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☆ New Zealand's National Party looks to cement lead 30 days out from election
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Christopher Luxon, Leader of the National Party, attends the New Zealand National Party’s election campaign launch in Auckland, New Zealand, September 3, 2023. REUTERS/David Rowland/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Thirty days out from New Zealand’s general election, recent polls show the opposition party National cementing its lead, as both parties are on the campaign trail trying to win over voters with proposed tax cuts and funding for infrastructure. A 1News Verian poll released late on Wednesday saw support for centre-right National up 2 percentage point to 39%, while the ruling Labour Party saw support fall 1 percentage point to 28%. The poll gives National and likely partner ACT a majority in parliament following the Oct. 14 election. “When farmers are strong, New Zealand is strong, and national understands that and that's why we back farmers so strongly,” National leader Christopher Luxon said at the launch of the policy.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, David Rowland, Chris Hipkins, ”, Luxon, Lucy Craymer, Stephen Coates Organizations: National Party, New Zealand National, REUTERS, Rights, National, Labour Party, ACT, Labour, Zealand, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, New, New Zealand

☆ Rugby World Cup: After triumphing with the All Blacks, Malakai Fekitoa has found a ‘new purpose’ with Tonga
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Long before he had the chance to travel to New Zealand, Fekitoa set his sights on competing for the All Blacks – undoubtedly the most famous rugby team on the planet. “It was always a dream of mine to play for New Zealand, even though I was born and raised in Tonga,” Fekitoa tells CNN Sport. Fekitoa tries to force his way through a tackle during a Rugby Championship match between New Zealand and Argentina in 2014. The change has proved particularly beneficial for Tonga, which, as well as Fekitoa, has named former All Blacks Vaea Fifita, George Moala and Charles Piutau in its squad for the ongoing Rugby World Cup in France. After the rule change, he thinks more All Blacks players will follow his lead by swapping allegiances.

Persons: Fekitoa, ” Fekitoa, Jonah Lomu, Cameron Spencer, –, haven’t, Fifita, George Moala, Charles Piutau, Leon Lord, Adam Coleman, Israel Folau, “, ”, “ I’m, I’ve, Richard Heathcote, It’s, James Crombie, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, All Blacks, New Zealand, CNN Sport, Tonga, Wellington Sevens, Wesley College, Rugby, Blacks, Fiji, Getty, Australia, Ireland, Wasps, Gloucester, Tonga –, Rugby Championship, Nations, United Rugby, Munster, Romania, Tonga’s, Tongan, Kiwi, New Locations: Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Auckland, Argentina, Europe, Monaco, France, AFP, New, England, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Scotland, Samoa

☆ New Zealand forecasts much larger budget deficit but improved economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/David Gray/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Sept 12 (Reuters) - New Zealand’s government on Tuesday predicted a larger budget deficit but better-than-expected economic conditions in the year ahead, as it updated forecasts heading into the October election. The government forecast a budget deficit of NZ$11.4 billion ($6.7 billion) for the year ending June 30, 2024, much larger than a deficit of NZ$7.6 billion estimated in May. The global economy has deteriorated since May, which is having a direct impact on New Zealand's economy while tax revenue is also falling, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in a statement. "Treasury’s latest forecasts show the economy isn’t working for Kiwis," said National Party leader Christopher Luxon. ($1 = 1.6926 New Zealand dollars)Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Sam Holmes and Edwina GibbsOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: David Gray, Grant Robertson, Robertson, ", Christopher Luxon, Lucy Craymer, Sam Holmes, Edwina Gibbs Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Finance, Zealanders, Treasury, Kiwis, National Party, Reserve Bank of New, Zealand, Thomson Locations: Wellington , New Zealand, Reserve Bank of New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s economy is expected to remain sluggish for another two years, although the overall picture is rosier than many observers had feared, new figures released Tuesday indicate. The nation’s Treasury released the projections ahead of an election next month. Net debt as a percentage of the economy is expected to peak at 23% in 2025. Political Cartoons View All 1152 Images“I think what these books represent is a turning of the corner for the New Zealand economy,” said Finance Minister Grant Robertson. New Zealand's economy dipped into a shallow recession this year after COVID-19 recovery funds dried up and higher interest rates put the brakes on consumer spending.

