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☆ S. African mother found guilty of murdering three daughters in New Zealand
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A teddy bear is seen among flowers placed outside where Lauren Anne Dickason, a woman charged with murdering her three young daughters just weeks after arriving in New Zealand from South Africa, used to live, in Pretoria, South Africa, September 24, 2021. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Aug 16 (Reuters) - A jury in New Zealand found a South African woman guilty on Wednesday of murdering her three young daughters, with media saying she faced a life sentence for each killing. Her husband Graham had found the three children dead and his wife in a serious condition upon arriving home after a dinner with colleagues, New Zealand media have previously said. The prosecution said Dickason knew when she killed her daughters that what she was doing was morally wrong and the act was murder, according to broadcaster Radio New Zealand. Some of the jury were heard crying as they left the courtroom, media said.

Persons: Lauren Anne Dickason, Siphiwe, Dickason, Graham, Cameron Mander, Lucy Craymer, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Media, Radio New Zealand, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, South Africa, Pretoria, African, Timaru, Christchurch

☆ Jacinda Arden says she teared up watching New Zealand play at Women’s World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Tara Subramaniam | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —New Zealand’s former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was moved to tears by the country’s women’s soccer team at this year’s World Cup. Ardern told CNN’s Amanda Davies Monday that she cried while watching the opening match, where tournament co-hosts New Zealand beat Norway, securing the team’s first ever World Cup win. That July 20 game was a pivotal moment for the Football Ferns, as New Zealand’s women’s soccer team are known. Ardern, who was involved in bringing the tournament to New Zealand while Prime Minister, said she was “incredibly proud” to see it come to fruition. Ardern’s comments came at the final event for “Equalize,” a discussion series on equity for women hosted in New Zealand during the World Cup.

Persons: Jacinda Ardern, Ardern, CNN’s Amanda Davies, ” Ardern, Jitka Klimkova, “, ”, Ardern’s, you’ve, It’s Organizations: CNN, New, New Zealand, Football Ferns, Ferns Locations: Norway, Though New Zealand, New Zealand, “, Zealand, Christchurch

Some opponents, however, argue the move would hand excessive powers to the Indigenous body, while others have described it as tokenism and toothless. A Guardian poll this week showed more Australians are planning to vote no in the referendum than yes, a first in the survey. Parties on both sides of a debate released official pamphlets last month, and are holding road shows about the upcoming vote. "I believe Australia is ready," he said in a radio interview on Wednesday, which marked World Indigenous Day. Albanese has said the referendum will be held between October and December, but has given no fixed date.

Persons: Albanese, Matt Qvortrup, Anthony Albanese, Warren Mundine, Dean Parkin, Qvortrup, Praveen Menon, Lincoln Organizations: SYDNEY, Guardian, ANU College of Law, West, Thomson Locations: Australia, Torres, West Australia

☆ Women’s World Cup Begins With Host Nations in Opening Games
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Andrew Das | The New York Times | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +9 min

He moved through the building site, discharging the firearm as he went. Clearly, with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening, there are a lot of eyes on Auckland. Image Members of the Philippines Women’s World Cup team in Auckland on Thursday. New Zealand’s prime minister, Chris Hipkins, said the Women’s World Cup would proceed as planned. Even before then, gun ownership was relatively rare in New Zealand, and gun violence is considered unusual.

Persons: Chris Hipkins, Andrew Coster, Coster, ”, David Rowland, Abbie Parr, ” Mr, Hipkins, cordoning, Saeed Khan, Lise Klaveness, ” Halvor Lea, Maren Mjelde, Jacinda Ardern, Juliet Macur, Andrew Das, Yan Zhuang, Tariq Panja Organizations: Armed Offenders Squad, FIFA, New Zealand Herald, Police, ., Eden, United States, Vietnam, Norway, New Zealand Police, Associated Press, New Zealand, Agence France, Norway women’s Locations: New Zealand, Auckland, Queen, Auckland , New Zealand, Norway, Auckland’s, U.S, Australia, Ireland, Philippines, ”, Norwegian, Christchurch, North, Raurimu, Aramoana, Sydney

