The New Zealand military detonated two unattended bags near an Auckland railway station Friday, as the country was put on high alert following a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-attack-40-killed-in-terror-attack-says-pm-jacinda-ardern-203472">deadly terror attack on two mosques</a>.

"A short time ago Defence Force personnel carried out a controlled explosion of the bags as a precautionary measure," police said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Police can confirm the bags were not suspicious and contained scaffolding equipment."

Attacks on two Christchurch mosques left at least 40 dead Friday, with one gunman – identified as an Australian extremist -- apparently livestreaming the assault that triggered the lockdown of the New Zealand city.

Witnesses spoke of victims being shot at close range, with women and children also believed to be among those killed.

"It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack," said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, saying it marked "one of New Zealand's darkest days".&nbsp;

"From what we know, it does appear to have been well planned," she said, adding that in addition to the dead another 20 people were seriously injured.&nbsp;

The New Zealand military detonated two unattended bags near an Auckland railway station Friday, as the country was put on high alert following a deadly terror attack on two mosques.

The New Zealand military detonated two unattended bags near an Auckland railway station Friday, as the country was put on high alert following a deadly terror attack on two mosques. "A short time ago Defence Force personnel carried out a controlled explosion of the bags as a precautionary measure," police said in a statement. "Police can confirm the bags were not suspicious and contained scaffolding equipment." Attacks on two Christchurch mosques left at least 40 dead Friday, with one gunman – identified as an Australian extremist -- apparently livestreaming the assault that triggered the lockdown of the New Zealand city. Witnesses spoke of victims being shot at close range, with women and children also believed to be among those killed. "It is clear that this can now only be described as a terrorist attack," said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, saying it marked "one of New Zealand's darkest days". "From what we know, it does appear to have been well planned," she said, adding that in addition to the dead another 20 people were seriously injured.

New Zealand military detonate unattended bags in Auckland 'as a precaution'

A senior New Zealand government minister was assaulted in an early-morning street attack Thursday that left him with a black eye and shook up Wellington's normally laid-back political atmosphere.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw was walking to the parliament building known as the Beehive when a man punched him in the face in what his office described as an unprovoked attack.

While Shaw's office played down any political aspect to the assault, Trade Minister David Parker told reporters the attacker "was said to be shouting things out about the United Nations".

Shaw, who is Climate Change Minister and whose party is part of the ruling centre-left coalition, was not seriously injured.

His office said two members of the public helped him and he continued to parliament, attending a meeting before going to hospital for a precautionary check-up.

He suffered a black eye, telling stuff.co.nz "it looks worse than it is".

Police said a 47-year-old man was arrested and would appear in court Friday charged with injuring with intent.

Political violence is practically unheard of in New Zealand, a nation of about 4.5 million where most government ministers do not have a regular security detail.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that "in New Zealand, you just don't expect these things to happen".

"We have an environment in New Zealand where politicians are accessible, and that's something we should feel proud of," she told reporters.&nbsp;

"We are after all, here to serve people. But today's events really show we cannot take that for granted."

Wellington mayor Justin Lester said it was "a sad day for democracy".

"This is outrageous behaviour and if undertaken by a Wellingtonian, shameful," he tweeted.

"Elected representatives of all hues show courage to represent New Zealanders and we are lucky to have unparalleled access to them."

There was condemnation from across the political spectrum, with the leader of the conservative National Party Simon Bridges tweeting: "Violence is never OK."&nbsp;

Ardern said Shaw had told her he was doing fine" and she had told him to take whatever time off he needed to recover.

A senior New Zealand government minister was assaulted in an early-morning street attack Thursday that left him with a black eye and shook up Wellington's normally laid-back political atmosphere.