Persons: ”, Grant Robertson, David Seymour Organizations: Treasury, New, ACT Party Locations: WELLINGTON, New Zealand, “

☆ Hosts France win opening game of 2023 Rugby World Cup, beating fellow favorites New Zealand
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Hosts France won the opening game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, beating fellow tournament favorites New Zealand 27-13 on Friday. Stephanie Lecocq/ReutersA late showFrom hours before kick off, it was obvious there was a Rugby World Cup in town in Paris. New Zealand players perform the Haka in front of the France players before their match at the Rugby World Cup. France made the man advantage count, Ramos scoring his fourth penalty of the game from close range to extend the lead to six points. And try as it might to push for a route back into the game, Ramos’ fifth penalty of the game made it a two-score match and effectively wrapped up the result.

Persons: Damian Penaud’s, Thomas Ramos, Mark Telea, Melvyn Jaminet’s, “, ” France’s Gregory Alldritt, “ It’s, ”, France's Damian Penaud, France's, Matthieu Jalibert, Stephanie Lecocq, Christian Hartmann, Telea, Ramos, Richie Mo’unga’s, Mo’unga, Les Bleus, Will Jordan, Jaco Peyper, Ramos ’, Jaminet’s Organizations: CNN, France, Zealand, New Zealand, Reuters, Rugby, Stade de France, Blacks, Stade Locations: Paris, France, ” France, Uruguay, Lille, New Zealand, Namibia, Toulouse, Haka, Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania

From a survey data perspective, the countries’ moves up the Best Countries list come as they gained in some of the project’s 10 subrankings. In the Best Countries rankings, Neelam points to Australia performing well on an assessment of whether a country is perceived as corrupt. While she announced her resignation in January – before the Best Countries survey was fielded – Neelam says he “wouldn’t discount the Ardern factor” in New Zealand’s rankings rise. New Zealand does have other things going for it that mirror Australia in some ways. Murray, of Karamea, says the country – considered the most scenic among respondents to the Best Countries survey, with Australia at No.

Persons: Paul Murray, I’ve, he’s, ., –, Austin Billimack, he’d, “ Oz ”, ” Billimack, Zealand’s, Murray, Ryan Neelam, it’s, “, ”, Allan Behm, “ We're, Anthony Albanese, Scott Morrison, Albanese, Behm, Morrison, Morrison . New, Jacinda Ardern, – Neelam, Barack, Obama, Eric Crampton, Crampton, Ardern’s, Karamea Organizations: ” Global, U.S . News, FIFA, Australia, New Zealand, Lowy Institute, The Australia Institute, Labor Party, Best, New Zealand Initiative, Zealand Locations: Karamea, New, New Zealand, . Murray, Auckland, Wellington, Australia, Melbourne, Wisconsin, Australia’s, Oceania, Sydney, Australian, Canberra, Nauru, Morrison ., Christchurch , New Zealand, –, Canada

☆ New Zealand: 'Dinner plate sized' device found inside woman's abdomen 18 months after cesarean birth
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —A surgical tool the size of a dinner plate was found inside a woman’s abdomen 18 months after her baby was delivered by cesarean section, according to a report by New Zealand’s Health and Disability Commissioner. The AWR is a retractable cylindrical device with a translucent film used to draw back the edges of a wound during surgery. The woman suffered months of chronic pain and went for several checkups to find out what was wrong, including X-rays that showed no sign of the device. New Zealand’s Health and Disability Commissioner, Morag McDowell, found Te Whatu Ora Auckland – the Auckland District Health Board – in breach of the code of patient rights, in a report released on Monday. Dr Mike Shepherd, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand group director of operations for Te Toka Tumai Auckland, apologized for the error in a statement.

Persons: Alexis retractor, Morag McDowell, Te, Ora, cesarean, ” McDowell, Alexis Retractor doesn’t, McDowell, Dr Mike Shepherd, Whatu Ora, ” Organizations: CNN, New Zealand’s Health, Disability, Auckland City Hospital, Health, AWRs, Ora Health Locations: Auckland, Ora, Toka, Te Toka

☆ Former New Zealand prime minister ordered to pay $3.9 million after company collapse
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley addresses party supporters as husband Burton looks on after conceding victory to the Labour Party leader Helen Clark in Methven, November 27, 1999./File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWELLINGTON, Aug 25 (Reuters) - New Zealand's highest court has ordered former New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley to pay NZ$6.6 million ($3.9 million) plus interest as compensation for her role in the collapse of a construction company, a judgement released on Friday said. Shipley was New Zealand’s first female prime minister holding the role from 1997 to 1999. In the judgement, the court ordered the four directors to contribute NZ$39.8 million plus interest to Mainzeal creditors. It stated Yan was most culpable and said he was responsible for the entire amount of compensation, with Shipley, Tilby and Gromm’s liabilities capped at NZ$6.6 million and interest each. ($1 = 1.6883 New Zealand dollars)Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Lincoln FeastOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Jenny Shipley, Burton, Helen Clark, Shipley, New Zealand’s, Richard Yan, Clive Tilby, Peter Gromm, Yan, Gromm, Yan's, Andrew McKay, Lucy Craymer, Lincoln Organizations: New Zealand, Labour Party, Rights, NZ, Supreme, Zealand, Thomson Locations: Methven, New, Shipley, Tilby, Mainzeal

