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☆ New Zealand police reach more people previously not contactable after Cyclone Gabrielle
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-19 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] HMNZS Te Mana crew members help with a clean up after a small creek bursts its bank causing houses to flood in Havelock North, New Zealand, February 18, 2023. New Zealand Defence Force/Handout via REUTERSWELLINGTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - As New Zealand starts its long road to recovery following the devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle, the number of people still not reachable has fallen as communications in hard hit areas improve, the country's police commissioner said on Monday. The cyclone hit the North Island's northernmost region on Feb. 12 and tracked down the east coast, inflicting widespread destruction. Police have confirmed 11 deaths in circumstances related to the cyclone, most of those have been in Hawke’s Bay. Recovery efforts are continuing with search and rescue teams still working in cyclone damaged areas, while power and telecommunications remain down for some homes.

☆ Cyclone death toll in New Zealand rises to nine as recovery continues
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

New Zealand Defence Force/Handout via REUTERSSYDNEY, Feb 18 (Reuters) - The death toll from Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand rose to nine on Saturday as the clean-up continued on the battered North Island and authorities worked to find missing people. The cyclone hit the uppermost region of the North Island on Sunday and tracked down the east coast, causing widespread devastation. Police on Saturday said they were investigating a possible cyclone-related death of a person in the hard-hit Hawke's Bay region, taking the death toll to nine. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the response to the crisis was "still underway and there are people across the North Island working around the clock". Of those, almost 40,000 were in Hawke's Bay, out of a population of about 170,000.

☆ Cyclone death toll in New Zealand rises to 11 as recovery continues
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SYDNEY, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The death toll from Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand climbed to 11 on Sunday as thousands of people remained missing a week after the storm struck the country's North Island. The cyclone hit the North Island's uppermost region on Feb. 12 and tracked down the east coast, inflicting widespread devastation. On Sunday, police said two more people had died in the hard-hit Hawke's Bay area in circumstances related to the cyclone, raising the death toll to 11. Of those, almost 40,000 were in Hawke's Bay, out of a population of about 170,000. Police have sent an extra 100 officers to Hawke's Bay and nearby Tairawhiti, including to isolated areas, and the New Zealand Herald reported roadblocks around a rural Hawke’s Bay village to deter looters.

☆ Cyclone in New Zealand leaves 7 dead, toll expected to rise
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"We do need to brace ourselves for the fact that there are likely be more fatalities from this across the country. And the true extent of that, we won't know for awhile," New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said. On Thursday, more than 3000 people were registered with the police as not yet having had contact with friends or family since the cyclone hit. The weather has started to improve, with sunshine now forecast for much of the North Island on Friday. Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Sandra Maler and Jamie FreedOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Cyclone Gabrielle death toll rises to five as recovery starts
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WELLINGTON, Feb 16 (Reuters) - New Zealand stepped up recovery efforts on Thursday after Cyclone Gabrielle left at least five people dead and displaced 9,000 in the country's most damaging storm in decades. Gabrielle, which hit New Zealand on Sunday before making its way down the east coast of the North Island, cut off entire towns, washed away farms, bridges and livestock, and inundated homes, stranding people on rooftops. Parts of New Zealand's North Island, where about 75% of the country's 5 million residents live, are enduring their second major storm in as many weeks. Meteorological service MetService said Cyclone Gabrielle is now east of the country and continuing to track away from the North Island. The region was hardest hit during Cyclone Bola in 1988, which caused millions of dollars in damage and left seven people dead.