A senior New Zealand government minister was assaulted in an early-morning street attack Thursday that left him with a black eye and shook up Wellington's normally laid-back political atmosphere. Green Party co-leader James Shaw was walking to the parliament building known as the Beehive when a man punched him in the face in what his office described as an unprovoked attack. While Shaw's office played down any political aspect to the assault, Trade Minister David Parker told reporters the attacker "was said to be shouting things out about the United Nations". Shaw, who is Climate Change Minister and whose party is part of the ruling centre-left coalition, was not seriously injured. His office said two members of the public helped him and he continued to parliament, attending a meeting before going to hospital for a precautionary check-up. He suffered a black eye, telling stuff.co.nz "it looks worse than it is". Police said a 47-year-old man was arrested and would appear in court Friday charged with injuring with intent. Political violence is practically unheard of in New Zealand, a nation of about 4.5 million where most government ministers do not have a regular security detail. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that "in New Zealand, you just don't expect these things to happen". "We have an environment in New Zealand where politicians are accessible, and that's something we should feel proud of," she told reporters. "We are after all, here to serve people. But today's events really show we cannot take that for granted." Wellington mayor Justin Lester said it was "a sad day for democracy". "This is outrageous behaviour and if undertaken by a Wellingtonian, shameful," he tweeted. "Elected representatives of all hues show courage to represent New Zealanders and we are lucky to have unparalleled access to them." There was condemnation from across the political spectrum, with the leader of the conservative National Party Simon Bridges tweeting: "Violence is never OK." Ardern said Shaw had told her he was doing fine" and she had told him to take whatever time off he needed to recover.

New Zealand climate minister punched in the face

A double ton from Ross Taylor and three quick Bangladesh wickets Monday put New Zealand in a prime position to pull off an exceptional victory in the rain-shortened second Test in Wellington.&nbsp;

At stumps on day four at Basin Reserve, where the first two days were washed out, Bangladesh were hurting at 80 for three, still 141 from making New Zealand bat again.&nbsp;

"We didn't play the first two days. If the result goes against us, we will feel bad," Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said.&nbsp;

Taylor, dropped twice on 20, proceeded to punish the Bangladesh attack with a rollicking 200 from 212 balls before New Zealand declared at 432 for six.

He said he was determined to make the most of his two lives but it took a while to realise 200 was on the cards.&nbsp;

"If you'd told me that at the start of the day, especially how the first 10 overs went, I would have said 'you're kidding'," he said.

"I thought 'well my luck's got to change sooner or later let's make it pay'.

"The game situation, being a three-day Test, we had to be a bit more proactive and score quickly and try first of all to get a lead and try to build it up as quick as possible to give our bowlers a bit of a chance."

Bangladesh made a disastrous start to their second innings when Tamim, their leading run-scorer,&nbsp;was out for four.

Mominul Haque followed for 10 and Shadman Islam for 29 leaving Mohammad Mithun on 25 with Soumya Sarkar not out 12.

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Aggressive batting from Taylor, Williamson and Nicholls was backed up by the bowlers as Bangladesh slumped to 80/3 in Wellington. They are 141 runs behind, still needing to bat out three sessions to force a draw.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvBAN</a> Day 4 REPORT 👇 <a href="https://t.co/licgcEG9LN">https://t.co/licgcEG9LN</a> <a href="https://t.co/pWXpVPVMlh">pic.twitter.com/pWXpVPVMlh</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1104990970175807488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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New Zealand have declared on 432/6, with a 216-run stand between Taylor and Nicholls putting them in a dominant position in the second Test. They lead by 221 runs. 
 
Can they bowl Bangladesh out again to seal the series? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvBAN</a> LIVE 👇 <a href="https://t.co/wNPrqlEakw">https://t.co/wNPrqlEakw</a> <a href="https://t.co/VfKzusYiD3">pic.twitter.com/VfKzusYiD3</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1104953972685762561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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'It is hurting us'

Tamim said letting Taylor off the hook early really hurt.

"It was sad that we dropped catches of someone, twice in the same over, who went to hit a double-hundred," he said.

"They ended up scoring five an over. It is hurting us."

New Zealand piled on 394 runs in 73 overs on Monday before sending Bangladesh back in for 23 overs before stumps.

Taylor clouted Taijul Islam for six over the long-on boundary to bring up his century which took him past his mentor, the late Martin Crowe, to become New Zealand's second most prolific century-maker with 18, two behind Kane Williamson.

He put on 172 with Williamson for the third wicket and then 216 with Henry Nicholls for the fourth.

But after reaching 200 for the third time in his career, and raising his bat in salute, he was dismissed from the next ball he faced, caught behind off Mustafizur.