☆ From cocktails to free rides, World Cup co-hosts fight to woo back tourists
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Tara Subramaniam | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

In 2022, there were only about 1.4 million visitors, according to data provided by the government, still considerably below pre-pandemic levels. That’s why events like the Women’s World Cup are so important. Cities like Wellington and Auckland have catered to World Cup tourists by making public transportation free on game days for anyone with a match ticket. The extra effort has not gone unnoticed by tourists, especially those who have traveled to other World Cup events. Compared to the last Women’s World Cup in France, more businesses seem excited to welcome tourists, said US fan Carly Andler.

Persons: James Johnson, “, ” Johnson, ”, Monchy, CNN’s Richard Quest, Iain Walker, Chow Tory, Chow Tory's, Tara Subramaniam, Carly Andler, Andler, we’ve Organizations: Wellington CNN — Soccer, Football Australia, Tourism, Zealand’s Ministry of Business Innovation, New Zealand, Air New Zealand, FIFA, CNN, New Zealand’s Football Ferns, Wellington Chocolate Factory, Wellington City Council Locations: Australia, New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, New, Tourism Australia, Cities, Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, Hamilton, United States, Costa Rica, Spanish, Swedish, Italy, Japan, Rosebud, Bundaberg, Zealand, France

☆ Why it matters that this year’s Women’s World Cup teams ditched white shorts
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Tara Subramaniam | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —When England take the field at Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final, the team won’t look the same as the one that won the European championship last July. No white shorts. The number of nations whose uniforms feature white shorts decreased from 2019’s tournament, despite the number of participants expanding from 24 to 32. Melton noted that the historical prevalence of white shorts in women’s sports suggests that little to no consideration was given to how women’s bodies differ from men’s. Eugenie Le Sommer of France, one of several teams to switch from white shorts to dark-colored ones at this year's World Cup.

Persons: —, Ireland’s, Lauren Hemp, ”, “, Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson, Qin Lang, Nicole Melton, ” Allison Smith, meanwhile, ” Smith, — we’re, ‘, “ It’s, Melton, haven’t, ” Melton, she’s, Aryna, Patrick Smith, Clare Hanlon, Hanlon, ” Hanlon, Smith, “ Young, Eugenie Le Sommer, France, Justin Setterfield Organizations: CNN, England, Wimbledon, League, Manchester City, Manchester, Getty, University of Massachusetts Amherst, FIFA, University of Massachusetts, Sports outfitters, “, Victoria University’s Institute of Health, Sport, Nike, “ Nike Locations: England, Zambia, Philippines, Canada, France, Nigeria, South Korea, Xinhua, United States, Europe, South America, University of Massachusetts Boston

Two of Australia’s largest grassroots Indigenous football bodies – Indigenous Football Australia (IFA) and the Australian Indigenous Football Council (AIFC) – say there’s no funding for Indigenous football in Legacy ’23, the 357 million Australian dollar ($228 million) post-tournament fund dedicated to growing soccer in Australia. By contrast, the AIFC oversees state and territory Indigenous football councils and organizes the First Nations Indigenous Football Championships and teams who play as the Indigenous Roos and Koalas. The AIFC recently signed a “Football Treaty” with New Zealand equivalent, Māori Football Aotearoa, and Gilbert wants to create a World Indigenous Football Council and Indigenous World Cup, independently of FIFA. Pickering-Parker seems more hopeful that the World Cup will bring more funding to his small team of volunteers: “Right now. If hosting a Women’s World Cup isn’t going to do it, I don’t know what else is,” she said.

