The New Zealand cricket team have secured another test series victory after the second Test was called off as a draw.

Williamson and Taylor had registered their centuries and safely guided their team to a draw to claim the series 1-0 against England after their victory in Mount Maunganui.

New Zealand won the first Test by an innings and 65 runs.

The weather turned sour soon after lunch on the fifth day when New Zealand, having taken advantage of some sloppy fielding, were 241 for two in their second innings, 140 ahead with Taylor on 105 and Williamson on 104.

With the weather denying England a second turn at bat, it ensured New Zealand's series win after their innings victory in the first Test, and improved their record to eight wins, a draw and one loss (to South Africa) in their past 10 series.

Williamson brought up his 21st Test century with a four off Joe Root in the third over after lunch, while Taylor reached century number 19 with a flourish in Root's next over when he smacked a four and two sixes in consecutive balls.&nbsp;

Two balls after Taylor had raised his bat and poked his tongue out in his signature celebration, the rain arrived to wash out England's faint hope of forcing a result although that chance had already been damaged by dropped catches.&nbsp;

New Zealand resumed the day at 96 for two with England hunting early wickets but their plans went off track when Ollie Pope and Joe Denly spilled simple chances from Williamson.&nbsp;

The New Zealand skipper was on 39 when wicketkeeper Pope put down a regulation offering off the gloves, much to bowler Ben Stokes annoyance, and on 62 Denly inexplicably dropped an even easier chance.&nbsp;

Williamson gently chipped a slower delivery from Jofra Archer straight to Denly at short midwicket and, as the bowler leapt in celebration and Williamson made an apologetic gesture to Taylor, the ball popped out of Denly's hands.&nbsp;

It drew instant comparisons on social media to the widely regarded worst dropped catch in Test history when England's Mike Gatting put down a sitter off the gloves of India batsman Kiran More in 1993.&nbsp;

Williamson had another life when he should have been run out on 97 but Sam Curran's shy at the stumps was so far off line that the batsmen picked up an extra run.

Even without the rain, Joe Root's chances of pulling off victory seemed very remote as the England bowlers toiled with an ageing ball on an unresponsive wicket.

The one positive for the England captain was his return to form with a double century and man-of-the-match award after a year of averaging below 30 to give him confidence heading into a four-Test tour of South Africa.

New Zealand, meanwhile, head to Australia on Saturday for a three-Test series with the 1-0 win over England cementing their number two world ranking behind India.

The completed scoreboard in the second Test between New Zealand and England in Hamilton on Tuesday:

New Zealand 1st innings 375 (T. Latham 105, D. Mitchell 73, B. Watling 55, R. Taylor 53; Broad 4-73, Woakes 3-83)

England 1st innings 476 (J. Root 226, R. Burns 101, O. Pope 75; Wagner 5-124)

New Zealand 2nd innings (overnight 96-2) 
T. Latham c Root b Woakes 18 
J. Raval lbw b Curran 0 
K. Williamson not out 104 
R. Taylor not out 105 
Extras (b2, lb3, w3, nb1, pen5) 14 
Total (for two wkts, 75 overs) 241 
Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Raval), 2-28 (Latham)

Bowling: Broad 9-0-28-0, Curran 16-2-56-1 (2w), Archer 12-1-27-0, Woakes 11-4-12-1, Stokes 14-1-58-0 (1w, 1nb), Denly 9-1-27-0, Root 4-1-23-0

Toss: England 
Result: Match drawn 
Series: New Zealand win 1-0 
Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Paul Wilson (AUS) 
TV Umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) 
Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)

(With inputs from AFP)

The New Zealand cricket team have secured another test series victory after the second Test was called off as a draw. Williamson and Taylor had registered their centuries and safely guided their team to a draw to claim the series 1-0 against England after their victory in Mount Maunganui.

The New Zealand cricket team have secured another test series victory after the second Test was called off as a draw. Williamson and Taylor had registered their centuries and safely guided their team to a draw to claim the series 1-0 against England after their victory in Mount Maunganui. New Zealand won the first Test by an innings and 65 runs. The weather turned sour soon after lunch on the fifth day when New Zealand, having taken advantage of some sloppy fielding, were 241 for two in their second innings, 140 ahead with Taylor on 105 and Williamson on 104. With the weather denying England a second turn at bat, it ensured New Zealand's series win after their innings victory in the first Test, and improved their record to eight wins, a draw and one loss (to South Africa) in their past 10 series. Williamson brought up his 21st Test century with a four off Joe Root in the third over after lunch, while Taylor reached century number 19 with a flourish in Root's next over when he smacked a four and two sixes in consecutive balls. Two balls after Taylor had raised his bat and poked his tongue out in his signature celebration, the rain arrived to wash out England's faint hope of forcing a result although that chance had already been damaged by dropped catches. New Zealand resumed the day at 96 for two with England hunting early wickets but their plans went off track when Ollie Pope and Joe Denly spilled simple chances from Williamson. The New Zealand skipper was on 39 when wicketkeeper Pope put down a regulation offering off the gloves, much to bowler Ben Stokes annoyance, and on 62 Denly inexplicably dropped an even easier chance. Williamson gently chipped a slower delivery from Jofra Archer straight to Denly at short midwicket and, as the bowler leapt in celebration and Williamson made an apologetic gesture to Taylor, the ball popped out of Denly's hands. It drew instant comparisons on social media to the widely regarded worst dropped catch in Test history when England's Mike Gatting put down a sitter off the gloves of India batsman Kiran More in 1993. Williamson had another life when he should have been run out on 97 but Sam Curran's shy at the stumps was so far off line that the batsmen picked up an extra run. Even without the rain, Joe Root's chances of pulling off victory seemed very remote as the England bowlers toiled with an ageing ball on an unresponsive wicket. The one positive for the England captain was his return to form with a double century and man-of-the-match award after a year of averaging below 30 to give him confidence heading into a four-Test tour of South Africa. New Zealand, meanwhile, head to Australia on Saturday for a three-Test series with the 1-0 win over England cementing their number two world ranking behind India. The completed scoreboard in the second Test between New Zealand and England in Hamilton on Tuesday: New Zealand 1st innings 375 (T. Latham 105, D. Mitchell 73, B. Watling 55, R. Taylor 53; Broad 4-73, Woakes 3-83) England 1st innings 476 (J. Root 226, R. Burns 101, O. Pope 75; Wagner 5-124) New Zealand 2nd innings (overnight 96-2) T. Latham c Root b Woakes 18 J. Raval lbw b Curran 0 K. Williamson not out 104 R. Taylor not out 105 Extras (b2, lb3, w3, nb1, pen5) 14 Total (for two wkts, 75 overs) 241 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Raval), 2-28 (Latham) Bowling: Broad 9-0-28-0, Curran 16-2-56-1 (2w), Archer 12-1-27-0, Woakes 11-4-12-1, Stokes 14-1-58-0 (1w, 1nb), Denly 9-1-27-0, Root 4-1-23-0 Toss: England Result: Match drawn Series: New Zealand win 1-0 Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Paul Wilson (AUS) TV Umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (IND) (With inputs from AFP)

New Zealand draw second test with England, win series

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-gun-owners-protest-over-tightening-of-laws-265383">New&nbsp;Zealand</a>&nbsp;moved to&nbsp;ban&nbsp;large&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;political&nbsp;donations&nbsp;and misleading social media advertisements Tuesday amid concerns about offshore interference in next year's general election.

Justice Minister Andrew Little said the move,&nbsp;which bars&nbsp;donations&nbsp;over NZ$50 (US$33),&nbsp;was aimed at protecting&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's democracy from a growing international threat.

"We need to protect the integrity of our elections. These changes will reduce the risk of&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;money influencing our election outcomes," he said.

"We don't want our elections to go the way of recent overseas examples where&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;interference appears to have been at play."

Little did not say which countries prompted the&nbsp;ban&nbsp;but experts have consistently pointed the finger at China.

"It's in China's interest to extend influence in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand, there's nothing wrong with that,&nbsp;that's what great powers do," Rodney Jones, a&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;economist based in Beijing told Newshub earlier this year.

"It's up to us. We need to set boundaries well ahead of time."

US intelligence says&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;interference played a major part in the 2016 American presidential election and a Canadian intelligence report this year found cyber-attackers targeted half the national elections held in major democracies in 2018.

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;goes to the polls in late 2020, when centre-left Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will seek a second term. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Under existing laws,&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;political&nbsp;donations&nbsp;in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;are capped at NZ$1,500 (US$975), although some say loopholes effectively raise the threshold to NZ$30,000.

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;limit for&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;or anonymous&nbsp;donations&nbsp;will be NZ$50.

"There's no need for anyone other than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/air-new-zealand-named-top-carrier-globally-in-annual-airline-awards-264722">New&nbsp;Zealanders</a> to donate to our&nbsp;political&nbsp;parties or seek to influence our elections," Little said.

The changes also require online&nbsp;political&nbsp;advertisements to contain details about their creators, which Little said was aimed at stopping the "avalanche of fake news social media ads" seen during overseas elections.

"Anonymous online advertisements aimed at interfering with our democracy will be prohibited," he said.&nbsp;

"If someone wants to advertise online they need to say who they are, the same as if the ad&nbsp;was published in a newspaper."

New&nbsp;Zealand's spy chief raised concerns about&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;political&nbsp;donations&nbsp;during a rare public appearance at a parliamentary committee hearing in April.

"In broad terms, I can say that we have seen activities by state actors that concern us," &nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;Security Intelligence Service director-general Rebecca Kitteridge said.

The measures must now pass parliament, where the governing coalition has a majority.

New Zealand moved to ban large foreign political donations and misleading social media advertisements Tuesday amid concerns about offshore interference in next year's general election.

New Zealand moved to ban large foreign political donations and misleading social media advertisements Tuesday amid concerns about offshore interference in next year's general election. Justice Minister Andrew Little said the move, which bars donations over NZ$50 (US$33), was aimed at protecting New Zealand's democracy from a growing international threat. "We need to protect the integrity of our elections. These changes will reduce the risk of foreign money influencing our election outcomes," he said. "We don't want our elections to go the way of recent overseas examples where foreign interference appears to have been at play." Little did not say which countries prompted the ban but experts have consistently pointed the finger at China. "It's in China's interest to extend influence in New Zealand, there's nothing wrong with that, that's what great powers do," Rodney Jones, a New Zealand economist based in Beijing told Newshub earlier this year. "It's up to us. We need to set boundaries well ahead of time." US intelligence says foreign interference played a major part in the 2016 American presidential election and a Canadian intelligence report this year found cyber-attackers targeted half the national elections held in major democracies in 2018. New Zealand goes to the polls in late 2020, when centre-left Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will seek a second term. Under existing laws, foreign political donations in New Zealand are capped at NZ$1,500 (US$975), although some say loopholes effectively raise the threshold to NZ$30,000. The new limit for foreign or anonymous donations will be NZ$50. "There's no need for anyone other than New Zealanders to donate to our political parties or seek to influence our elections," Little said. The changes also require online political advertisements to contain details about their creators, which Little said was aimed at stopping the "avalanche of fake news social media ads" seen during overseas elections. "Anonymous online advertisements aimed at interfering with our democracy will be prohibited," he said. "If someone wants to advertise online they need to say who they are, the same as if the ad was published in a newspaper." New Zealand's spy chief raised concerns about foreign political donations during a rare public appearance at a parliamentary committee hearing in April. "In broad terms, I can say that we have seen activities by state actors that concern us," New Zealand Security Intelligence Service director-general Rebecca Kitteridge said. The measures must now pass parliament, where the governing coalition has a majority.