Williamson, who batted with a painful shoulder injury, made it through to 74 before he was dismissed and taken for a scan which proved inconclusive.&nbsp;He will have a second scan on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

Nicholls swept Taijul Islam to the boundary to bring up his fifth century in the second over after tea, but only faced another seven deliveries before Taijul bowled him for 107.

Mahmudullah had varied his attack as best he could but for most of the day Taylor, Nicholls and Williamson had an answer for every move.&nbsp;

Apart from the two dropped catches off Abu Jayed in the third over, the raw Bangladesh seamers, with only 17 Tests between, them were unable to make full use of the green strip.

When they failed to make inroads, spinners Taijul and Mominul Haque were called on to stem the run flow.

Although Taijul removed Williamson and Nicholls, his two wickets cost 99 runs.

A double ton from Ross Taylor and three quick Bangladesh wickets Monday put New Zealand in a prime position to pull off an exceptional victory in the rain-shortened second Test in Wellington.

A double ton from Ross Taylor and three quick Bangladesh wickets Monday put New Zealand in a prime position to pull off an exceptional victory in the rain-shortened second Test in Wellington. At stumps on day four at Basin Reserve, where the first two days were washed out, Bangladesh were hurting at 80 for three, still 141 from making New Zealand bat again. "We didn't play the first two days. If the result goes against us, we will feel bad," Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said. Taylor, dropped twice on 20, proceeded to punish the Bangladesh attack with a rollicking 200 from 212 balls before New Zealand declared at 432 for six. He said he was determined to make the most of his two lives but it took a while to realise 200 was on the cards. "If you'd told me that at the start of the day, especially how the first 10 overs went, I would have said 'you're kidding'," he said. "I thought 'well my luck's got to change sooner or later let's make it pay'. "The game situation, being a three-day Test, we had to be a bit more proactive and score quickly and try first of all to get a lead and try to build it up as quick as possible to give our bowlers a bit of a chance." Bangladesh made a disastrous start to their second innings when Tamim, their leading run-scorer, was out for four. Mominul Haque followed for 10 and Shadman Islam for 29 leaving Mohammad Mithun on 25 with Soumya Sarkar not out 12. Aggressive batting from Taylor, Williamson and Nicholls was backed up by the bowlers as Bangladesh slumped to 80/3 in Wellington. They are 141 runs behind, still needing to bat out three sessions to force a draw.#NZvBAN Day 4 REPORT 👇 https://t.co/licgcEG9LN pic.twitter.com/pWXpVPVMlh — ICC (@ICC) March 11, 2019 × New Zealand have declared on 432/6, with a 216-run stand between Taylor and Nicholls putting them in a dominant position in the second Test. They lead by 221 runs. Can they bowl Bangladesh out again to seal the series? #NZvBAN LIVE 👇 https://t.co/wNPrqlEakw pic.twitter.com/VfKzusYiD3 — ICC (@ICC) March 11, 2019 × 'It is hurting us' Tamim said letting Taylor off the hook early really hurt. "It was sad that we dropped catches of someone, twice in the same over, who went to hit a double-hundred," he said. "They ended up scoring five an over. It is hurting us." New Zealand piled on 394 runs in 73 overs on Monday before sending Bangladesh back in for 23 overs before stumps. Taylor clouted Taijul Islam for six over the long-on boundary to bring up his century which took him past his mentor, the late Martin Crowe, to become New Zealand's second most prolific century-maker with 18, two behind Kane Williamson. He put on 172 with Williamson for the third wicket and then 216 with Henry Nicholls for the fourth. But after reaching 200 for the third time in his career, and raising his bat in salute, he was dismissed from the next ball he faced, caught behind off Mustafizur. Williamson, who batted with a painful shoulder injury, made it through to 74 before he was dismissed and taken for a scan which proved inconclusive. He will have a second scan on Tuesday morning. Nicholls swept Taijul Islam to the boundary to bring up his fifth century in the second over after tea, but only faced another seven deliveries before Taijul bowled him for 107. Mahmudullah had varied his attack as best he could but for most of the day Taylor, Nicholls and Williamson had an answer for every move. Apart from the two dropped catches off Abu Jayed in the third over, the raw Bangladesh seamers, with only 17 Tests between, them were unable to make full use of the green strip. When they failed to make inroads, spinners Taijul and Mominul Haque were called on to stem the run flow. Although Taijul removed Williamson and Nicholls, his two wickets cost 99 runs.