Persons: “, that’s, it’s, ”, Ros Moriarty, James Johnson, Karen Menzies, John Maynard, “ I’ll, I’m, I’ll, Maynard, –, who’ve, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Moriarty Football, John’s, Moriarty, ” Lawrence Gilbert, Gilbert, ” John Moriarty, John Moriarty, Johnson, We’ve, It’s, Jennifer Pickering, Tai Tokerau, “ You’re, ” Pickering, Claudia Bunge, Michaela Foster, Mathias Bergeld, Phillip Pickering, Parker, Pickering, Kyah Simon, who’s, Lydia Williams, Williams, ” Williams, Matt King, Australia’s, That’s, crowdfunding, NIAG, we’ve, Menzies, we’re, … Organizations: Sydney CNN —, Indigenous Football Australia, IFA, Australian Indigenous Football Council, Indigenous, Moriarty Foundation, Football Australia, CNN Sport, FIFA, Indigenous Advisory, CNN, Aboriginal Soccer Tribe, UNICEF Australia First Nations, Aboriginal, Torres Strait, Elders, Commonwealth, First, First Nations, Reuters, Australian, soccer team, ” John Moriarty Football, New South, Nations Indigenous Football, Indigenous Roos, Treaty, Māori Football Aotearoa, Indigenous Football Council, Nations Australian, Nations, . New Zealand, ”, New Zealand Football, AFL, Australian Football League, Sydney Football Stadium Locations: Australia, New Zealand, Brisbane, New South Wales, Koalas, Tai, New, ., Norway, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Perth, “

☆ 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

☆ New Zealand scraps last of its Covid restrictions
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“While our case numbers will continue to fluctuate, we have not seen the dramatic peaks that characterized COVID-19 rates last year,” the health minister added. Covid has put considerably less pressure on the health care system this winter, New Zealand’s current season, with cases accounting for just 2.2% of recent hospital admissions, according to the government. “If New Zealand had had a similar rate of Covid-19 mortality as the United States, we would be reporting around 15,000 deaths from Covid,” he argued. As health minister during much of the pandemic Hipkins was closely associated with the zero-Covid controls. New Zealand goes to the polls in October, and Labour are facing a stiff challenge from the center-right opposition National Party.

Persons: Ayesha Verrall, ” Verrall, Covid, we’re, Chris Hipkins, ”, Hipkins, Jacinda Ardern Organizations: CNN, Zealand, Health, Zealanders, Labour Party, Labour, National Party, Australia Locations: . New Zealand, Zealand, United States, Covid, Wellington

☆ Premarket stocks: Does it matter whether the Federal Reserve hikes or pauses rates in September?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

New York CNN —After the Federal Reserve raised interest rates in July to the highest level in 22 years, Wall Street’s focus is on whether September will bring another rate hike. But does it really matter whether the Fed raises or pauses rates next month? Before the Bell: Does it matter whether the Fed raises rates in September by another quarter point or holds steady instead? And, that earnings can grow even in an environment where interest rates are back to levels that they have been in for the past couple of decades. Year-over-year comparisons should improve, but I think investors want to see that.

Persons: Bell, Ed Yardeni, they’ve, Moody’s, they’re, We’ve, Fitch, CNN’s Kathleen Magramo, Women Jan Tinetti, Tinetti, Read, CNN’s Olesya Dmitracova, Darren Morgan, ”, Jonathan Moyes Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Employers, Traders, Yardeni, Women, Labour, Organisation for Economic Co, Development, Gross, National Statistics, Wealth Locations: New York, New Zealand

“I’ve always treated football refereeing in my games as if I were coming in to referee a World Cup final,” she says. Claudia Vasconcelos refereeing during the 1991 third-place playoff. Ingrid Jonsson, a lineswoman in the 1991 World Cup final, was the first female official chosen to referee a final. By 1999, all the officials chosen for the World Cup in the USA were women. Claudia Vasconcelos refereeing Flamengo vs. Vasco in the 1994 junior Campeonato Carioca.

Persons: Claudia Vasconcelos, ”, Vasconcelos, wouldn’t, hesitancy, Linda Black, Zuo Xiudi, Tommy Cheng, Brazil’s Vasconcelos, –, “ I’ve, Chen guo, ” Vasconcelos, “, Ingrid Jonsson, Matthew Ashton, ’ ” Vasconcelos, João Havelange, Pelé, Sweden’s Ingrid Jonsson, Stéphanie, Bibiana, Sian Massey, Ellis, Vasco Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Guangdong, Women’s Football, M’s, CNN Sport, Argentina, Premier League, Flamengo, Campeonato Carioca, trailblazer Locations: Guangzhou, China, Sweden, Germany, AFP, New, Australia, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Argentina, Mexico, Guangdong, EMPICS, Brazilian, USA

☆ In New Zealand, defence and security become election issues amid China’s Pacific push
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

“Foreign policy, defence, our relationship with the Pacific - all of that will be far more relevant and the public will be more conscious of it compared to other elections, where it's been pretty much non-existent,” said Josie Pagani, a political commentator and host of the pre-election foreign policy debate. Sixty-three percent of voters say inflation and the cost of living are a most important issues of the election, a poll by the Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor released in June said. A second survey released last week by the country’s national intelligence and security board found increasing levels of concern about defence, security and foreign policy. Foreign policy doesn't usually play in New Zealand elections, said Jason Young, an associate professor of international relations and politics at Victoria University. The opposition National party, which polls indicate will win control of the government, hasn’t released its defence policy and said it needs more detail about AUKUS.