Auckland, New Zealand CNN —A shooting that erupted inside a building in central Auckland killed at least two people and injured six others, say New Zealand officials, casting a cloud over the Women’s World Cup that was set to start later in the day. The shooting is “an isolated incident,” and “not a national security risk,” New Zealand police said on Twitter, adding that the male shooter was also dead. During a press conference in Wellington, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the Women’s World Cup, which is due to kick off later in the city on Thursday, will “proceed as planned.”“Clearly, with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening, there are a lot of eyes on Auckland. “Auckland Transport says passengers coming in to the city should delay travel. New Zealand’s parliament voted to ban military-style semi-automatic weapons in 2019, weeks after the Christchurch massacre left 50 people dead.

Persons: “, Chris Hipkins, ” Hipkins, Nathan Frandino, Reuters Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, I’m, ” Brown, RNZ, Brown, ”, Nisha, ” Nisha, Jacinda Ardern, Ardern Organizations: New Zealand CNN, Auckland, New, Twitter, CNN, Newshub, Police, Wellington , New Zealand, FIFA, Reuters Auckland Mayor, New Zealand, ”, Auckland Transport Locations: Auckland, New Zealand, Wellington , New, New, Zealand, Norway, American, there’s, Christchurch

☆ A solar storm is due to hit Earth today, sparking stunning auroras. Here's how to see them.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

It should be relatively mild but could spark beautiful auroras visible from around the world. NOAA space weather prediction centerHead to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's space weather website for the latest forecast to see if auroras are likely to be visible where you are. As the sun becomes more active, it is more likely to send solar storms our way. Flights are more likely to be rerouted or grounded in bad space weather, for instance, experts previously told Insider. In the meantime, our dependence on satellite infrastructure has increased, and our vulnerability to space weather has therefore increased," said Verscharen.

Persons: —, Daniel Verscharen, auroras, Igor Hoogerwerf, SANKA VIDANAGAMA, It's Organizations: Service, University College London, NOAA, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, Mount Cook National, Getty, Royal Photographic Society Locations: Europe, Michigan, Maine, New York, Idaho, Illinois, Oregon, Phoenix , Arizona, Aurora, Mount, Christchurch , New Zealand, AFP

☆ Post-Ashes beers off as England coach McCullum incensed by Bairstow stumping
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-02 | by ( Hugh Lawson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The dismissal triggered long and loud booing from the Lord's crowd and saw Australian players verbally abused by MCC members in the stadium's usually staid Long Room. With England eventually losing by 43 runs to trail 2-0 in the five-test series, McCullum made it clear the stumping had strained relations. 'NO SNEAKINESS'Disgruntled MCC members verbally abused Australia players as they walked through the pavilion at the lunch interval, prompting opener Usman Khawaja to remonstrate with several of them. You see Jonny (Bairstow) do it all the time, he did it on day one to David Warner, he did it in 2019 to Steve (Smith)," Cummins told reporters. England captain Ben Stokes was keen to move on from the incident but added he would not want to win in such a fashion at the end of an over.

Persons: Alex Carey, Jonny Bairstow, Matthew Childs LONDON, Brendon McCullum, Jonny, Alex Carey underarmed, Bairstow, McCullum, you've, might've, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lankan, Kumar Sangakkara, Paul Collingwood, Daniel Vettori, Usman Khawaja, Khawaja, Pat Cummins, David Warner, Steve, Smith, Cummins, Carey, Ben Stokes, Hugh Lawson, Ian Ransom, Toby Davis, Peter Rutherford Organizations: England, Australia, MCC, BBC, New Zealand, Collingwood, Thomson Locations: Australia, London, Britain, Christchurch, Sri, New, England, Melbourne

"I think most of the world is watching," Megan Davis, constitutional lawyer and Aboriginal woman who is leading the campaign for the change, told Reuters in an interview. A successful referendum will set a precedent that will be "really useful for other indigenous populations around the world in relation to recognition," Davis said. While a majority of Indigenous Australians back the change, support has been wavering at a national level, according to recent opinion polls. In the past there have been 44 proposals for constitutional change in 19 referendums, and only eight of these have passed. Pat Anderson, another Indigenous woman and campaign leader said this was the best political space Aboriginal Australians have been in since their struggle started over 200 years ago.