NZvsBAN, 2nd Test: Ross Taylor's double ton raises New Zealand victory hopes in rain-hit Test

VVS Laxman picks his four teams for World Cup 2019 semi finals

New Zealand Parliament today unanimously passed a motion moved by Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-russia-france-condemns-pulwama-terror-attack-197481">condemning the terror attack</a> on India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jammu &amp; Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

New Zealand's Deputy PM Winston Peters said, ''I move the motion that this House condemns February 14 act of terrorism on Indian CRPF leading to large loss of life. We express solidarity with GoI at this difficult time as well as offer our deep sympathies to those affected.''

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New Zealand Dy PM Winston Peters in New Zealand Parliament: I move the motion that this House condemn Feb 14 act of terrorism on Indian CRPF leading to large loss of life. We express solidarity with GoI at this difficult time as well as offer our deep sympathies to those affected <a href="https://t.co/VJB5e5N3ZF">https://t.co/VJB5e5N3ZF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1098110985674608641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Many other nations like US, Russia, France and more have strongly condemned the Pulwama terror attack.

The response in the neighbouring countries was also quick.&nbsp;

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus ferrying CRPF jawans on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama killing over 40 people.

The mastermind of the Pulwama attack on Monday was killed in an encounter in the Pinglan area of Pulwama.&nbsp;

New Zealand Parliament today unanimously passed a motion moved by Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters condemning the terror attack on India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jammu & Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

New Zealand Parliament today unanimously passed a motion moved by Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters condemning the terror attack on India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jammu & Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. New Zealand's Deputy PM Winston Peters said, ''I move the motion that this House condemns February 14 act of terrorism on Indian CRPF leading to large loss of life. We express solidarity with GoI at this difficult time as well as offer our deep sympathies to those affected.'' New Zealand Dy PM Winston Peters in New Zealand Parliament: I move the motion that this House condemn Feb 14 act of terrorism on Indian CRPF leading to large loss of life. We express solidarity with GoI at this difficult time as well as offer our deep sympathies to those affected https://t.co/VJB5e5N3ZF — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2019 × Many other nations like US, Russia, France and more have strongly condemned the Pulwama terror attack. The response in the neighbouring countries was also quick. A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus ferrying CRPF jawans on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama killing over 40 people. The mastermind of the Pulwama attack on Monday was killed in an encounter in the Pinglan area of Pulwama.

New Zealand parliament unanimously condemns Pulwama terror attack

Ross Taylor on Wednesday became New Zealand's highest scorer in one-day internationals as he helped his side secure an 88-run victory over Bangladesh in the third and final 50-over game in Dunedin.&nbsp;

The 34-year-old top-scored with 69, his 47th ODI half-century, to move to 8,026 career runs and ahead of former captain Stephen Fleming's 8,007 as New Zealand scored 330 for six at University Oval.

Tim Southee then took three wickets in his first two overs with Sabbir Rahman's maiden one-day century not enough as Bangladesh were dismissed for 242 in 47.2 overs to give New Zealand a 3-0 series sweep.&nbsp;

Southee finished with figures 6-65.

"I knew I was close at the start of the day ... but that was only because I was told I was 50 runs away by a journalist yesterday," Taylor told Sky Sports on Wednesday.

"It was nice to get the reception I got," he added of the standing ovation he received when he reached 51 and the crowd were told of the significance of the score. "Very humbling."

The right-handed batsman, who now has an average of 48.34, however, said he did not expect to hold the record for too long.

"It's nice to set the bar for the next guy," Taylor added. "Probably Guppy (Martin Guptill) and then Kane (Williamson) after that."

Guptill, who scored centuries in each of the first two games, has 6440 runs at 43.51, while captain Williamson has 5554 at 45.90.

Taylor has scored 2892 at 68.85 with eight centuries since the last World Cup and averaged 91.28 last year. &nbsp;

New Zealand have no more official ODIs before the World Cup that starts on May 30, but Taylor said he felt they had learned enough from 3-0 series sweeps against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and a 4-1 loss to India to be competitive in England.