Persons: it's, ”, Josie Pagani, Andrew Little, “, Chris Seed, Jason Young, Helen Clark, Nanaia Mahuta, hasn’t, Gerry Brownlee, Lucy Craymer, Gerry Doyle Organizations: WELLINGTON, ”, Foreign Affairs, Trade, Victoria University, Washington, Labour, National, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, China, Solomon, Ukraine, Pacific, Zealand, United States, Australia, Britain, “, AUKUS, Zealanders

☆ New Zealand will require 900 firms to report gender pay gaps
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Around 900 businesses with more than 250 employees will be asked to report their gender pay gaps in the proposed legislation, Tinetti said in a statement. The requirement will eventually be extended over four years to cover companies that employ more than 100 workers, encompassing around 2,700 firms, she added. Requiring companies to publish their gender pay gap will encourage them to address the drivers of those gaps and increase transparency for workers,” she said. New Zealand has made progress in its public service sector, with women holding more than half of top tier senior management roles and the gender pay gap has shrunk to a record-low of 7.7%. In the private sector, around 200 companies including Air New Zealand and Spark voluntarily report or plan to report their gender pay gap, according to Tinetti.

Persons: Women Jan Tinetti, Tinetti, Spark, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, “ We’ve, ” Radhakrishnan, Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins Organizations: CNN, New, Women, Labour, Organisation for Economic Co, Development, Air New, Zealand, Workplace Relations, Party Locations: New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Pacific

☆ ‘U-S-A!’: On the road with thousands of American soccer fans at the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Tara Subramaniam | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The line of fans decked out in their red, white and blue best extends more than halfway down the block. Mike Householder and Suzanne Rivera outside the Morningside Tavern in Auckland, New Zealand on August 1, 2023. Many fans have run into each other at game after game, orchestrating informal meet-ups. For some loyal fans, this is their third, fourth or even fifth World Cup. “I’m sure there is a lot of fans nervous based on what they saw in the group stage,” he said.

Persons: Auckland’s, “, ”, Mike, Suzanne Rivera, “ Cotton, Joe ” blare, Tara Subramaniam, Dave Gunn, they’ve, Nadia Pelayo, ” Nadia Pelayo, There’s, Garvey Daniels, Kristen Pariseau, Gunn, It’s “, it’s, Maggie Gray, Alex Morgan, Hannah Peters, Justin Brunken, Brunken, – Organizations: New Zealand CNN, American Outlaws, Liberty, Portugal, CNN, Radio New Zealand, Morningside, Saints, FIFA, US, Eden Park, Sydney, ”, Outlaws, Auckland Locations: Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland’s Eden, United States, Paul , Minnesota, Canada, Auckland , New Zealand, America, USA, Auckland , New, Wellington, San Antonio , Texas, Texas, Eden, Portugal, Netherlands, California, Georgia, Australia, Zealand, Sweden, Melbourne, Sydney

☆ New Zealand’s jobless rate rises to 3.6% in second quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WELLINGTON, Aug 2 (Reuters) - New Zealand’s jobless rate rose slightly in the second quarter from the previous quarter as more people entered the work force and wage inflation eased off three-decade highs. The unemployment rate increased to 3.6% in the June quarter from 3.4% in the March quarter and was slightly higher than a forecast 3.5% by economists, Statistics New Zealand data showed on Wednesday. Statistics New Zealand said the labour force participation rate at 72.4% and the employment rate at 69.8% were both the highest rates recorded since the survey began. Wage growth started to ease in the quarter although it remains historically high. Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Sandra Maler and Sonali PaulOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Lucy Craymer, Sandra Maler, Sonali Paul Organizations: WELLINGTON, Statistics, Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Thomson Locations: Statistics New Zealand, Zealand, New Zealand

Women’s World Cup 2023: Live scores, fixtures, results, tables and top scorersCNN —New Zealand picked up an unwanted record by becoming the first host nation knocked out at the Women’s World Cup group stages, after its 0-0 draw against Switzerland on Sunday. The tournament had started so well for the cohost when it shocked Norway 1-0 in the opening game, securing its first ever World Cup win. New Zealand players applaud fans after crashing out of the Women's World Cup. “I’m just happy that we made it to the World Cup and happy that we were able to get a result, get a win,” she told CNN Sport. “It felt like a home game, which doesn’t happen often especially in the World Cup,” she added.