At 6 p.m. (0500 GMT) Gabrielle had moved southeast of Auckland, near the east coast of the country's North Island, and was expected to continue moving southeast, roughly parallel to the coast. Weather warnings remained in place for much of the east coast of the North Island and upper South Island. A view shows high tides rising due to Cyclone Gabrielle in Arkles Bay, Auckland, New Zealand February 13, 2023 in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. A New Zealand warship rescued a person from a yacht that turned on its emergency beacon this morning off the east coast. New Zealand declared national emergencies after an earthquake in 2011 and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

☆ New Zealand's Auckland braces for ex-cyclone Gabrielle impact
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Residents of New Zealand's biggest city were urged on Sunday to prepare for the impact of a storm that buffeted Australia's Norfolk Island overnight. Gabrielle, downgraded to a sub-tropical low pressure system from a Category 2 cyclone, passed over Norfolk Island, its "most destructive winds" missing the island, the Australian outpost's emergency management authority said. Wind and rain were "starting to spread across NZ from the north", with a 133 kph (83 mph) wind gust reported overnight on the country's North Island, MetService said. The storm was on track to lie off Cape Reinga at the North Island's north end on Sunday afternoon, after moving away from Norfolk Island, MetService said. "There is still considerable clean up to be undertaken and it may take a while for services such as power to be restored," Emergency Management Norfolk Island said.

☆ New Zealand cancels flights as deluge from cyclone looms
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins (C) and Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni (L) are briefed at Waka Kotahi Auckland Transport operations room ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle's arrival on February 12, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. New Zealand's national carrier canceled dozens of flights Sunday as Aucklanders braced for a deluge from Cyclone Gabrielle, two weeks after a record-breaking storm swamped the nation's largest city and killed four people. Air New Zealand said it was canceling all domestic flights to and from Auckland through midday Tuesday as well as many international flights. The carrier said some international routes would continue operating, although flights might need to be diverted from Auckland. "Please do take this seriously, we do expect severe weather is on the way," New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told reporters.

☆ Australia, New Zealand talk up their relationships with China
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Lewis Jackson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SYDNEY, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Australia and New Zealand talked up their relationships with China at a joint prime ministerial news conference on Tuesday in the latest sign of strengthening ties with their biggest trading partner. "The trade to China is more than the next three highest trading partners combined. It's in Australia's national interest to have good economic relations and to trade with China." New Zealand has historically taken a more conciliatory approach to China - a stance that has led to pressure from some elements among its Western allies. It is part of the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance which includes Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States.

☆ New Zealand announces NZ$700,000 in additional flood support as cleanup begins
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WELLINGTON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - New Zealand's government on Thursday announced NZ$700,000 ($450,000) in additional funding to help rebuild flood-ravaged Auckland and other areas in the upper north island as residents of the country's second-largest city start cleaning up. Auckland and much of New Zealand’s upper North Island have been hit by record rainfall in the last week, which authorities say has been exacerbated at least in part by climate change. Four people died in flooding and landslides that left roads closed, cut off communities, and damaged homes, farms and businesses. “The main thing that we have to do right now is to support people through this immediate period,” New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Thursday. Summers in New Zealand usually bring some rain, but the region is experiencing the La Nina weather system, which can bring much heavier rain to the upper North Island.

☆ Support for New Zealand's Labour Party jumps after Hipkins replaces Ardern
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WELLINGTON, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Support for New Zealand's Labour Party has jumped to its highest level in almost a year after Chris Hipkins replaced Jacinda Ardern as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party. National is sitting at 37%, and is behind in Labour for the first time since early 2022. Hipkins had nailed the political messaging and managed to reconnect with former Labour supporters, said political commentator and former National Party staffer Ben Thomas. Carmel Sepuloni, the new deputy prime minister, who is of Samoan, Tongan and European descent, will be associate foreign minister. Hipkins's first official trip as prime minister will be to Australia next week where he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

☆ New Zealand's Auckland expected to receive further rains as flooding remains
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] An area flooded during heavy rainfall is seen in Auckland, New Zealand January 27, 2023, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. A state of emergency remains in place in Auckland and further south in regional Waitomo. "There has been very significant damage across Auckland," New Zealand new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told state-owned television station TVNZ Monday. Metservice has issued an updated Heavy Rain Warning for Auckland and Great Barrier Island for 12 hours from Jan. 31 at 6pm (0700 GMT). Auckland Council said if rain continues at this pace there will be further flooding and landslides are expected.