Ross Taylor on Wednesday became New Zealand's highest scorer in one-day internationals as he helped his side secure an 88-run victory over Bangladesh in the third and final 50-over game in Dunedin.

Ross Taylor on Wednesday became New Zealand's highest scorer in one-day internationals as he helped his side secure an 88-run victory over Bangladesh in the third and final 50-over game in Dunedin. The 34-year-old top-scored with 69, his 47th ODI half-century, to move to 8,026 career runs and ahead of former captain Stephen Fleming's 8,007 as New Zealand scored 330 for six at University Oval. Tim Southee then took three wickets in his first two overs with Sabbir Rahman's maiden one-day century not enough as Bangladesh were dismissed for 242 in 47.2 overs to give New Zealand a 3-0 series sweep. Southee finished with figures 6-65. "I knew I was close at the start of the day ... but that was only because I was told I was 50 runs away by a journalist yesterday," Taylor told Sky Sports on Wednesday. "It was nice to get the reception I got," he added of the standing ovation he received when he reached 51 and the crowd were told of the significance of the score. "Very humbling." The right-handed batsman, who now has an average of 48.34, however, said he did not expect to hold the record for too long. "It's nice to set the bar for the next guy," Taylor added. "Probably Guppy (Martin Guptill) and then Kane (Williamson) after that." Guptill, who scored centuries in each of the first two games, has 6440 runs at 43.51, while captain Williamson has 5554 at 45.90. Taylor has scored 2892 at 68.85 with eight centuries since the last World Cup and averaged 91.28 last year. New Zealand have no more official ODIs before the World Cup that starts on May 30, but Taylor said he felt they had learned enough from 3-0 series sweeps against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and a 4-1 loss to India to be competitive in England.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh in 3rd ODI to claim series; Taylor becomes Kiwis' highest run scorer in ODIs

WION Gravitas: Why did New Zealand change its stance on Huawei?

New Zealand said on Monday that it plans to update its laws so it can tax revenue earned by multinational digital firms such as Google, Facebook and Amazon, extending a global effort to bring global tech giants into the tax net.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the cabinet had agreed to issue a discussion document about how to update the country's tax framework to ensure multinational companies pay their fair share.

"Our current tax system is not fair in the way it treats individual taxpayers, and how it treats multinationals," Ardern told reporters at her weekly post-cabinet news conference.

Highly digitalised companies, such as those offering social media networks, trading platforms, and online advertising, currently earn a significant income from New Zealand consumers without being liable for income tax, the government said in a statement released after the announcement.

The value of cross-border digital services in New Zealand is estimated to be around $1.86 billion.

The revenue estimate for a digital services tax is between NZ$30 million and NZ$80 million, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in the statement.

Digital services taxes (DST) are generally charged at a flat rate of two to three per cent on the gross revenue earned by a multinational company in that country.

A number of countries including the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Austria and India have enacted or announced plans for a DST. The EU and Australia are also consulting on a DST.

Officials will now finalise the New Zealand discussion document on the matter, which is likely to be publicly released by May 2019.

New Zealand said on Monday that it plans to update its laws so it can tax revenue earned by multinational digital firms such as Google, Facebook and Amazon, extending a global effort to bring global tech giants into the tax net.

New Zealand said on Monday that it plans to update its laws so it can tax revenue earned by multinational digital firms such as Google, Facebook and Amazon, extending a global effort to bring global tech giants into the tax net. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the cabinet had agreed to issue a discussion document about how to update the country's tax framework to ensure multinational companies pay their fair share. "Our current tax system is not fair in the way it treats individual taxpayers, and how it treats multinationals," Ardern told reporters at her weekly post-cabinet news conference. Highly digitalised companies, such as those offering social media networks, trading platforms, and online advertising, currently earn a significant income from New Zealand consumers without being liable for income tax, the government said in a statement released after the announcement. The value of cross-border digital services in New Zealand is estimated to be around $1.86 billion. The revenue estimate for a digital services tax is between NZ$30 million and NZ$80 million, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in the statement. Digital services taxes (DST) are generally charged at a flat rate of two to three per cent on the gross revenue earned by a multinational company in that country. A number of countries including the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Austria and India have enacted or announced plans for a DST. The EU and Australia are also consulting on a DST. Officials will now finalise the New Zealand discussion document on the matter, which is likely to be publicly released by May 2019.

