling Hamilton a murderer.

"How can we accept that he's a hero when he's a monster who led battles," Maipi had said, reported Waikato Times.&nbsp;

There has been a global outrage against statues and other monuments on names of people, who were seen as icons of slavey and oppression after the death of George Floyd, a black man, in the US while in police custody.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

New Zealand has joined the list of countries that are removing statues in the wake of anti-racism protests as its city Hamilton brought down the statue of a colonial military commander.

New Zealand has joined the list of countries that are removing statues in the wake of anti-racism protests as its city Hamilton brought down the statue of a colonial military commander. A crane toppled the bronze sculpture of Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton on Friday morning after requests from local Maori and warnings from anti-racism demonstrators. Also read | Suppression of truth triggers violence - falling statues tell a story A small group of people present there cheered as the statue was being pulled down. Also read | 'Topple the Racists': A map showing all of the 'racist' statues in Britain Hamilton City Council acknowledged that the treatment of the statue was part of an effort to get done with monuments, landmarks "which are seen to represent cultural disharmony and oppression". "I know many people -– in fact, a growing number of people –- find the statue personally and culturally offensive," mayor Paula Southgate said. "We can't ignore what is happening all over the world and nor should we. At a time when we are trying to build tolerance and understanding... I don't think the statue helps us to bridge those gaps." Hamilton, a naval commander, fought indigenous Maori, who were defending their land against the British in the 19th century. In 1864, Hamilton died at the Battle of Pukehinahina, after a group of Maori successfully defended themselves against British troops, despite being outnumbered. Anti-racism protesters vowed to remove this statue that came into existence in 2013, with activist Taitimu Maipi calling Hamilton a murderer. "How can we accept that he's a hero when he's a monster who led battles," Maipi had said, reported Waikato Times. There has been a global outrage against statues and other monuments on names of people, who were seen as icons of slavey and oppression after the death of George Floyd, a black man, in the US while in police custody.

New Zealand: Controversial colonist's statue brought down

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