☆ Deadly New Zealand flood crisis extends in country's north island
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SYDNEY, Jan 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand's deadly flood emergency continued on Sunday after heavy rainfall hit the country's north island, causing landslides, flash floods and knocking out roads. The nation's weather forecaster, MetService, warned of more severe weather on Sunday and Monday for the north island, including in Auckland where severe thunderstorms were possible. Climate change is causing episodes of heavy rainfall to become more common and more intense, though the impact varies by region. loadingOn Sunday, police said they were assisting with traffic management and road closures in that region after heavy rainfall "caused numerous slips, flooding and damage to roads". "Police are asking those in areas experiencing severe weather to ... not attempt to travel on the roads, many of which are currently undriveable," police said.

☆ 3 dead, 1 missing as rain pounds New Zealand’s largest city
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Authorities said Saturday that three people had died and at least one was missing after record levels of rainfall pounded New Zealand’s largest city, causing widespread disruption. He said the city was in for a big cleanup and that people should remain indoors if possible. On Friday evening, more than 15 centimeters (6 inches) of rain fell in just three hours in some places. Hundreds of people were stranded at Auckland Airport overnight after the airport stopped all flights and parts of the terminal were flooded. “It’s been a long and challenging night at Auckland Airport, we thank everyone for ongoing patience,” the airport wrote.

☆ Auckland, New Zealand starts clean-up after torrential rains, flash floods
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Cars are seen in a flooded street during heavy rainfall in Auckland, New Zealand January 27, 2023, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. @MonteChristoNZ/via REUTERSSYDNEY, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Authorities in New Zealand's biggest city Auckland began mopping up on Saturday, a day after torrential rains brought flooding and evacuations, shutting airports and forcing organisers to cancel a scheduled concert by Elton John. Two men were found dead amid the flooding, New Zealand Police said. Another person was unaccounted for after a landslide hit a house in Remuera, an inner suburb of Auckland, police said. Air New Zealand said it was "working through what its schedule will look like from midday today when Auckland Airport is scheduled to reopen."

☆ Chris Hipkins sworn in as New Zealand’s 41st prime minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Chris Hipkins is sworn in as prime minister on Jan. 25, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. The country's previous prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, unexpectedly resigned the previous week. Chris Hipkins was sworn in Wednesday as New Zealand's 41st prime minister, following the unexpected resignation last week of Jacinda Ardern. Carmel Sepuloni was also sworn in as deputy prime minister, the first time a person with Pacific Island heritage has taken on the role. After the ceremony, Hipkins said as an aside to reporters: "It feels pretty real now."

☆ Jacinda Ardern makes final appearance as New Zealand leader
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Ardern told reporters she’d been friends with Hipkins for nearly 20 years and spent two hours with him on the drive to the meeting grounds. It’s for him to carve out his own space to be his own kind of leader,” Ardern said. “Whilst there has been a bit of commentary in the aftermath of my departure, I would hate for anyone to view my departure as a negative commentary on New Zealand,” Ardern said. “I’m ready to be lots of things,” Ardern told reporters. I’m ready to be a sister, and a mom.”

☆ New Zealand's Ardern bids emotional farewell on last day as prime minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WELLINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday bid an emotional farewell on her last day as prime minister, speaking of the kindness and empathy New Zealanders have shown her, but said she was ready to be a sister and a mother. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the greatest privilege of my life," Ardern told the gathering in a speech. The speeches and accompanying songs and dances that followed saw elders speak with humour and warmth about Ardern. "Thanks so much for teaching us to love quickly," one elder told Ardern. Ardern responded, saying she that hadn't planned to speak but that those there refused to give her an out.

WELLINGTON, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Labour leader Chris Hipkins was sworn in as New Zealand's prime minister in a formal ceremony on Wednesday, following the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last week. The Labour party elected former COVID-19 Response and Police minister Hipkins, 44, to lead the party and the country on Sunday. Hipkins and his deputy Carmel Sepuloni - the first person of Pacific Islander descent to hold the role - were then sworn in, in a ceremony lasting a few minutes. Hours later, Hipkins met with journalists after his first cabinet meeting as Prime Minister. Chris Hipkins speaks to members of the media, after being confirmed as the only nomination to replace Jacinda Ardern as leader of the Labour Party, outside New Zealand's parliament in Wellington, New Zealand January 21 2023.