New Zealand to ban foreign political donations over $33

Nearly 50 firearm owners protested against the tightening of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-tightens-gun-laws-again-after-mosque-massacre-249384">gun laws </a>in the wake of mosque shootings in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/accused-christchurch-gunman-to-face-50-murder-charges-nz-police-207812">Christchurch </a>this year that killed 51 worshippers.

As per media reports, the gun owners staged a protest at a gun buy-back event on Saturday in Auckland, where they held placards with slogans including "This bill hurts ordinary Kiwis!" and "Be safe: reject arms bill".&nbsp;

The government is seeking to pass legislation that intends stricter vetting of firearm owners and creating a gun register, among other changes. In April, the Parliament passed almost unanimously laws that will restrict the use and circulation of most of the semi-automatic guns.&nbsp;

The legislation also extends the jail term for supplying firearms to an unlicensed person from three months to two years, as well as as tightening gun importation and sales.&nbsp;

Police are given the power to decide whether someone is "fit and proper" to hold a license, with excluding anyone promoting extrmism, convicted of violent crime or dealing with mental health challenges including an attempt to suicide.&nbsp;

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has earned global praise for her work of controlling gun use, however, domestically, she is facing a lot of pressure, as the elections are approaching, from the federal opposition National Party, gun lobby groups and ordinary citizens over the legislation introduced in September.&nbsp;

Victoria O'Brien, a national shooting champion, said that destroying guns being bought back and destroyed had cultural significance, according to a New Zealand website.&nbsp;

"There is a desecration of New Zealand history going on, we're talking World War I, World War II guns," O'Brien said.

"We want them to stop and actually target the illegal possession of firearms," she said, asking the government to put reforms to hold.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Nearly 50 firearm owners protested against the tightening of gun laws in the wake of mosque shootings in Christchurch this year that killed 51 worshippers. As per media reports, the gun owners staged a protest at a gun buy-back event on Saturday in Auckland, where they held placards with slogans including "This bill hurts ordinary Kiwis!

Nearly 50 firearm owners protested against the tightening of gun laws in the wake of mosque shootings in Christchurch this year that killed 51 worshippers. As per media reports, the gun owners staged a protest at a gun buy-back event on Saturday in Auckland, where they held placards with slogans including "This bill hurts ordinary Kiwis!" and "Be safe: reject arms bill". The government is seeking to pass legislation that intends stricter vetting of firearm owners and creating a gun register, among other changes. In April, the Parliament passed almost unanimously laws that will restrict the use and circulation of most of the semi-automatic guns. The legislation also extends the jail term for supplying firearms to an unlicensed person from three months to two years, as well as as tightening gun importation and sales. Police are given the power to decide whether someone is "fit and proper" to hold a license, with excluding anyone promoting extrmism, convicted of violent crime or dealing with mental health challenges including an attempt to suicide. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has earned global praise for her work of controlling gun use, however, domestically, she is facing a lot of pressure, as the elections are approaching, from the federal opposition National Party, gun lobby groups and ordinary citizens over the legislation introduced in September. Victoria O'Brien, a national shooting champion, said that destroying guns being bought back and destroyed had cultural significance, according to a New Zealand website. "There is a desecration of New Zealand history going on, we're talking World War I, World War II guns," O'Brien said. "We want them to stop and actually target the illegal possession of firearms," she said, asking the government to put reforms to hold. (with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

New Zealand: Gun owners protest over tightening of laws

New Zealand Cricket has ordered increased security at the second Test against England in Hamilton after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-bit-disturbing-hearing-racial-insults-jofra-archer-264402">crowd member racially abused</a> visiting paceman Jofra Archer during the opening match in Mount Maunganui.

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson described the taunt as "horrific", while NZC said the culprit would be reported to the police and barred from cricket grounds if he was identified from the venue's CCTV footage.

"We're incredibly disappointed, it's just not acceptable and we won't tolerate it," NZC chief executive David White told Newstalk ZB radio.

Barbados-born Archer tweeted after the match concluded late Monday that it was "a bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team , the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy , <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBarmyArmy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheBarmyArmy</a> was good as usual also
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/1198870354980040714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The 24-year-old later told ESPNcricinfo that the abuser was a solitary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-passes-law-aiming-for-net-zero-carbon-emissions-by-2050-260547">New Zealand</a> spectator making comments "about the colour of my skin" after he was dismissed and walking toward the pavilion.

The incident has overshadowed the result of the first Test ever played at Bay Oval, which New Zealand won by an innings and 65 runs.

Kane said such racism was "against everything that we as Kiwis are about".

"It's a horrific thing. In a country and a setting where it is very much multi-cultural," he told news website stuff.co.nz.

"It's something we need to put to bed quickly and hope nothing like that ever happens again. It certainly won't if there's any influence we can have on it."

White said NZC was determined there would be no repeat at the second Test beginning Friday at Hamilton's Seddon Park and called on spectators to "self-police" unacceptable behaviour.

"We'll be increasing security around the areas where the players are, in particular when they're coming on and off the field, but it's quite difficult when players are on the boundary," he said.

"I'd like to think there's a bit of self-policing going on as well, we shouldn't be accepting this kind of behaviour in our society."

NZC said in a statement that it intends to apologise to Archer on Tuesday and Black Caps coach Gary Stead believed some of his players would also contact the England bowler.

Stead said he and the rest of the New Zealanders were unaware of the incident until after the match and wanted the person responsible caught.

"Hopefully, it was just one idiot in the crowd and they deal with it," he told Radio New Zealand.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it was cooperating with NZC on an investigation into the incident.

"Whilst this is a relatively isolated incident there is absolutely no place for anti-social or racist behaviour within the game," it said.

"And it is vitally important that all spectators feel able to come forward to report such behaviour and feel safe in doing so."

New Zealand Cricket has ordered increased security at the second Test against England in Hamilton after a crowd member racially abused visiting paceman Jofra Archer during the opening match in Mount Maunganui.

New Zealand Cricket has ordered increased security at the second Test against England in Hamilton after a crowd member racially abused visiting paceman Jofra Archer during the opening match in Mount Maunganui. Black Caps captain Kane Williamson described the taunt as "horrific", while NZC said the culprit would be reported to the police and barred from cricket grounds if he was identified from the venue's CCTV footage. "We're incredibly disappointed, it's just not acceptable and we won't tolerate it," NZC chief executive David White told Newstalk ZB radio. Barbados-born Archer tweeted after the match concluded late Monday that it was "a bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team". A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team , the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy , @TheBarmyArmy was good as usual also — Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) November 25, 2019 × The 24-year-old later told ESPNcricinfo that the abuser was a solitary New Zealand spectator making comments "about the colour of my skin" after he was dismissed and walking toward the pavilion. The incident has overshadowed the result of the first Test ever played at Bay Oval, which New Zealand won by an innings and 65 runs. Kane said such racism was "against everything that we as Kiwis are about". "It's a horrific thing. In a country and a setting where it is very much multi-cultural," he told news website stuff.co.nz. "It's something we need to put to bed quickly and hope nothing like that ever happens again. It certainly won't if there's any influence we can have on it." White said NZC was determined there would be no repeat at the second Test beginning Friday at Hamilton's Seddon Park and called on spectators to "self-police" unacceptable behaviour. "We'll be increasing security around the areas where the players are, in particular when they're coming on and off the field, but it's quite difficult when players are on the boundary," he said. "I'd like to think there's a bit of self-policing going on as well, we shouldn't be accepting this kind of behaviour in our society." NZC said in a statement that it intends to apologise to Archer on Tuesday and Black Caps coach Gary Stead believed some of his players would also contact the England bowler. Stead said he and the rest of the New Zealanders were unaware of the incident until after the match and wanted the person responsible caught. "Hopefully, it was just one idiot in the crowd and they deal with it," he told Radio New Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it was cooperating with NZC on an investigation into the incident. "Whilst this is a relatively isolated incident there is absolutely no place for anti-social or racist behaviour within the game," it said. "And it is vitally important that all spectators feel able to come forward to report such behaviour and feel safe in doing so."

New Zealand boosts Test security after Archer racially abused

The annual airline awards are out, judging the best in the sector across the globe, &nbsp;airline-ratings.com has come out with the top 20 best-in-class airlines.

For the sixth time in seven years, Air New Zealand has emerged as the best carrier in the world.

The assessment was done by an experienced and awarded team of professionals from the aviation sector.

Comparing the best in class service provided by the top names in the industry, the survey named the top 20 airlines.

To be in the top 20, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating, they must also demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort.

Releasing the findings, &nbsp;airline-ratings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said that going by these standards, Air New Zealand is the leader followed by Singapore Airlines.

Last year, Singapore Airlines ended Air New Zealand's five-year dominance.

Following closely behind is Japan's All Nippon Airways, Australia's Qantas and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific in the top five slots.

The airlines got rated on 12 counts including fleet age, passenger review, investment rating, staff relations, product offering and profitability

Air New Zealand has had an obsession with the top spot. It is one of the few airlines in the world to have the lowest risk of default. Over the years, the airline has enjoyed a healthy expansion in its domestic and international circuit.

Singapore Airlines at no.2 spot has been at the forefront of passenger safety and comfort. In the past two years, they introduced new fleets of Airbus a350 and Boeing 787 known to be the best with cutting-edge technology

Japanese Nippon Airways enters the big league at no 3 standing out for its cabin innovation. Qantas comes in with its best lounge and domestic service and an all-time high customer approval rating.

Delta Airlines was America's favourite choice while Lufthansa was the best airline operator in the European continent.

Cathay Pacific at no. 5 was the best airline in the Asia-Pacific segment.

Emirates figures at no. 6 in overall rating while being the best airline in the Middle-East and Africa sector. In the coming year, the airline will introduce premium economy to its fleet.

The countdown also includes Britain's Virgin Atlantic, Taiwan's Eva Air, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, making a maiden entry at no. 10.

The survey also names the best low-cost carriers and leaders in regional sectors. Jet-blue in Americas, Wizz of Europe, Air Arabia in the Middle East and Africa and Air Asia in the Asia Pacific were the top budget carriers.

This is the first time, the rating has extended its survey to name the top 20 instead of top 10 airlines.

The annual airline awards are out, judging the best in the sector across the globe, airline-ratings.com has come out with the top 20 best-in-class airlines. For the sixth time in seven years, Air New Zealand has emerged as the best carrier in the world.