Persons: Megan Davis, Davis, Pat Anderson, Anderson, Stephen Coates Organizations: SYDNEY, Reuters, First Nations, Nations, UN, United, Indigenous Peoples, Australia's, Thomson Locations: Australia, Torres, Scandinavia, British, Australia's, Canada, New Zealand, United States

SYDNEY, June 19 (Reuters) - Australia's Senate passed legislation on Monday that paves the way for the country to hold a landmark referendum later this year on whether to recognise its Indigenous people in the constitution. Support for the constitutional change has been wavering in the recent weeks. Getting constitutional change is difficult in Australia. In the past there have been 44 proposals for constitutional change in 19 referendums, and only eight of these have passed. Independent Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe, who has also been a vocal opponent of the bill, said the change will only create a "powerless advisory body".

Persons: Anthony Albanese, Albanese, Malarndirri McCarthy, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Lidia Thorpe, Praveen Menon, Michael Perry Organizations: SYDNEY, Australia's, Labor Party, Liberal Party, Independent, Thomson Locations: Torres, Australia's, Australia

☆ Ardern receives New Zealand top honour for leadership during COVID, mosque attack
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ardern was named "Dame Grand Companion," the second highest honour in New Zealand, on King Charles' birthday holiday celebrated by the country on June 5, and she made the coronation honours list for this year. The awardee is usually chosen in New Zealand by the prime minister and then approved by the British monarch, the head of state. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said Ardern was recognised for her service during some of the greatest challenges New Zealand had faced in modern times. Ardern, who became the prime minister in 2017, resigned in January in a shock announcement saying she had "no more in the tank" to lead New Zealand. "But I have heard that said by so many kiwis who I have encouraged to accept an honour over the years," Ardern said in a statement.

Persons: Jacinda Ardern, King Charles, Chris Hipkins, Ardern, Hipkins, Renju Jose, Aurora Ellis Organizations: SYDNEY, Former, New Zealand, kiwis, Thomson Locations: Christchurch, New Zealand, British, Sydney

☆ Jacinda Ardern made a dame in New Zealand
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( Jessie Yeung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Former New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern, who stepped down from her post earlier this year, has been made a dame in one of the country’s highest honors. “Having served as Prime Minister from 2017 to 2023, Dame Jacinda Ardern is recognized for her service to New Zealand during some of the greatest challenges our country has faced in modern times,” Hipkins said in a statement. The move grants Ardern the title of Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. In a statement to CNN affiliate Radio New Zealand (RNZ), Ardern said she was “incredibly humbled” by the accolade. Within a year, she had become only the second world leader to give birth in office.

Persons: Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Dame Jacinda Ardern, ” Hipkins, Dame, ”, Ardern, “ Organizations: CNN, Former New Zealand, Labour Party, Merit, Radio New Zealand, Kiwis, United Nations General Assembly, Harvard University, Harvard Kennedy School, New Locations: New Zealand, Zealand, Christchurch, Wellington

☆ Google opposed a shareholder proposal asking for more transparency around its AI algorithms
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Thomas Maxwell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Google has opposed a shareholder's call for more transparency around its algorithms. CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized the potential of new generative AI and added safety is essential. Google's parent company Alphabet opposed a shareholder proposal that sought increased transparency surrounding its algorithms. It argued that accountability and transparency in artificial intelligence are needed if the technology is to remain safe to society. Google in its opposition to the proposal said that it already provides meaningful disclosures surrounding its algorithms, including through websites that provide overviews of how YouTube's algorithms sort content, for instance.

Persons: Sundar Pichai, Pichai, We've, Geoffrey Hinton, Timnit Gebru, ProPublica Organizations: Google, Trillium Asset Management, Trillium, New Zealand Royal Commission, Mozilla Foundation, New York University, SEC, Google's Locations: Christchurch, Saudi Arabia

In a full page statement published in The Sydney Morning Herald, Rugby Australia (RA) said the proposed referendum is "too important a contest to watch in silence". "Provision for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in our Constitution is long overdue," it added. RA and the AFL join the National Rugby league (NRL), several AFL clubs, and other sports governing bodies like soccer's Football Australia, Tennis Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee in formalising support for Indigenous recognition through a referendum. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has staked significant political capital on the referendum, has been keen to get the support of leading sports bodies and players. Some of Australia's top athletes are Indigenous, like NBA star Patty Mills, former Olympic sprinter Cathy Freeman and former woman's tennis world number one Ash Barty.