New Zealand to target online giants with digital tax

New Zealand will independently assess the risk of using China's Huawei Technologies in 5G networks, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday after a report suggested that British precautions could be used by other nations.

Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and US-led allegations that its equipment could be used by Beijing for spying.

No evidence has been produced publicly and the firm has repeatedly denied the allegations, which have led several Western countries to restrict Huawei's access to their markets.

The Financial Times reported on Sunday that the British government had decided it can mitigate the risks arising from the use of Huawei equipment in 5G networks. It said Britain's conclusion would "carry great weight" with European leaders and other nations could use similar precautions.

New Zealand's intelligence agency in November rejected an initial request from telecommunications services provider Spark to use 5G equipment provided by Huawei.

At the time, the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) gave Spark options to mitigate national security concerns over the use of Huawei equipment, Ardern said on Monday.

"The ball is now in their court," she told a weekly news conference.

Ardern said New Zealand, which is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network that includes the United Kingdom and the United States, would conduct its own assessment.

"I would expect the GCSB to apply with our legislation and our own security assessments. It is fair to say Five Eyes, of course, share information but we make our own independent decisions," she said.

Huawei New Zealand did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Spark said it was in discussions with GCSB officials.

"We are working through what possible mitigations we might be able to provide to address the concerns raised by the GCSB and have not yet made any decision on whether or when we should submit a revised proposal to GCSB," Spark spokesman Andrew Pirie said in an emailed statement.

The Huawei decision, along with the government's tougher stance on China's growing influence in the Pacific, has some politicians and foreign policy analysts worried about potential strained ties with a key trading partner.

Ardern's planned first visit to Beijing has faced scheduling issues, and China last week postponed a major tourism campaign in New Zealand days before its launch.

Ardern said her government's relationship with China was strong despite some complex issues.

"Visits are not a measure of the health of a relationship they are only one small part of it," she said, adding that trade and tourism ties remained strong.

New Zealand will independently assess the risk of using China's Huawei Technologies in 5G networks, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday after a report suggested that British precautions could be used by other nations.

New Zealand will independently assess the risk of using China's Huawei Technologies in 5G networks, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday after a report suggested that British precautions could be used by other nations. Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and US-led allegations that its equipment could be used by Beijing for spying. No evidence has been produced publicly and the firm has repeatedly denied the allegations, which have led several Western countries to restrict Huawei's access to their markets. The Financial Times reported on Sunday that the British government had decided it can mitigate the risks arising from the use of Huawei equipment in 5G networks. It said Britain's conclusion would "carry great weight" with European leaders and other nations could use similar precautions. New Zealand's intelligence agency in November rejected an initial request from telecommunications services provider Spark to use 5G equipment provided by Huawei. At the time, the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) gave Spark options to mitigate national security concerns over the use of Huawei equipment, Ardern said on Monday. "The ball is now in their court," she told a weekly news conference. Ardern said New Zealand, which is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network that includes the United Kingdom and the United States, would conduct its own assessment. "I would expect the GCSB to apply with our legislation and our own security assessments. It is fair to say Five Eyes, of course, share information but we make our own independent decisions," she said. Huawei New Zealand did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Spark said it was in discussions with GCSB officials. "We are working through what possible mitigations we might be able to provide to address the concerns raised by the GCSB and have not yet made any decision on whether or when we should submit a revised proposal to GCSB," Spark spokesman Andrew Pirie said in an emailed statement. The Huawei decision, along with the government's tougher stance on China's growing influence in the Pacific, has some politicians and foreign policy analysts worried about potential strained ties with a key trading partner. Ardern's planned first visit to Beijing has faced scheduling issues, and China last week postponed a major tourism campaign in New Zealand days before its launch. Ardern said her government's relationship with China was strong despite some complex issues. "Visits are not a measure of the health of a relationship they are only one small part of it," she said, adding that trade and tourism ties remained strong.

New Zealand will conduct own assessment of Huawei equipment risk: PM Ardern

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