The annual airline awards are out, judging the best in the sector across the globe, airline-ratings.com has come out with the top 20 best-in-class airlines. For the sixth time in seven years, Air New Zealand has emerged as the best carrier in the world. The assessment was done by an experienced and awarded team of professionals from the aviation sector. Comparing the best in class service provided by the top names in the industry, the survey named the top 20 airlines. To be in the top 20, airlines must achieve a seven-star safety rating, they must also demonstrate leadership in innovation for passenger comfort. Releasing the findings, airline-ratings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said that going by these standards, Air New Zealand is the leader followed by Singapore Airlines. Last year, Singapore Airlines ended Air New Zealand's five-year dominance. Following closely behind is Japan's All Nippon Airways, Australia's Qantas and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific in the top five slots. The airlines got rated on 12 counts including fleet age, passenger review, investment rating, staff relations, product offering and profitability Air New Zealand has had an obsession with the top spot. It is one of the few airlines in the world to have the lowest risk of default. Over the years, the airline has enjoyed a healthy expansion in its domestic and international circuit. Singapore Airlines at no.2 spot has been at the forefront of passenger safety and comfort. In the past two years, they introduced new fleets of Airbus a350 and Boeing 787 known to be the best with cutting-edge technology Japanese Nippon Airways enters the big league at no 3 standing out for its cabin innovation. Qantas comes in with its best lounge and domestic service and an all-time high customer approval rating. Delta Airlines was America's favourite choice while Lufthansa was the best airline operator in the European continent. Cathay Pacific at no. 5 was the best airline in the Asia-Pacific segment. Emirates figures at no. 6 in overall rating while being the best airline in the Middle-East and Africa sector. In the coming year, the airline will introduce premium economy to its fleet. The countdown also includes Britain's Virgin Atlantic, Taiwan's Eva Air, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, making a maiden entry at no. 10. The survey also names the best low-cost carriers and leaders in regional sectors. Jet-blue in Americas, Wizz of Europe, Air Arabia in the Middle East and Africa and Air Asia in the Asia Pacific were the top budget carriers. This is the first time, the rating has extended its survey to name the top 20 instead of top 10 airlines.

Air New Zealand named top carrier globally in annual airline awards

New Zealand Cricket chief David White visited England's Jofra Archer in his hotel on Tuesday to apologise for the racial abuse the fast bowler said he was subjected to in the first Test at Mount Maunganui.

The England and New Zealand cricket boards both launched investigations on Monday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-bit-disturbing-hearing-racial-insults-jofra-archer-264402">Archer reported racial abuse</a> from a spectator to ground stewards at Bay Oval.

White said he had offered assurances to Archer that there would be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-boosts-test-security-after-archer-racially-abused-264531">extra security</a> to ensure there was no repeat when the second test started in Hamilton on Friday.

"I just had a good chat to him," the NZC chief executive said in Hamilton.

"I said that we were very sorry that he had to experience that in our country and we're very disappointed, but he was very thankful I had made the effort to come see him."

Archer, who was born in Barbados and represented West Indies at Under-19 level, scored 30 runs on Monday to delay New Zealand's innings and 65-run victory in the first Test.

The 24-year-old then took to Twitter to say he had found it "a bit disturbing" to hear the racial insults coming from one person in the crowd.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team , the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy , <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBarmyArmy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheBarmyArmy</a> was good as usual also
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/1198870354980040714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

White said, if identified, the alleged perpetrator would be referred to the police and New Zealand Cricket would push for the person to be banned for life from attending cricket matches.

"Our team is working closely with the team at Bay Oval just going through the security footage and trying to get as much information as we can and hopefully we'll find the individual over the next day or so," White added.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who lives close to the Bay Oval ground, said he would also seek out Archer to offer an apology.

"It's a horrific thing," Williamson told Fairfax media.

"In a country, and a setting where it is very much multi-cultural, it's something we need to put to bed quickly and hope nothing like that ever happens again."

England team director Ashley Giles said the 24-year-old paceman had been affected by the incident but thought his teammates would offer him plenty of support.

"The tweet that went out was obviously emotional. It hurts," Giles said.

"You know what our team is like, they'll rally round him pretty well but it's a serious incident. He's a young man making his way in the game and we don't need this sort of thing."

New Zealand Cricket chief David White visited England's Jofra Archer in his hotel on Tuesday to apologise for the racial abuse the fast bowler said he was subjected to in the first Test at Mount Maunganui.

New Zealand Cricket chief David White visited England's Jofra Archer in his hotel on Tuesday to apologise for the racial abuse the fast bowler said he was subjected to in the first Test at Mount Maunganui. The England and New Zealand cricket boards both launched investigations on Monday after Archer reported racial abuse from a spectator to ground stewards at Bay Oval. White said he had offered assurances to Archer that there would be extra security to ensure there was no repeat when the second test started in Hamilton on Friday. "I just had a good chat to him," the NZC chief executive said in Hamilton. "I said that we were very sorry that he had to experience that in our country and we're very disappointed, but he was very thankful I had made the effort to come see him." Archer, who was born in Barbados and represented West Indies at Under-19 level, scored 30 runs on Monday to delay New Zealand's innings and 65-run victory in the first Test. The 24-year-old then took to Twitter to say he had found it "a bit disturbing" to hear the racial insults coming from one person in the crowd. A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team , the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy , @TheBarmyArmy was good as usual also — Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) November 25, 2019 × White said, if identified, the alleged perpetrator would be referred to the police and New Zealand Cricket would push for the person to be banned for life from attending cricket matches. "Our team is working closely with the team at Bay Oval just going through the security footage and trying to get as much information as we can and hopefully we'll find the individual over the next day or so," White added. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who lives close to the Bay Oval ground, said he would also seek out Archer to offer an apology. "It's a horrific thing," Williamson told Fairfax media. "In a country, and a setting where it is very much multi-cultural, it's something we need to put to bed quickly and hope nothing like that ever happens again." England team director Ashley Giles said the 24-year-old paceman had been affected by the incident but thought his teammates would offer him plenty of support. "The tweet that went out was obviously emotional. It hurts," Giles said. "You know what our team is like, they'll rally round him pretty well but it's a serious incident. He's a young man making his way in the game and we don't need this sort of thing."

New Zealand cricket chief apologises to England's Jofra Archer for racial abuse

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-measles-cases-three-times-higher-than-last-year-who-246324">Deaths related to measles</a>, mostly among small children, have more than tripled to 20 in the past week on the Pacific island of Samoa, the government has said eight days after declaring a state of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samoa-measles-vaccine-now-mandatory-to-limit-deadly-outbreak-262803">emergency over the outbreak</a>.

The island state of just 200,000, located south of the equator and half way between Hawaii and New Zealand, declared a measles epidemic late in October after the first deaths.

The government has identified 1,644 suspected cases of measles, more than doubling over the past week, with deaths rising to 20 from six, it said on Friday. Children younger than five accounted for all but one of the deaths.

Staff of U.N. agency UNICEF have delivered 110,500 doses of measles containing vaccines this week as they fanned out across Samoa to boost its mandatory immunisation effort, the agency said in a statement.

It has also worked with governments of other tiny Pacific nations to run immunisation campaigns and develop preparedness plans to combat a regional outbreak, it added.

Australia is sending a specialist team of doctors, nurses and public health experts to Samoa, along with equipment and supplies, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Deaths related to measles, mostly among small children, have more than tripled to 20 in the past week on the Pacific island of Samoa, the government has said eight days after declaring a state of emergency over the outbreak.

Deaths related to measles, mostly among small children, have more than tripled to 20 in the past week on the Pacific island of Samoa, the government has said eight days after declaring a state of emergency over the outbreak. The island state of just 200,000, located south of the equator and half way between Hawaii and New Zealand, declared a measles epidemic late in October after the first deaths. The government has identified 1,644 suspected cases of measles, more than doubling over the past week, with deaths rising to 20 from six, it said on Friday. Children younger than five accounted for all but one of the deaths. Staff of U.N. agency UNICEF have delivered 110,500 doses of measles containing vaccines this week as they fanned out across Samoa to boost its mandatory immunisation effort, the agency said in a statement. It has also worked with governments of other tiny Pacific nations to run immunisation campaigns and develop preparedness plans to combat a regional outbreak, it added. Australia is sending a specialist team of doctors, nurses and public health experts to Samoa, along with equipment and supplies, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Samoa measles outbreak kills 20, mostly children

Two bolts of lightning were seen striking near a passenger plane on the runway at New Zealand's Christchurch International Airport on Wednesday (November 20), narrowly missing the aircraft, according to an aviation worker.

GCH Aviation employee Daniel Currie was watching the storm and assessing the risk for aircraft to be moved inside the hangers at 3.30 pm local time when he captured the moment on his mobile phone.

The aviation operator said the lightning did not directly hit the Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft and there appeared to be no damage to the plane or harm to passengers.

Two bolts of lightning were seen striking near a passenger plane on the runway at New Zealand's Christchurch International Airport on Wednesday (November 20), narrowly missing the aircraft, according to an aviation worker.

Two bolts of lightning were seen striking near a passenger plane on the runway at New Zealand's Christchurch International Airport on Wednesday (November 20), narrowly missing the aircraft, according to an aviation worker. GCH Aviation employee Daniel Currie was watching the storm and assessing the risk for aircraft to be moved inside the hangers at 3.30 pm local time when he captured the moment on his mobile phone. The aviation operator said the lightning did not directly hit the Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft and there appeared to be no damage to the plane or harm to passengers.

Passenger plane narrowly escapes from lightning at airport in New Zealand

New Zealander Dave Rennie was tasked on Wednesday with resurrecting Australia's rugby team, replacing Michael Cheika as head coach in a "massive coup" that will see him lead the Wallabies to the 2023 World Cup in France.

The 55-year-old, only the second non-Australian appointed to the job, will fulfil his commitments with Scottish side Glasgow Warriors, where he is currently coach, before assuming his new role in July next year, Rugby Australia said.

The Wallabies are due to play Ireland in Brisbane on July 4, giving Rennie little time to stamp his mark on the side before the Rugby Championship, where they face World Cup winners South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina.

That two-game series against the Irish will be an important one to restore faith in the team after their World Cup quarter-final exit to England in Japan, where their tactics were widely criticised.

Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle, herself a New Zealander, said Rennie had always been the favoured choice to replace Cheika, who fell on his sword after the World Cup and a series of poor results leading up to it.

"This is a massive coup for Australian rugby. Dave Rennie was the clear standout candidate for the job, and we're thrilled to have secured his services," Castle said.

"Dave's coaching philosophy focuses equally on football and team culture, the key pillars of building sustainable success in any team.&nbsp;He has a proven track record in the northern and southern hemisphere."

Castle said six or seven candidates were in the running and confirmed she had spoken to England coach Eddie Jones, but he remained under contract and was ruled out.

Rennie, who follows compatriot Robbie Deans as the only other foreigner to coach the Wallabies, had been sounded out by New Zealand Rugby about applying for the All Blacks job.

All Blacks assistant Ian Foster and three-time Super Rugby-winning Crusaders coach Scott Robertson appear to be the front-runners for that position, left vacant by Steve Hansen's departure.&nbsp;

Japan coach Jamie Joseph also ruled himself out of the All Blacks job when he signed a new, four-year deal with the Brave Blossoms this week.

"I've been coaching professionally for over 20 years and wherever I've gone, I've immersed myself in the community and culture. I believe I can make a difference here," Rennie said in a statement.&nbsp;

"There are some outstanding young men coming through the schools system. I want to create a strong connection with the Super Rugby and national age-grade coaches and help them achieve their goals, which will benefit the Wallabies in time," he said.