☆ A man destined for Alzheimer's defied that fate. Now scientists want to know how
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Brenda Goodman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

He seems to have been protected by a rare gene change that enhanced the function of a protein that helps nerve cells communicate. Scientists say that understanding how this gene change defended his brain may help prevent Alzheimer’s in other people. “Another big insight from this case is, it seems like maybe you don’t need this everywhere in the brain,” Arboleda-Velasquez said. This is the pathway that is important for extreme protection against Alzheimer’s,’ ” Arboleda-Velasquez said. The sister of the man in the new study also shared the rare protective gene change, and it helped her, but not as much.

☆ New Zealand pledges $720 mln for cyclone and flood recovery
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 14 (Reuters) - The New Zealand government said on Sunday it was allocating NZ$1.1 billion ($720 million) to help communities recover from a cyclone and floods that lashed the country this year. The funds from the 2023 budget are to cover "basics" of rebuilding roads, rail and schools, as well as flood protection, it said in a statement. "The recovery package responds to the immediate recovery needs of today and invests in greater resilience for tomorrow,” said Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Insurance companies in March reported receiving 40,000 claims worth around NZ$890 million for damage from the cyclone. ($1 = 1.5763 New Zealand dollars)Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

"The Albanese Government is delivering a transformational package of support to the Pacific, to respond to Pacific priorities and ensure our shared interests in a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region," the government said in a statement. Canberra has looked to build its defence capabilities amid concerns about rising global geopolitical tensions and China's growing influence among Pacific island nations. Defence spending as a proportion of GDP will lift above its current trajectory to be 0.2% higher by 2032-33, the budget showed. Over the next four years, the government will invest more than A$19 billion to implement the priorities identified in a defence strategic review released last month, the budget statement said. "Ultimately, defence spending will grow over the medium term, which is in line with the strategic circumstances," defence minister Richard Marles said in a statement.

Hudson will be one of the few female executives leading a major company in Australia, although rival carrier Virgin Australia also has a woman as its CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka. "I come with an understanding of this organization that is very deep," Hudson told reporters in her first news conference as CEO designate. "Vanessa has been market-facing as CFO since October 2019, which will have prepared her well for the very public role as Qantas CEO," RBC Capital Markets analyst Owen Birrell said in a note. Though men still account for far more top executive roles in Australian-listed companies, a growing number of high-profile CEO roles are occupied by women, including at the No. Qantas said Hudson would continue in her current role until taking over as Qantas' 13th CEO at the 2023 annual general meeting.

SYDNEY, May 2 (Reuters) - Australia's flagship carrier, Qantas Airways Ltd (QAN.AX), said on Tuesday that long-serving CEO Alan Joyce would step aside in November, and named Vanessa Hudson as its next chief executive officer. * November 2008 - Irish-born Alan Joyce is appointed as Qantas chief executive. * April 2009 - Joyce cuts 1,750 jobs, the first major cull under his leadership, as the airline feels the full impact of the global financial crisis. * October 2016 - Joyce orchestrates a turnaround and delivers record profits and the first dividend to shareholders since 2009. * February 2023 - The airline swings to a record first-half profit on a strong demand recovery and high ticket prices.

SummarySummary Companies Hudson is the first female CEO to lead the airlineNew CEO to take over from Alan Joyce in NovemberMay 2 (Reuters) - Australia's flagship carrier, Qantas Airways Ltd (QAN.AX), on Tuesday named its finance chief Vanessa Hudson as its new chief executive officer, making her the first woman to lead the century-old airline. Hudson's appointment makes her one of the few female executives leading an airline, including Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. "Vanessa has been market-facing as CFO since October 2019, which will have prepared her well for the very public role as Qantas CEO," RBC Capital Markets analyst Owen Birrell said in a note. SUCCESSION PLANSJoyce, 56, served as Qantas CEO for more than 14 years and helped navigate the airline through the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuating fuel prices, and competition. Qantas said Hudson would continue in her current role until taking over as Qantas' 13th CEO at the 2023 annual general meeting.