☆ New Zealand's Chris Hipkins set to be officially appointed prime minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WELLINGTON, Jan 25 (Reuters) - New Zealand's Governor General will appoint Labour leader Chris Hipkins as prime minister in a formal ceremony on Wednesday, the government said following the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last week. The Labour party elected former COVID-19 Response and Police minister Hipkins, 44, to lead the party and the country on Sunday. This comes after the surprise resignation of Ardern, 42, who said she had "no more in the tank" to lead the country. Before Hipkins becomes prime minister, Ardern will tender her resignation to King Charles' representative in New Zealand, Governor General Cindy Kiro. Hipkins is then set to hold his first meeting with Labour ministers before fronting to the media.

☆ New Zealand's incoming PM says he is 'making haste' on changes in priorities
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WELLINGTON, Jan 23 (Reuters) - New Zealand's incoming Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Monday that his government would be "making haste" on reprioritising and looking at whether current policies need to be scaled down. Hipkins appeared Monday on a number of New Zealand media after he was chosen on Sunday to replace Jacinda Ardern as head of the Labour party, thereby making him the country's next prime minister. Hipkins told TVNZ's Breakfast on Monday that the government would be refocusing on "bread and butter issues" for New Zealand including inflation and would look at reining in other policies, without elaborating. "We'll be making haste on all of those issues," Hipkins told a second morning programme the AM Show. Hipkins is expected to be sworn in as prime minister on Wednesday after Ardern officially resigns.

☆ New Zealand chooses 'Chippy' Hipkins to replace charismatic Ardern
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"This is the biggest privilege and biggest responsibility of my life," Hipkins said at a news conference announcing his appointment. Hipkins immediately acknowledged the leadership of Ardern, who he called one of New Zealand’s greatest prime ministers and an inspiration to women and girls everywhere. Known as "Chippy", Hipkins built a reputation for competence in tackling COVID-19 and was a troubleshooter for Ardern when other cabinet ministers were struggling. Hipkins named Carmel Sepuloni as deputy prime minister, New Zealand's first deputy prime minister of Pacific origin. Before Hipkins becomes prime minister, Ardern will tender her resignation to King Charles' representative in New Zealand, Governor General Cindy Kiro.

☆ New Zealand's ruling party confirms Hipkins as new prime minister - Radio New Zealand
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WELLINGTON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - New Zealand's ruling Labour Party selected Chris Hipkins to replace Jacinda Ardern as leader of the Labour party and prime minister in a meeting on Sunday, Radio New Zealand reported. Hipkins, 44, was the only nomination for the job and his confirmation by the 64 lawmakers, known as the Labour caucus, was largely a formality. Hipkins is expected to hold a news conference shortly to officially announce the decision. Reporting by Lucy Craymer, writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ New Zealand lawmakers confirm Hipkins as Jacinda Ardern's replacement - media
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

He was first elected to parliament for the Labour Party in 2008 and became a household name fronting the government's response to the pandemic. The ruling party is expected to hold a press conference shortly to officially announce the decision from the caucus meeting. The party has also selected Carmel Sepuloni as the deputy prime minister, Radio New Zealand and other media reported. Grant Robertson, who is currently Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, is expected to hold onto the job of Finance Minister. Before Hipkins officially becomes prime minister, Ardern must tender her resignation to King Charles III's representative in New Zealand, Governor General Cindy Kiro.

☆ Meet the man set to replace Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand PM
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-21 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Chris Hipkins, who played a significant role in New Zealand’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, is set to replace Jacinda Ardern as prime minister after emerging on Saturday as the only candidate to lead the ruling Labour Party. “I think we’re an incredibly strong team,” Hipkins told a news conference after the party announced him as the sole candidate. A cabinet reshuffle proposed by Ardern would go ahead, but he said he planned to keep Grant Robertson as finance minister. Hipkins said he had spoken to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who tweeted the two had had “a warm discussion”. He was appointed health minister in July 2020 before becoming the Covid response minister at the end of the year.

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