"When I met Raelene Castle, I was really impressed with her plans for the future of Australian rugby and I'm keen to be part of that," he added.

Rennie has enjoyed huge success as a coach which bodes well for the Wallabies, who are rebuilding after losing a swathe of senior players through retirement or moves overseas since the World Cup ended.

Rennie joined New Zealand Super Rugby franchise the Waikato Chiefs as coach in 2012 and led them to back-to-back southern hemisphere titles in his first two years in charge.

The Hamilton-based team played finals in each of the six seasons he spent with them, a mark unmatched by any head coach in the competition's history.

He was appointed Glasgow Warriors coach for the 2017/18 season and in his second year took them to the Pro14 final and the last eight of the European Champions Cup, the first time the Warriors have made the playoffs in both competitions.

Australian director of rugby Scott Johnson, who knew Rennie from his previous role with the Scotland Rugby Union, called him a "really humble man, a tracksuit coach".

"He does a lot of work on skills development, plays a very attractive way and what you see is what you get," he said. "That fits our dynamic. He's a hard-working coach too -- first in and last to leave, and he has good people skills."

Johnson said Wallabies assistant coaches would manage the team until Rennie takes over in July, though Rennie will come to Australia at least once to "check directions".

"We will be in complete dialogue through that period," he said.

New Zealander Dave Rennie was tasked on Wednesday with resurrecting Australia's rugby team, replacing Michael Cheika as head coach in a "massive coup" that will see him lead the Wallabies to the 2023 World Cup in France.

New Zealander Dave Rennie was tasked on Wednesday with resurrecting Australia's rugby team, replacing Michael Cheika as head coach in a "massive coup" that will see him lead the Wallabies to the 2023 World Cup in France. The 55-year-old, only the second non-Australian appointed to the job, will fulfil his commitments with Scottish side Glasgow Warriors, where he is currently coach, before assuming his new role in July next year, Rugby Australia said. The Wallabies are due to play Ireland in Brisbane on July 4, giving Rennie little time to stamp his mark on the side before the Rugby Championship, where they face World Cup winners South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina. That two-game series against the Irish will be an important one to restore faith in the team after their World Cup quarter-final exit to England in Japan, where their tactics were widely criticised. Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle, herself a New Zealander, said Rennie had always been the favoured choice to replace Cheika, who fell on his sword after the World Cup and a series of poor results leading up to it. "This is a massive coup for Australian rugby. Dave Rennie was the clear standout candidate for the job, and we're thrilled to have secured his services," Castle said. "Dave's coaching philosophy focuses equally on football and team culture, the key pillars of building sustainable success in any team. He has a proven track record in the northern and southern hemisphere." Castle said six or seven candidates were in the running and confirmed she had spoken to England coach Eddie Jones, but he remained under contract and was ruled out. Rennie, who follows compatriot Robbie Deans as the only other foreigner to coach the Wallabies, had been sounded out by New Zealand Rugby about applying for the All Blacks job. All Blacks assistant Ian Foster and three-time Super Rugby-winning Crusaders coach Scott Robertson appear to be the front-runners for that position, left vacant by Steve Hansen's departure. Japan coach Jamie Joseph also ruled himself out of the All Blacks job when he signed a new, four-year deal with the Brave Blossoms this week. "I've been coaching professionally for over 20 years and wherever I've gone, I've immersed myself in the community and culture. I believe I can make a difference here," Rennie said in a statement. "There are some outstanding young men coming through the schools system. I want to create a strong connection with the Super Rugby and national age-grade coaches and help them achieve their goals, which will benefit the Wallabies in time," he said. "When I met Raelene Castle, I was really impressed with her plans for the future of Australian rugby and I'm keen to be part of that," he added. Rennie has enjoyed huge success as a coach which bodes well for the Wallabies, who are rebuilding after losing a swathe of senior players through retirement or moves overseas since the World Cup ended. Rennie joined New Zealand Super Rugby franchise the Waikato Chiefs as coach in 2012 and led them to back-to-back southern hemisphere titles in his first two years in charge. The Hamilton-based team played finals in each of the six seasons he spent with them, a mark unmatched by any head coach in the competition's history. He was appointed Glasgow Warriors coach for the 2017/18 season and in his second year took them to the Pro14 final and the last eight of the European Champions Cup, the first time the Warriors have made the playoffs in both competitions. Australian director of rugby Scott Johnson, who knew Rennie from his previous role with the Scotland Rugby Union, called him a "really humble man, a tracksuit coach". "He does a lot of work on skills development, plays a very attractive way and what you see is what you get," he said. "That fits our dynamic. He's a hard-working coach too -- first in and last to leave, and he has good people skills." Johnson said Wallabies assistant coaches would manage the team until Rennie takes over in July, though Rennie will come to Australia at least once to "check directions". "We will be in complete dialogue through that period," he said.

Rugby: New Zealander Rennie appointed Australia coach

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been rewarded for his success in white-ball cricket with a maiden call-up to the test squad for matches against England and Australia, the country's board (NZC) said on Friday.

Ferguson finished as the second highest wicket-taker at the 50-overs World Cup in England where New Zealand lost a nail-biting final in a super over to the hosts.

The 28-year-old has played 36 one-day internationals and eight Twenty20 matches for the Black Caps while he has also shown strong domestic form with 153 wickets from 42 first-class games at an average of 24.30.

"There's no doubt Lockie has been knocking on the door for a while now and we're delighted to finally bring him into the Test fold," selector Gavin Larsen said in a NZC statement.

"It's well documented he has raw pace, but he also possesses a quality bowling skillset and has proved his durability.

"Our pace bowling stocks are strong at the moment and we feel Lockie will add another dimension to the picture, and will create some great competition."

Batting mainstay Kane Williamson will lead the side after missing the recently concluded T20 international series against England with a hip injury.

Leg-spinner Todd Astle was the only other change to the squad from that which drew a two-test series 1-1 in Sri Lanka in August, with spinners Will Somerville and Ajaz Patel left out.

After hosting England for a two-test series, starting on November&nbsp;21 at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand travel to Australia to play three tests.

&nbsp;

Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been rewarded for his success in white-ball cricket with a maiden call-up to the test squad for matches against England and Australia, the country's board (NZC) said on Friday.

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been rewarded for his success in white-ball cricket with a maiden call-up to the test squad for matches against England and Australia, the country's board (NZC) said on Friday. Ferguson finished as the second highest wicket-taker at the 50-overs World Cup in England where New Zealand lost a nail-biting final in a super over to the hosts. The 28-year-old has played 36 one-day internationals and eight Twenty20 matches for the Black Caps while he has also shown strong domestic form with 153 wickets from 42 first-class games at an average of 24.30. "There's no doubt Lockie has been knocking on the door for a while now and we're delighted to finally bring him into the Test fold," selector Gavin Larsen said in a NZC statement. "It's well documented he has raw pace, but he also possesses a quality bowling skillset and has proved his durability. "Our pace bowling stocks are strong at the moment and we feel Lockie will add another dimension to the picture, and will create some great competition." Batting mainstay Kane Williamson will lead the side after missing the recently concluded T20 international series against England with a hip injury. Leg-spinner Todd Astle was the only other change to the squad from that which drew a two-test series 1-1 in Sri Lanka in August, with spinners Will Somerville and Ajaz Patel left out. After hosting England for a two-test series, starting on November 21 at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand travel to Australia to play three tests. Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling

Cricket: Fast bowler Ferguson gets New Zealand test call

England won the fifth T20I in a thrilling super-over by nine runs against New Zealand at the Eden Park on Sunday.

England also clinched the five-match T20I series by 3-2. In the super-over, the visitors came to bat first and posted a target of 18 runs for Kiwis.

Skipper Eoin Morgan scored nine off three balls while Jonny Bairstow hammered eight off three deliveries.

On the other hand, the hosts were only able to score eight runs with a loss of one wicket in their super-over bowled by Chris Jordan.

Tim Seifert played a knock of six runs in four balls while Martin Guptill scored one run.

Earlier, England won the toss and decided to bowl. In a rain-affected match, both the teams were allotted eleven overs of play.

Batting first, New Zealand posted a total of 146/5 in their 11 overs. Kiwis got the steady start as their openers Guptill and Colin Munro scored runs at a fast pace and built a partnership of 83-run in 31 balls.

Adil Rashid provided the much-awaited breakthrough for his side as he scalped Guptill (50) in the sixth over.

Colin de Grandhomme failed to leave his mark on the crease and was sent back to the pavilion after scoring six runs in the seventh over.

Munro who played a knock of 46 runs off 21 balls was dismissed by Sam Curran in the 10th over, reducing kiwis to 120/3 in 9.1 overs.

Jimmy Neesham joined Seifert in the middle and built a brief partnership of 23-run. Seifert amassed 39 runs off 16 balls to get past the team`s total to 140.

For England, Curran, Rashid, and Saqib Mahmood scalped one wicket each. Chasing 147 runs, England were only able to score 146/7 in their eleven overs.

After which the match tied and super-over was played. The English team had a poor start as they lost two early wickets Tom Banton (7) and James Vince (1) reducing the visitors to 9/2 in 1.1 overs.

Eoin Morgan and Jonny Bairstow stitched a 30-run partnership for the third wicket before the former was picked by Trent boult in the third over.Sam Curran joined Bairstow in the middle and helped the side to get past the 100-run mark.

Both built a partnership of 61 runs for the fourth wicket. Bairstow played a knock of 47 runs in 18 balls before becoming the victim of Jimmy Neesham in the seventh over.

Sam (24) was also sent back to the pavilion by Mitchell Santner on the next ball. Lewis Gregory (6) and Tom Curran (12) failed to leave their mark on the scoreboard and were scalped by Santner and Neesham, respectively.

Sam Billings and Chris Jordan remained unbeaten on 11 and 12 runs, respectively.

For New Zealand, Boult, Santner, and Neesham scalped two wickets each. The final of the ICC Men`s World Cup between New Zealand and England at the Lord`s Cricket Ground on July 14 could not separate the two sides despite the 50-over match and subsequent super over as both ended in a tie.

England were finally declared the champions on the basis of boundary countback rule. Both the teams will now face each other in the first Test of the two-match series from November 21.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

England won the fifth T20I in a thrilling super-over by nine runs against New Zealand at the Eden Park on Sunday. England also clinched the five-match T20I series by 3-2.