☆ Jacinda Ardern: Former New Zealand leader is heading to Harvard
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( Jessie Yeung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —After stepping down as leader of New Zealand earlier this year, Jacinda Ardern has revealed that she is swapping the rough and tumble of politics for a stint of quiet reflection within academia overseas, heading to Harvard University this fall under two fellowships. She was appointed to dual fellowships at the Harvard Kennedy School, the university’s school of public policy and government, according to a news release by Harvard. Jacinda Ardern leaving New Zealand's Parliament for the last time as Prime Minister on January 25, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. “Jacinda Ardern showed the world strong and empathetic political leadership,” said Kennedy School Dean Douglas Elmendorf in the news release. Within a year, she had become only the second world leader to give birth in office.

☆ Former NZ PM Jacinda Ardern accepts Harvard fellowships
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WELLINGTON, April 26 (Reuters) - Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday that she was taking up three fellowships at Harvard University later in 2023. Ardern stepped down as prime minister in January saying she had "no more in the tank" to lead the country and would also not seek re-election to parliament. Harvard University said in a statement she had been appointed to dual fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School and to a concurrent fellowship at the Berkman Klein Center. “I am incredibly humbled to be joining Harvard University as a fellow - not only will it give me the opportunity to share my experience with others, it will give me a chance to learn," Ardern said in the statement. Ardern has previously said she will continue to help tackle violent extremism online as an unpaid special envoy for the Christchurch Call.

☆ A powerful solar storm is hitting Earth, sparking stunning northern and southern lights across the planet. Here's how to see them tonight.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A powerful G4 solar storm is hitting the Earth with winds as fast as 600 mph. Auroras seen in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, on March 24, 2023. NWS La CrosseThe spectacle also gave a treat to skygazers globally, with the lights seen across the UK, in the skies over Kyiv, Ukraine, and as far as Victoria, Australia. SANKA VIDANAGAMA/AFP via Getty ImagesThe powerful storm should continue until Monday evening. Storms like this aren't just prettyA view of the sun on April 21 shows the coronal mass ejection that caused the April 24 storm.

The northern and southern lights, which are usually confined to the Arctic and Antarctica, have generated awe and wonder for centuries. The northern lights were visible over St. Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay, England on Monday. The southern lights glowed over Lake Ellesmere on the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand on Monday. Over the next few years, the northern lights might appear further south more regularly, said Robert Massey, executive director at the Royal Astronomical Society. A National Weather Service employee took a photo of the northern lights in Maine on Sunday.

SYDNEY, April 19 (Reuters) - Australia said on Wednesday it would introduce new standards targeting vehicle emissions to boost the uptake of electric cars, as it looks to catch up with other developed economies. "Fuel-efficient and electric vehicles are cleaner and cheaper to run - today's announcement is a win-win for motorists," Bowen said in a statement. "Fuel efficiency standards would require more affordable electric vehicles to be sent to Australia," he said. Transport is the third largest source of carbon emissions in Australia - one of the world's biggest emitters on a per capita basis. Australia's centre-left Labor government last year flagged it had plans to introduce new regulations targeting vehicle carbon emissions to increase sales of electric cars.

☆ United plans to expand Australia, New Zealand flights 40% in bet on international travel rebound
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Leslie Josephs | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

United Airlines is planning to grow its service to Australia and New Zealand later this year, the carrier's latest bet that travelers will continue to book international trips. United is also building up service from both San Francisco and Los Angeles to Brisbane, Australia, and it is using its largest plane to fly between San Francisco and Melbourne, Australia. Airline executives have been upbeat about international travel demand and have been expanding their schedules to cater to the rebound. "On international, we are excited with the momentum we're seeing and expect record revenues and profitability for the summer travel season," Delta's president, Glen Hauenstein, said Thursday on an earnings call. United Airlines is scheduled to report first-quarter results after the market closes Tuesday and will provide another demand forecast ahead of the peak summer travel season.

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