World
Oceania
Remoteness no longer enough: NZ defence needs more money to counter China, climate change
New Zealand’s first national security strategy underscores how China’s rise is upending old norms – even 9000 kilometres away in Wellington.
- by Lewis Jackson and Lucy Craymer
Latest
Fiji prime minister cancels China visit after ‘small accident’
Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit was planned as China ramps up its push for security and trade ties with the Pacific Islands to compete with the United States and its allies.
NZ justice minister resigns after facing criminal charges in car crash
“Kiri is an incredibly talented person who clearly has been battling some demons, and has not won that battle,” Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said of Allan, once considered a rising star of the Labour Party.
- by Nick Perry
Updated
Crime
‘Terrifying’: Auckland gunman worked on CBD site during detention
The 24-year-old gunman who killed two people and injured several others at a construction site on Thursday morning was under home detention for domestic violence-related offences.
- by Alex Crowe
Pacific ‘less secure’ due to China’s assertiveness, says NZ prime minister
“Our region is becoming more contested, less predictable, and less secure,” Chris Hipkins said. “And that poses challenges for small countries like New Zealand.”
- by Lucy Craymer
US eyes massive diplomatic ramp-up for Pacific island embassies
In a bid to counter China’s growing power in the region, the US envisions hiring up to 40 staffers over the next five years for each of its four new embassies.
- by Matthew Lee
Tourists given no safety warnings before landing on deadly New Zealand volcano, court told
The owners of White Island in New Zealand have gone on trial for allegedly failing to protect tourists and staff in the 2019 eruption that killed 22 people.
- by Rod McGuirk
China, Solomon Islands take swipe at AUKUS in announcing new strategic partnership
The two countries have signed nine new deals, including on police cooperation, as an upgrade of bilateral relations as leader Manasseh Sogavare visits Beijing.
Exclusive
Mining
Going broke and sinking, Nauru wants to mine the ocean floor
Nauru’s economic lifeline is running out and it wants a shot at collecting the rare minerals the world needs to transition to net zero emissions. But critics say deep sea mining will also harm the environment.
- by Latika Bourke
‘Sexual violence’: NZ broadcaster chastised over dolphin mating scene
The New Zealand media watchdog has chided public broadcaster TVNZ over the scene following a complaint from one viewer.
- by Ben McKay
Man attacks diners with axe at Chinese restaurants in New Zealand
Police arrested a 24-year-old suspect at the scene and charged him with wounding with the intention of causing grievous bodily harm.
- by Nick Perry