England won the fifth T20I in a thrilling super-over by nine runs against New Zealand at the Eden Park on Sunday. England also clinched the five-match T20I series by 3-2. In the super-over, the visitors came to bat first and posted a target of 18 runs for Kiwis. Skipper Eoin Morgan scored nine off three balls while Jonny Bairstow hammered eight off three deliveries. On the other hand, the hosts were only able to score eight runs with a loss of one wicket in their super-over bowled by Chris Jordan. Tim Seifert played a knock of six runs in four balls while Martin Guptill scored one run. Earlier, England won the toss and decided to bowl. In a rain-affected match, both the teams were allotted eleven overs of play. Batting first, New Zealand posted a total of 146/5 in their 11 overs. Kiwis got the steady start as their openers Guptill and Colin Munro scored runs at a fast pace and built a partnership of 83-run in 31 balls. Adil Rashid provided the much-awaited breakthrough for his side as he scalped Guptill (50) in the sixth over. Colin de Grandhomme failed to leave his mark on the crease and was sent back to the pavilion after scoring six runs in the seventh over. Munro who played a knock of 46 runs off 21 balls was dismissed by Sam Curran in the 10th over, reducing kiwis to 120/3 in 9.1 overs. Jimmy Neesham joined Seifert in the middle and built a brief partnership of 23-run. Seifert amassed 39 runs off 16 balls to get past the team`s total to 140. For England, Curran, Rashid, and Saqib Mahmood scalped one wicket each. Chasing 147 runs, England were only able to score 146/7 in their eleven overs. After which the match tied and super-over was played. The English team had a poor start as they lost two early wickets Tom Banton (7) and James Vince (1) reducing the visitors to 9/2 in 1.1 overs. Eoin Morgan and Jonny Bairstow stitched a 30-run partnership for the third wicket before the former was picked by Trent boult in the third over.Sam Curran joined Bairstow in the middle and helped the side to get past the 100-run mark. Both built a partnership of 61 runs for the fourth wicket. Bairstow played a knock of 47 runs in 18 balls before becoming the victim of Jimmy Neesham in the seventh over. Sam (24) was also sent back to the pavilion by Mitchell Santner on the next ball. Lewis Gregory (6) and Tom Curran (12) failed to leave their mark on the scoreboard and were scalped by Santner and Neesham, respectively. Sam Billings and Chris Jordan remained unbeaten on 11 and 12 runs, respectively. For New Zealand, Boult, Santner, and Neesham scalped two wickets each. The final of the ICC Men`s World Cup between New Zealand and England at the Lord`s Cricket Ground on July 14 could not separate the two sides despite the 50-over match and subsequent super over as both ended in a tie. England were finally declared the champions on the basis of boundary countback rule. Both the teams will now face each other in the first Test of the two-match series from November 21.

England win by 9 runs in super-over against New Zealand, clinch T20I series by 3-2

England have called up batsman Jonny Bairstow for the test series against New Zealand as injury cover for Joe Denly, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Thursday.

Bairstow, who was due to fly home after the ongoing T20 series, was left out of the Test squad following a disappointing Ashes series against Australia.

Denly injured his ankle in training.&nbsp;

"(Denly) is making progress on his rehabilitation and is hoping that he will be fit to play in the three-day warm-up match starting on Friday, November&nbsp;15," the ECB said.

England have another warm-up game before that in which Bairstow, who has scored more than 4,000 runs in 69 tests, can press his claims for a spot in the side ahead of the two-match series starting on November&nbsp;20.

England have called up batsman Jonny Bairstow for the test series against New Zealand as injury cover for Joe Denly, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Thursday.

England have called up batsman Jonny Bairstow for the test series against New Zealand as injury cover for Joe Denly, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Thursday. Bairstow, who was due to fly home after the ongoing T20 series, was left out of the Test squad following a disappointing Ashes series against Australia. Denly injured his ankle in training. "(Denly) is making progress on his rehabilitation and is hoping that he will be fit to play in the three-day warm-up match starting on Friday, November 15," the ECB said. England have another warm-up game before that in which Bairstow, who has scored more than 4,000 runs in 69 tests, can press his claims for a spot in the side ahead of the two-match series starting on November 20.

Cricket: England call up Bairstow as cover for Denly

New Zealand has placed itself on the right side of history in the battle against climate change. NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday after lawmakers adopted a measure to cut carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050.

New Zealand lawmakers adopted measure to cut-down carbon emissions to net zero by 2050

New Zealand has placed itself on the right side of history in the battle against climate change, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday (November 7), after lawmakers adopted a measure to cut carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050.

"Our world is warming, and so, therefore, the question for all of us is, 'what side of history will we choose to sit on in that moment in time?' I absolutely believe and continue to stand by this statement that Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time. And for us in Aotearoa, New Zealand, that means for this generation this is our nuclear moment.&nbsp;We have made a choice that I am proud of, that will leave a legacy and that I hope means the next generation will see that we, in New Zealand, were on the right side of history," she said on the floor of the parliament.

Thursday's framework enshrines in law the new 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target and makes it a legally binding objective to keep global warming below a rise of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/limiting-global-warming-to-15-will-require-a-social-transformation-170375">1.5 degrees</a> Celsius forecast by the United Nations.

The bill, spearheaded by her centre-left Labour-led coalition government, was passed with cross-party support from the main opposition National Party, despite changes promised by the latter if it wins the next election in 2020.

The bill accords different treatment to methane emissions from animals versus other greenhouse gases, but still targets a cut of 10 percent&nbsp;in biological methane by 2030 and up to 47 percent&nbsp;by 2050.

New Zealand has placed itself on the right side of history in the battle against climate change, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday (November 7), after lawmakers adopted a measure to cut carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050.

New Zealand has placed itself on the right side of history in the battle against climate change, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday (November 7), after lawmakers adopted a measure to cut carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050. "Our world is warming, and so, therefore, the question for all of us is, 'what side of history will we choose to sit on in that moment in time?' I absolutely believe and continue to stand by this statement that Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time. And for us in Aotearoa, New Zealand, that means for this generation this is our nuclear moment. We have made a choice that I am proud of, that will leave a legacy and that I hope means the next generation will see that we, in New Zealand, were on the right side of history," she said on the floor of the parliament. Thursday's framework enshrines in law the new 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target and makes it a legally binding objective to keep global warming below a rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius forecast by the United Nations. The bill, spearheaded by her centre-left Labour-led coalition government, was passed with cross-party support from the main opposition National Party, despite changes promised by the latter if it wins the next election in 2020. The bill accords different treatment to methane emissions from animals versus other greenhouse gases, but still targets a cut of 10 percent in biological methane by 2030 and up to 47 percent by 2050.

New Zealand passes law aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050

With the quickfire putdown "OK,&nbsp;boomer", a 25-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-parliament-backs-euthanasia-referendum-257711">New&nbsp;Zealand</a>&nbsp;politician dismissed a heckler during a speech about climate change, highlighting the generation&nbsp;gap&nbsp;between herself and other MPs in a clip that has gone viral.

The catchphrase is used to dismiss&nbsp;out-of-touch, condescending or closed-minded attitudes associated with the baby-boomer&nbsp;generation and older people more generally.

In recent months, "OK,&nbsp;boomer" has gained traction as a meme on apps like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tiktok-star-hareem-shahs-video-inside-foreign-office-of-imran-khan-goes-viral-on-internet-257776">TikTok</a> that have a predominantly young user base.

Green Party&nbsp;MP&nbsp;Chloe Swarbrick used it to hit back at interjections while speaking this week in support of a bill to reduce&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.

"How many world leaders for how many decades have seen and known what is coming, but have decided that it is more politically expedient to keep (climate change) behind closed doors?" she said.

"My generation and the generations after me do not have that luxury.

"In the year 2050 I will be 56 years old... yet, right now, the average of this 52nd&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;is 49 years old," she added.

As she spoke, another&nbsp;MP&nbsp;began to heckle her and Swarbrick fired back: "OK,&nbsp;boomer."

The retort, referencing people born in the "baby boom" period of 1946 to 1964, flew over the heads of MPs in the house at the time.

But when clips of the moment were shared on social media, messages of support for Swarbrick streamed in from the Millennial generation, born between the early 1980s and mid-90s, and the even younger Generation Z.

The moment made headlines in mainstream publications worldwide which referred to Swarbrick fending off a heckler with a "viral quip".

Swarbrick told news website Stuff.co.nz that the meme "is symbolic of the collective frustration that young people in particular feel to placing evidence in fact time after time in the debate... and being met with dogma."

The phrase acknowledges that "you cannot win a deeply polarised debate, facts don't matter," she said.

With the quickfire putdown "OK, boomer", a 25-year-old New Zealand politician dismissed a heckler during a speech about climate change, highlighting the generation gap between herself and other MPs in a clip that has gone viral.

With the quickfire putdown "OK, boomer", a 25-year-old New Zealand politician dismissed a heckler during a speech about climate change, highlighting the generation gap between herself and other MPs in a clip that has gone viral. The catchphrase is used to dismiss out-of-touch, condescending or closed-minded attitudes associated with the baby-boomer generation and older people more generally. In recent months, "OK, boomer" has gained traction as a meme on apps like TikTok that have a predominantly young user base. Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick used it to hit back at interjections while speaking this week in support of a bill to reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions. "How many world leaders for how many decades have seen and known what is coming, but have decided that it is more politically expedient to keep (climate change) behind closed doors?" she said. "My generation and the generations after me do not have that luxury. "In the year 2050 I will be 56 years old... yet, right now, the average of this 52nd Parliament is 49 years old," she added. As she spoke, another MP began to heckle her and Swarbrick fired back: "OK, boomer." The retort, referencing people born in the "baby boom" period of 1946 to 1964, flew over the heads of MPs in the house at the time. But when clips of the moment were shared on social media, messages of support for Swarbrick streamed in from the Millennial generation, born between the early 1980s and mid-90s, and the even younger Generation Z. The moment made headlines in mainstream publications worldwide which referred to Swarbrick fending off a heckler with a "viral quip". Swarbrick told news website Stuff.co.nz that the meme "is symbolic of the collective frustration that young people in particular feel to placing evidence in fact time after time in the debate... and being met with dogma." The phrase acknowledges that "you cannot win a deeply polarised debate, facts don't matter," she said.

'OK, boomer': New Zealand MP hits out at parliament age gap

A dramatic England collapse which saw five wickets fall for only 10 runs allowed New Zealand to snatch a 14-run victory in their Twenty20 international in Nelson Tuesday.

It also put New Zealand 2-1 ahead in the series with two games to play.

England were on track to overhaul New Zealand's 180 when they reached 139 for two in the 15th over, with captain Eoin Morgan in full flight as he cracked sixes off consecutive Mitchell Santner deliveries.

But with England needing 42 off the remaining 31 deliveries Santner turned the match when he had Morgan caught by Colin Munro off the final ball of the over.

Dawid Malan (55) and James Vince (49) had laid a solid foundation for England at the top of the innings.

But Morgan's dismissal started a collapse which saw Munro run out Sam Billings for one in the following over before Blair Tickner removed Vince.

In the space of two deliveries, Lockie Ferguson bowled Lewis Gregory without scoring and had Sam Curran caught for two leaving Tom Curran and Saqib Mahmood to struggle through to the end.

"That's one that got away," England captain Morgan said, pointing to the lack of experience in his squad.&nbsp;

"We were in control for the whole chase until we were three or four down, probably that's a lack of experience. The guys need to get more games into them at this level."

Ferguson and Tickner both finished with two for 25 while spinner Santner and Ish Sodhi took a wicket apiece.

"It could have gone either way at the halfway mark. But we knew if we could keep taking wickets it would be touch for them," New Zealand captain Tim Southee said.

A sound middle-order partnership by Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor laid the basis for New Zealand after Martin Guptill had given them a flying start with 33 off 17 deliveries.

Man-of-the-match de Grandhomme smacked 55 off 35 while Taylor produced a more sedate 27 from 24 in a 66-run stand after New Zealand were three down in the eighth over.

It was a better performance by England in the field with a much-improved catching effort which accounted for four of the seven wickets. But the bowling discipline dropped as New Zealand benefited from eight wides and two no balls.

A dramatic England collapse which saw five wickets fall for only 10 runs allowed New Zealand to snatch a 14-run victory in their Twenty20 international in Nelson Tuesday.

A dramatic England collapse which saw five wickets fall for only 10 runs allowed New Zealand to snatch a 14-run victory in their Twenty20 international in Nelson Tuesday. It also put New Zealand 2-1 ahead in the series with two games to play. England were on track to overhaul New Zealand's 180 when they reached 139 for two in the 15th over, with captain Eoin Morgan in full flight as he cracked sixes off consecutive Mitchell Santner deliveries. But with England needing 42 off the remaining 31 deliveries Santner turned the match when he had Morgan caught by Colin Munro off the final ball of the over. Dawid Malan (55) and James Vince (49) had laid a solid foundation for England at the top of the innings. But Morgan's dismissal started a collapse which saw Munro run out Sam Billings for one in the following over before Blair Tickner removed Vince. In the space of two deliveries, Lockie Ferguson bowled Lewis Gregory without scoring and had Sam Curran caught for two leaving Tom Curran and Saqib Mahmood to struggle through to the end. "That's one that got away," England captain Morgan said, pointing to the lack of experience in his squad. "We were in control for the whole chase until we were three or four down, probably that's a lack of experience. The guys need to get more games into them at this level." Ferguson and Tickner both finished with two for 25 while spinner Santner and Ish Sodhi took a wicket apiece. "It could have gone either way at the halfway mark. But we knew if we could keep taking wickets it would be touch for them," New Zealand captain Tim Southee said. A sound middle-order partnership by Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor laid the basis for New Zealand after Martin Guptill had given them a flying start with 33 off 17 deliveries. Man-of-the-match de Grandhomme smacked 55 off 35 while Taylor produced a more sedate 27 from 24 in a 66-run stand after New Zealand were three down in the eighth over. It was a better performance by England in the field with a much-improved catching effort which accounted for four of the seven wickets. But the bowling discipline dropped as New Zealand benefited from eight wides and two no balls.

Dramatic collapse in end overs hurt England as New Zealand take 2-1 lead in T20 series

By Mallika Singh

India on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asean-summit-india-decides-not-to-join-rcep-259919">pulled out of</a> the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.” 
&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand said that “neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP.” 
&nbsp; 
RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was being negotiated between 16 countries - the 10 member states of ASEAN along with India, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. 
&nbsp; 
While the exact details of what the agreement entails are yet to be released, its aim, as established in 2012 in Cambodia, was to increase trade by decreasing tariffs and barriers between member states, boost exports, and create an alternative market for investment. 
&nbsp; 
India chose to withhold from joining the trade agreement due to “significant outstanding issues, which remain unresolved”.

"The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP,” Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-not-to-join-rcep-goes-against-countrys-core-interests-259904">Narendra Modi </a>said.

New Delhi’s stand on data localisation is one of the key issues at conflict as RCEP norms support the free flow of data which hampers India’s digital sovereignty. &nbsp;

According to NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of India, the country has a growing trade deficit with ASEAN member states and China. Participating in RCEP would have only widened these deficits. 
&nbsp; 
With the ongoing United States-China trade war, signing the trade agreement would have interfered with India's attempt to augment its ties with the United States.

China’s dumping policy also presented itself as a potential threat to India, where access to an open market might have lead China to dump its products in regional Indian markets. &nbsp;

India felt that there was “inadequate” protection provided to its domestic markets which would have had to suffer losses as cheaper products from China threatened to “flood” Indian markets.

The dairy industry was also expected to face the burden of the trade deal due to the introduction of competition from New Zealand and Australia.

India also failed to receive any assurance on its demand for greater market access and concerns over non-tariff barriers as China has in the past used these to curtail India’s exports to the country.

India expressed dismay at 2014 being set as the base year for tariff reductions instead of 2013. This would have gone against the country's interests as several import duties have gone up since 2014. 
&nbsp; 
RCEP is supposed to be one of the world’s largest trade pacts and the largest regional trading agreement yet. The member countries account for half of the world’s population and almost one-third of the Global Gross Domestic Product.

Becoming a member of the RCEP would have provided New Delhi with an alternative market, reducing its dependence on Western nation-states, an increase in export-oriented Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and a boost to its service sector.

Although India currently backed out of one of the biggest free trade deals in the world, the remaining 15 members agreed on the negotiated terms and will be signing it next year. 
&nbsp;

By Mallika Singh India on Monday pulled out of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.

By Mallika Singh India on Monday pulled out of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.” Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand said that “neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP.” RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was being negotiated between 16 countries - the 10 member states of ASEAN along with India, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. While the exact details of what the agreement entails are yet to be released, its aim, as established in 2012 in Cambodia, was to increase trade by decreasing tariffs and barriers between member states, boost exports, and create an alternative market for investment. India chose to withhold from joining the trade agreement due to “significant outstanding issues, which remain unresolved”. "The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. New Delhi’s stand on data localisation is one of the key issues at conflict as RCEP norms support the free flow of data which hampers India’s digital sovereignty. According to NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of India, the country has a growing trade deficit with ASEAN member states and China. Participating in RCEP would have only widened these deficits. With the ongoing United States-China trade war, signing the trade agreement would have interfered with India's attempt to augment its ties with the United States. China’s dumping policy also presented itself as a potential threat to India, where access to an open market might have lead China to dump its products in regional Indian markets. India felt that there was “inadequate” protection provided to its domestic markets which would have had to suffer losses as cheaper products from China threatened to “flood” Indian markets. The dairy industry was also expected to face the burden of the trade deal due to the introduction of competition from New Zealand and Australia. India also failed to receive any assurance on its demand for greater market access and concerns over non-tariff barriers as China has in the past used these to curtail India’s exports to the country. India expressed dismay at 2014 being set as the base year for tariff reductions instead of 2013. This would have gone against the country's interests as several import duties have gone up since 2014. RCEP is supposed to be one of the world’s largest trade pacts and the largest regional trading agreement yet. The member countries account for half of the world’s population and almost one-third of the Global Gross Domestic Product. Becoming a member of the RCEP would have provided New Delhi with an alternative market, reducing its dependence on Western nation-states, an increase in export-oriented Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and a boost to its service sector. Although India currently backed out of one of the biggest free trade deals in the world, the remaining 15 members agreed on the negotiated terms and will be signing it next year.

RCEP pull-out: India stands by reduced trade deficits, data localisation, and enhancing domestic markets

New Zealand displayed an all-round performance to defeat England by 21 runs on Sunday in the second T20I of the five-match series here at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

With this win, the Kiwis have levelled the five-match series at 1-1, with three more matches left to play.

Chasing 177, England got off to the worst start possible as Jonny Bairstow (0) and the match-winner from the first match, James Vince (1) were sent back to the pavilion with just three runs on the board.

Skipper Eoin Morgan played a cameo of 32 runs off just seventeen balls, but looking to accelerate the innings, he perished as Mitchell Santner sent him back to the pavilion in the fifth over, bringing England to 40/3.

Sam Billings (8) and Sam Curran (9) also failed to leave a mark and England was left reeling at 91/5 in the 11th over.

The set batsman Malan (39) was sent back to the pavilion by Ish Sodhi in the 12th over and England had their backs to the wall.

Later, Chris Jordon came out to bat next and smashed 24 runs off Sodhi's over thus enhancing hope of England in the match.

However, as soon as England started to gain an upper hand, Santner sent Jordon (36) back to the pavilion with England still needing 43 more runs for the win.

In the end, New Zealand was able to maintain its composure and they registered a win by 21 runs.

Earlier, Jimmy Neesham's knock of 42 runs off 22 balls just enabled New Zealand to post a score of 176/8 in the allotted twenty overs.

New Zealand lost its first wicket with just 23 runs on the board as Colin Munro (7) was sent back to the pavilion in the third over as Sam Curran dismissed him.

Martin Guptill and Tim Seifert put up a 34-run stand, but their vigil at the crease was cut short in the seventh over as Saqib Mahmood dismissed Seifert (16), reducing Kiwis to 57/2. 
 
Soon after Guptill (41) and Colin de Grandhomme (28) were sent back to the pavilion in the 11th over and New Zealand was left at 96/4.

The Kiwis kept on losing wickets at regular intervals, but Ross Taylor's knock of 28 runs enabled the side to keep the scoreboard ticking.

In the end, Neesham provided the side with some big blows and the Kiwi outfit posted more than 175 runs on the board.

For England, Jordon was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped three wickets.

Both sides will next lock horns in the third T20I on Tuesday, November 5. 
&nbsp;

New Zealand displayed an all-round performance to defeat England by 21 runs on Sunday in the second T20I of the five-match series here at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

New Zealand displayed an all-round performance to defeat England by 21 runs on Sunday in the second T20I of the five-match series here at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. With this win, the Kiwis have levelled the five-match series at 1-1, with three more matches left to play. Chasing 177, England got off to the worst start possible as Jonny Bairstow (0) and the match-winner from the first match, James Vince (1) were sent back to the pavilion with just three runs on the board. Skipper Eoin Morgan played a cameo of 32 runs off just seventeen balls, but looking to accelerate the innings, he perished as Mitchell Santner sent him back to the pavilion in the fifth over, bringing England to 40/3. Sam Billings (8) and Sam Curran (9) also failed to leave a mark and England was left reeling at 91/5 in the 11th over. The set batsman Malan (39) was sent back to the pavilion by Ish Sodhi in the 12th over and England had their backs to the wall. Later, Chris Jordon came out to bat next and smashed 24 runs off Sodhi's over thus enhancing hope of England in the match. However, as soon as England started to gain an upper hand, Santner sent Jordon (36) back to the pavilion with England still needing 43 more runs for the win. In the end, New Zealand was able to maintain its composure and they registered a win by 21 runs. Earlier, Jimmy Neesham's knock of 42 runs off 22 balls just enabled New Zealand to post a score of 176/8 in the allotted twenty overs. New Zealand lost its first wicket with just 23 runs on the board as Colin Munro (7) was sent back to the pavilion in the third over as Sam Curran dismissed him. Martin Guptill and Tim Seifert put up a 34-run stand, but their vigil at the crease was cut short in the seventh over as Saqib Mahmood dismissed Seifert (16), reducing Kiwis to 57/2. Soon after Guptill (41) and Colin de Grandhomme (28) were sent back to the pavilion in the 11th over and New Zealand was left at 96/4. The Kiwis kept on losing wickets at regular intervals, but Ross Taylor's knock of 28 runs enabled the side to keep the scoreboard ticking. In the end, Neesham provided the side with some big blows and the Kiwi outfit posted more than 175 runs on the board. For England, Jordon was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped three wickets. Both sides will next lock horns in the third T20I on Tuesday, November 5.

Wellington T20I: New Zealand defeats England to level scores in ongoing series

New Zealand lawmakers narrowly backed a plan Wednesday to hold a referendum on legalising euthanasia alongside next year's general election.

The proposal to put the issue to a public vote passed 63-57 during a heated late-night debate in parliament.

It means when Kiwis go to the polls late next year they will not only be voting for their preferred government but also on two referendums, one on legalising euthanasia and the other on allowing recreational marijuana use.

While a final vote to confirm a referendum on the End of Life Choice Bill will be held in November, it is considered a formality after the plan won crucial backing from the New Zealand First (NZF) Party.

"This is an emotive topic. It's a divisive topic... &nbsp;but we should have the courage to allow the voting public to participate in this conversation," NZF's Jenny Marcroft told parliament.

NZF had threatened to pull support for the bill if the referendum proposal was rejected and parliament tried to simply pass the legislation.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has publicly stated her support for euthanasia reform and reluctantly voted for the referendum, saying earlier this week that it was the only way of advancing the legislation.

Members of Ardern's centre-left Labour Party were given a conscience vote on the issue, as were members of parliament's largest party, the conservative Nationals.

National lawmaker Harete Hipango described the euthanasia legislation as "abhorrent, repugnant and also dangerous".

"This is a kill bill. My focus and my intention is&nbsp;that I seek to kill this bill because of the repugnancy of what it intends to do," he said.&nbsp;

"The state has a duty of care to protect our most vulnerable."

The lawmaker behind the bill, libertarian David Seymour, said the proposal had safeguards to protect the vulnerable.

"This is a bill only for people who have a terminal illness as diagnosed by two doctors," he said.&nbsp;

"It is for people who are, sadly, at the end of their lives, and it is a choice... &nbsp;only the person whose life it is can make the choice." 
&nbsp;

New Zealand lawmakers narrowly backed a plan Wednesday to hold a referendum on legalising euthanasia alongside next year's general election. The proposal to put the issue to a public vote passed 63-57 during a heated late-night debate in parliament.

New Zealand lawmakers narrowly backed a plan Wednesday to hold a referendum on legalising euthanasia alongside next year's general election. The proposal to put the issue to a public vote passed 63-57 during a heated late-night debate in parliament. It means when Kiwis go to the polls late next year they will not only be voting for their preferred government but also on two referendums, one on legalising euthanasia and the other on allowing recreational marijuana use. While a final vote to confirm a referendum on the End of Life Choice Bill will be held in November, it is considered a formality after the plan won crucial backing from the New Zealand First (NZF) Party. "This is an emotive topic. It's a divisive topic... but we should have the courage to allow the voting public to participate in this conversation," NZF's Jenny Marcroft told parliament. NZF had threatened to pull support for the bill if the referendum proposal was rejected and parliament tried to simply pass the legislation. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has publicly stated her support for euthanasia reform and reluctantly voted for the referendum, saying earlier this week that it was the only way of advancing the legislation. Members of Ardern's centre-left Labour Party were given a conscience vote on the issue, as were members of parliament's largest party, the conservative Nationals. National lawmaker Harete Hipango described the euthanasia legislation as "abhorrent, repugnant and also dangerous". "This is a kill bill. My focus and my intention is that I seek to kill this bill because of the repugnancy of what it intends to do," he said. "The state has a duty of care to protect our most vulnerable." The lawmaker behind the bill, libertarian David Seymour, said the proposal had safeguards to protect the vulnerable. "This is a bill only for people who have a terminal illness as diagnosed by two doctors," he said. "It is for people who are, sadly, at the end of their lives, and it is a choice... only the person whose life it is can make the choice."

New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum

New Zealand fire services were battling a massive blaze on Tuesday on the roof of a convention centre being built in the city of Auckland, considered to be the country's biggest current building project.

The fire, which broke out at the SkyCity Convention Centre, is close to the Sky City tower in downtown Auckland. Videos posted by witnesses on Twitter showed fire and black smoke billowing from the roof.

"Fire is really building," Auckland's mayor, Phil Goff, said on Twitter. "People can be seen on the roof."

Fire and emergency crews are fighting to bring the blaze under control, police said in a statement, adding that they were assisting Fire and Emergency NZ with cordons and evacuations of workers.

About 23 fire trucks from across greater Auckland had responded to the blaze, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said.

"There have been no reported injuries," SkyCity said on Twitter, adding that everyone had been evacuated from the convention centre, with Sky Tower and a casino closed until further notice.

Construction workers were among the hundreds of people evacuated, media said. Traffic came to a standstill in central Auckland, with people asked to avoid the business district and urged to take precautions against inhaling smoke.

The $452-million&nbsp;SkyCity Convention Centre, which sits on a 3.5-acre&nbsp;site, with a floor space of 349,827 sq ft, is considered to be New Zealand's biggest building project.

Owned by New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group, the project has been plagued by delays.

The country's largest builder, Fletcher Building Ltd, is building the centre. Shares of SkyCity were down 4 per cent&nbsp;at NZ$3.82 on the New Zealand exchange after the fire reports.

New Zealand fire services were battling a massive blaze on Tuesday on the roof of a convention centre being built in the city of Auckland, considered to be the country's biggest current building project.

New Zealand fire services were battling a massive blaze on Tuesday on the roof of a convention centre being built in the city of Auckland, considered to be the country's biggest current building project. The fire, which broke out at the SkyCity Convention Centre, is close to the Sky City tower in downtown Auckland. Videos posted by witnesses on Twitter showed fire and black smoke billowing from the roof. "Fire is really building," Auckland's mayor, Phil Goff, said on Twitter. "People can be seen on the roof." Fire and emergency crews are fighting to bring the blaze under control, police said in a statement, adding that they were assisting Fire and Emergency NZ with cordons and evacuations of workers. About 23 fire trucks from across greater Auckland had responded to the blaze, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said. "There have been no reported injuries," SkyCity said on Twitter, adding that everyone had been evacuated from the convention centre, with Sky Tower and a casino closed until further notice. Construction workers were among the hundreds of people evacuated, media said. Traffic came to a standstill in central Auckland, with people asked to avoid the business district and urged to take precautions against inhaling smoke. The $452-million SkyCity Convention Centre, which sits on a 3.5-acre site, with a floor space of 349,827 sq ft, is considered to be New Zealand's biggest building project. Owned by New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group, the project has been plagued by delays. The country's largest builder, Fletcher Building Ltd, is building the centre. Shares of SkyCity were down 4 per cent at NZ$3.82 on the New Zealand exchange after the fire reports.

New Zealand battles to rein in blaze at convention centre

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced more funding and support on Monday to target violent extremist content online, just months after an alleged white supremacist live-streamed a massacre at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-of-new-zealands-darkest-days-40-killed-over-20-injured-at-mosque-shooting-203492">two mosques in Christchurch.</a>

The attack on March 15 that killed 51 Muslim worshippers was live-streamed on Facebook, and the video was shared on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook-owned apps Whatsapp and Instagram.

Ardern said the government was investing $10.73 million&nbsp;over four years to boost New Zealand’s ability to find, stop and stamp out terrorist and violent extremist content online quickly.

The investment would be used to double the investigative, forensic, intelligence and prevention work of the Department of Internal Affairs, she announced at a press conference.

A new team of 17 people will be dedicated to tackling such content, the government in a statement.

The new department's powers include investigating and prosecuting those committing offences through both proactive detection and working with international and domestic partners, it added.

"Our online world must be a force for good where we can exchange ideas, share technology, and maintain civil liberties, while protecting New Zealanders from objectionable content,” Ardern said in the statement.

"Countering violent extremism online is an important part of our response to the March 15 terrorist attacks," she added.

Silicon Valley tech giants and world leaders have endorsed a movement by Ardern called "Christchurch Call" which aims to establish ethical standards for tech companies and media outlets to avoid amplifying violent extremist content online.

Their commitment was tested last week as social media firms scrambled to scrub footage of a shooting outside a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-kills-two-in-livestreamed-attack-at-german-synagogue-254847">German synagogue</a> that was livestreamed on Amazon's&nbsp;gaming subsidiary Twitch.

As with Christchurch, full copies and portions of the German video quickly began appearing elsewhere online, shared both by supporters of the gunman's anti-Semitic ideology and critics condemning his actions.

Ardern said in a press conference later that the attack in Germany last week was another reminder of the threat of online extremism.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced more funding and support on Monday to target violent extremist content online, just months after an alleged white supremacist live-streamed a massacre at two mosques in Christchurch.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced more funding and support on Monday to target violent extremist content online, just months after an alleged white supremacist live-streamed a massacre at two mosques in Christchurch. The attack on March 15 that killed 51 Muslim worshippers was live-streamed on Facebook, and the video was shared on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook-owned apps Whatsapp and Instagram. Ardern said the government was investing $10.73 million over four years to boost New Zealand’s ability to find, stop and stamp out terrorist and violent extremist content online quickly. The investment would be used to double the investigative, forensic, intelligence and prevention work of the Department of Internal Affairs, she announced at a press conference. A new team of 17 people will be dedicated to tackling such content, the government in a statement. The new department's powers include investigating and prosecuting those committing offences through both proactive detection and working with international and domestic partners, it added. "Our online world must be a force for good where we can exchange ideas, share technology, and maintain civil liberties, while protecting New Zealanders from objectionable content,” Ardern said in the statement. "Countering violent extremism online is an important part of our response to the March 15 terrorist attacks," she added. Silicon Valley tech giants and world leaders have endorsed a movement by Ardern called "Christchurch Call" which aims to establish ethical standards for tech companies and media outlets to avoid amplifying violent extremist content online. Their commitment was tested last week as social media firms scrambled to scrub footage of a shooting outside a German synagogue that was livestreamed on Amazon's gaming subsidiary Twitch. As with Christchurch, full copies and portions of the German video quickly began appearing elsewhere online, shared both by supporters of the gunman's anti-Semitic ideology and critics condemning his actions. Ardern said in a press conference later that the attack in Germany last week was another reminder of the threat of online extremism.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern steps up fight against extremist online content

Rugby World Cup organisers took the unprecedented step Thursday of canceling two games -- England v France and New Zealand v Italy -- as Japan braces for Super Typhoon Hagibis, likely the biggest storm to hit the country this year.

Both games were in the projected path of the large and powerful typhoon, which currently has a "violent" rating -- the highest category by Japan's weather bureau -- and is due to hit the Tokyo area on Saturday.

Sunday's four games, including the Pool A shoot-out between hosts Japan and Scotland in Yokohama, near Tokyo, remain under review, said tournament director Alan Gilpin.

"We've taken the very difficult decision to cancel certain matches in the affected areas," Gilpin said.&nbsp;

"While it's regrettable, we've made, we believe, the right decision with everyone's safety as the priority," he added.

Tens of thousands of fans, many of the visitors from abroad, will be affected by the cancellations,&nbsp;the first in the tournament's 32-year history. Their tickets will be fully refunded, Gilpin said.

Japan, whose capital Tokyo hosts the Olympics next year, is battered by around 20 typhoons per year and is one of the world's most seismically active countries.

But Gilpin stressed he had "no regrets at all" about bringing the World Cup to Japan, the first Asian country to host the tournament.

"I think what you've all seen over the last three weeks absolutely in every respect vindicates the right decisions to be hosting a World Cup here in Japan," he said.

"We always knew there were going to be risks. It's rare for a typhoon of this magnitude to cause this impact this late in the typhoon season."

He added that World Rugby had looked "pretty exhaustively" at other options for the games, including switching venues, but "we couldn't guarantee consistent contingency plans across all those games safely for all the teams and fans involved".

Seven games were slated for the final weekend of the pool stage, when matches are tightly packed and cannot be rescheduled. Cancelled games are recorded as 0-0 draws, with both teams awarded two points.

England and France have already qualified from Pool C, with Eddie Jones's men top of the group, but Pool A hangs in the balance ahead of Japan's final game against Scotland in Yokohama on Sunday.

If that game were abandoned, Scotland would be eliminated and Japan would qualify for their first quarter-final as shock group winners, with Ireland runners-up.

Australia's game against Georgia on Friday will go ahead, as will Saturday's match between Ireland and Samoa, which is in Fukuoka in Japan's southwest, out of the predicted path of the storm.

Hagibis, packing maximum gusts of up to 270 kilometres&nbsp;per hour, is currently projected to batter the Tokyo and Yokohama area on Saturday.

The storm "is predicted to be the biggest typhoon of the 2019 season and is highly likely to cause considerable disruption... including likely public transport shutdown and disruption", said Gilpin.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said Hagibis was currently "a large and violent typhoon" and while it will weaken before hitting the mainland, it will "remain very strong" and have a "significant impact over large areas".&nbsp;

Hagibis is currently forecast to clip the southeastern corner of Japan near Tokyo and Yokohama but given its size, the impact will be felt across wide swathes of the country.

Formula One organisers also said they were "closely monitoring" the potential impact of Hagibis ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, southwest of Tokyo.

In 2014, Marussia driver Jules Bianchi crashed in bad weather conditions caused by a typhoon, and remained in a coma until his death the following July.

Many people in Chiba, east of Tokyo, are still recovering from Typhoon Faxai, which struck Japan in early September and caused widespread disruption, leaving two people dead and cutting power to half-a-million homes.

Hagibis is taking a similar trajectory to Faxai but is nearly three times bigger in terms of area.

Organisers received immediate criticism for the cancellations, with former World Cup winner Francois Pienaar telling Sky Sports: "Everybody has worked so hard. Why, if you work that hard and prepare yourself, let weather influence the outcome of the match? It shouldn't."

Simon Learey, a British fan here, said he had flown out for the England-France game after getting the tickets as a birthday present.

"Very disappointed, we're only here four days, only to see that game," said Learey.

Rugby World Cup organisers took the unprecedented step Thursday of canceling two games -- England v France and New Zealand v Italy -- as Japan braces for Super Typhoon Hagibis, likely the biggest storm to hit the country this year.

Rugby World Cup organisers took the unprecedented step Thursday of canceling two games -- England v France and New Zealand v Italy -- as Japan braces for Super Typhoon Hagibis, likely the biggest storm to hit the country this year. Both games were in the projected path of the large and powerful typhoon, which currently has a "violent" rating -- the highest category by Japan's weather bureau -- and is due to hit the Tokyo area on Saturday. Sunday's four games, including the Pool A shoot-out between hosts Japan and Scotland in Yokohama, near Tokyo, remain under review, said tournament director Alan Gilpin. "We've taken the very difficult decision to cancel certain matches in the affected areas," Gilpin said. "While it's regrettable, we've made, we believe, the right decision with everyone's safety as the priority," he added. Tens of thousands of fans, many of the visitors from abroad, will be affected by the cancellations, the first in the tournament's 32-year history. Their tickets will be fully refunded, Gilpin said. Japan, whose capital Tokyo hosts the Olympics next year, is battered by around 20 typhoons per year and is one of the world's most seismically active countries. But Gilpin stressed he had "no regrets at all" about bringing the World Cup to Japan, the first Asian country to host the tournament. "I think what you've all seen over the last three weeks absolutely in every respect vindicates the right decisions to be hosting a World Cup here in Japan," he said. "We always knew there were going to be risks. It's rare for a typhoon of this magnitude to cause this impact this late in the typhoon season." He added that World Rugby had looked "pretty exhaustively" at other options for the games, including switching venues, but "we couldn't guarantee consistent contingency plans across all those games safely for all the teams and fans involved". Seven games were slated for the final weekend of the pool stage, when matches are tightly packed and cannot be rescheduled. Cancelled games are recorded as 0-0 draws, with both teams awarded two points. England and France have already qualified from Pool C, with Eddie Jones's men top of the group, but Pool A hangs in the balance ahead of Japan's final game against Scotland in Yokohama on Sunday. If that game were abandoned, Scotland would be eliminated and Japan would qualify for their first quarter-final as shock group winners, with Ireland runners-up. Australia's game against Georgia on Friday will go ahead, as will Saturday's match between Ireland and Samoa, which is in Fukuoka in Japan's southwest, out of the predicted path of the storm. Hagibis, packing maximum gusts of up to 270 kilometres per hour, is currently projected to batter the Tokyo and Yokohama area on Saturday. The storm "is predicted to be the biggest typhoon of the 2019 season and is highly likely to cause considerable disruption... including likely public transport shutdown and disruption", said Gilpin. Japan's Meteorological Agency said Hagibis was currently "a large and violent typhoon" and while it will weaken before hitting the mainland, it will "remain very strong" and have a "significant impact over large areas". Hagibis is currently forecast to clip the southeastern corner of Japan near Tokyo and Yokohama but given its size, the impact will be felt across wide swathes of the country. Formula One organisers also said they were "closely monitoring" the potential impact of Hagibis ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, southwest of Tokyo. In 2014, Marussia driver Jules Bianchi crashed in bad weather conditions caused by a typhoon, and remained in a coma until his death the following July. Many people in Chiba, east of Tokyo, are still recovering from Typhoon Faxai, which struck Japan in early September and caused widespread disruption, leaving two people dead and cutting power to half-a-million homes. Hagibis is taking a similar trajectory to Faxai but is nearly three times bigger in terms of area. Organisers received immediate criticism for the cancellations, with former World Cup winner Francois Pienaar telling Sky Sports: "Everybody has worked so hard. Why, if you work that hard and prepare yourself, let weather influence the outcome of the match? It shouldn't." Simon Learey, a British fan here, said he had flown out for the England-France game after getting the tickets as a birthday present. "Very disappointed, we're only here four days, only to see that game," said Learey.

Two World Cup games axed as super typhoon bears down on Japan

A replica of the Captain James Cook's ship Endeavour sailed into Gisborne to mark the 250th anniversary of his arrival in New Zealand.

Protest marks anniversary of James Cook’s NZ arrival

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday hailed Mahatma Gandhi's unifying power of inter-faith and inter-cultural understanding that bind all people and all religions across the globe, at a cultural event hosted by India at the United Nations.

Addressing an event to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), along with other world leaders, Ardern said, "At a time when religion could have been used to divide us we saw the unifying power of inter-faith and inter-cultural understanding. Gandhi himself understood the inner truths of all faiths of dignity and humanity that bind all people and all religion."

"Gandhi himself said that we should cultivate non-violence in our daily lives along with truthfulness, humility, and tolerance. These are challenges not only faced by my country but others across the globe as well," she added.

The Prime Minister started her speech by saying 'Namaste'&nbsp;and stated, "Our presence here is a reflection of the close ties between India and New Zealand and also the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi which was felt in the farthest corners of the globe including New Zealand."

"I had first heard of the Mahatma when I was a schoolgirl," she started.

"Gandhi himself understood the inner truths of all faiths of dignity and humanity that bind all people and all religion. Like Gandhi, we should not be afraid to stand up and transform our society for the better," the prime minister stressed further.

She said that New Zealand has recently witnessed a tragic consequence of intolerance and violence, and added, "I saw terrorism sought to divide us and took the lives of 51 innocent worshippers."

Ardern's remarks came in the wake of 15 March's Christchurch mosque shootings in her country which killed 51 people.

Yet in the face of this act of hatred and violence, the Muslim community in New Zealand opened doors for all New Zealanders and the world to grieve with them.

The act of peace was a powerful and empowering message.

By opening the doors they sowed the seeds of forgiveness, diversity, humanity and love, the leader noted.

Ardern also said that Gandhi had mulled the expression of political dissent through non-violent opposition.

"It is critical to resolving tensions in a peaceful manner. I believe that Gandhi's legacy as relevant as it was before. It calls on us to reject bigotry and embrace kindness and truth," she told the attendees.

In her concluding remarks, she said, "We look forward to Gandhi's principles to address the pressing problems. There are three aspects of Gandhi message that carry particular weight: tolerance, equality and quantity of non-violence and peace."

"These are values that we should always keep in the forefronts of our minds not just in good times but especially when faced with difficult choices," she noted further.

World leaders including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and South Korean President Moon-Jae-in were also present at the occasion in New York.

The event was hosted to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, which underlined the continuing relevance of Gandhian thoughts and values in today's world.&nbsp;

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday hailed Mahatma Gandhi's unifying power of inter-faith and inter-cultural understanding that bind all people and all religions across the globe, at a cultural event hosted by India at the United Nations.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday hailed Mahatma Gandhi's unifying power of inter-faith and inter-cultural understanding that bind all people and all religions across the globe, at a cultural event hosted by India at the United Nations. Addressing an event to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), along with other world leaders, Ardern said, "At a time when religion could have been used to divide us we saw the unifying power of inter-faith and inter-cultural understanding. Gandhi himself understood the inner truths of all faiths of dignity and humanity that bind all people and all religion." "Gandhi himself said that we should cultivate non-violence in our daily lives along with truthfulness, humility, and tolerance. These are challenges not only faced by my country but others across the globe as well," she added. The Prime Minister started her speech by saying 'Namaste' and stated, "Our presence here is a reflection of the close ties between India and New Zealand and also the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi which was felt in the farthest corners of the globe including New Zealand." "I had first heard of the Mahatma when I was a schoolgirl," she started. "Gandhi himself understood the inner truths of all faiths of dignity and humanity that bind all people and all religion. Like Gandhi, we should not be afraid to stand up and transform our society for the better," the prime minister stressed further. She said that New Zealand has recently witnessed a tragic consequence of intolerance and violence, and added, "I saw terrorism sought to divide us and took the lives of 51 innocent worshippers." Ardern's remarks came in the wake of 15 March's Christchurch mosque shootings in her country which killed 51 people. Yet in the face of this act of hatred and violence, the Muslim community in New Zealand opened doors for all New Zealanders and the world to grieve with them. The act of peace was a powerful and empowering message. By opening the doors they sowed the seeds of forgiveness, diversity, humanity and love, the leader noted. Ardern also said that Gandhi had mulled the expression of political dissent through non-violent opposition. "It is critical to resolving tensions in a peaceful manner. I believe that Gandhi's legacy as relevant as it was before. It calls on us to reject bigotry and embrace kindness and truth," she told the attendees. In her concluding remarks, she said, "We look forward to Gandhi's principles to address the pressing problems. There are three aspects of Gandhi message that carry particular weight: tolerance, equality and quantity of non-violence and peace." "These are values that we should always keep in the forefronts of our minds not just in good times but especially when faced with difficult choices," she noted further. World leaders including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and South Korean President Moon-Jae-in were also present at the occasion in New York. The event was hosted to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, which underlined the continuing relevance of Gandhian thoughts and values in today's world.

New Zealand PM hails Gandhi's unifying power of inter-faith, inter-cultural understanding

new-zealand

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

new zealand