Persons: Lars Baron, Victoria Esson, Ali Riley, Norway’s Sophie Román Haug, Caroline Graham Hansen, Guro Reiten, Alicia Barker, Rafaela Pontes, Philippines ’ Sarina Bolden, “ I’m, ”, it’s, Bolden Organizations: CNN —, Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Football Ferns, Swiss, Dunedin, New Zealand, The Football Ferns, New, CNN Sport, Filipinas Locations: Philippines, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, New, Zealand, Norwegian, Eden

☆ How New Zealand's plan for English and te reo Māori road signs took an unexpected turn
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-29 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

But plans to introduce bilingual road signs featuring both the English and te reo Maori languages have sparked a divisive, racially charged debate ahead of the country’s looming general election. Slightly less than a quarter of New Zealand’s 892,200 Maori speak te reo Maori as one of their first languages, according to the latest government data. Part of the reason that te reo Maori is not so widely spoken is that back in New Zealand’s colonial era there were active efforts to stamp it out. The Native Schools Act 1867 required schools to teach in English where possible and children were often physically punished for speaking te reo Maori. “The primary objective of these standards is to guarantee that all road signs are unambiguous, uniform, and legible to all,” he said.

Persons: Simeon Brown, Chris Hipkins, “ I’m, ”, Marty Melville, Awanui Te, Tania Ka’ai, “, ” Ka’ai, –, Kasem Choocharukul, Kasem, Huw Fairclough, James Griffiths ,, Puakea Nogelmeier, Nogelmeier Organizations: CNN, reo, Zealand, Waka, NZ Transport Agency, New, National, Labour Party government, National Party, Labour, Getty, Native, Victoria University of Wellington, Zealanders, The International, Language, Auckland University of Technology, Chulalongkorn University, Research, University of Leeds, Wales –, New Zealand, Welsh, Welsh Language Society, Gaelic, Constitutional Convention, Hawaiian, University of Hawaii, Hawaii’s Department of Transportation, Wales Locations: Aotearoa, Wellington , New Zealand, AFP, New, New Zealand, Zealanders, Wales, United Kingdom, Thailand, Tredegar , Wales, Republic of Ireland, Hawaii, Olelo Hawai’i, Llanfair, Anglesey, Europe, Hawke’s

☆ NASA’s new telescope could spot thousands of exoplanets and hundreds of Earth-size rogue planets
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —When NASA’s next-generation space observatory launches in a few years, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will expand the search for exoplanets as well as rogue planets, or worlds that travel through space without orbiting stars. Understanding these rogue planets could shed more light on the formation, evolution and disruption of planetary systems. This illustration shows what the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will look like in orbit. But rogue planets are likely much smaller. Telescopes like Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope have enabled astronomers to observe large, glowing gas giant exoplanets called hot Jupiters.

Persons: NASA’s, Nancy Grace, Nancy Grace Roman, NASA's, —, ”, David Bennett, Microlensing, Takahiro Sumi, “, Naoki Koshimoto, ” Sumi, Hubble, Vanessa Bailey, Roman’s, James Webb, Bailey, coronagraph, “ It’s, ” Bailey Organizations: CNN, Hubble, NASA's Goddard Space, Mount John University Observatory, Goddard Space Flight, Osaka University, Engineers, Jet Propulsion Laboratory Locations: New, Greenbelt , Maryland, Pasadena , California, Webb

☆ Women’s World Cup: New Zealand Takes Aim at Another First
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Claire Fahy | The New York Times | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

Hannah Wilkinson after New Zealand’s 1-0 win over Norway, its first-ever win at the Women’s World Cup. The South Koreans have made it to the knockout stages once in three previous World Cup appearances, in 2015. New Zealand vs. Philippines New Zealand’s players shocked many people — including themselves — by upsetting Norway, 1-0, in the opening match of the World Cup. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/WGhond6p7h — Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) July 21, 2023 The Philippines lost, 2-0, to Switzerland in its World Cup debut. The Norwegians are led by Ada Hegerberg, the 28-year-old striker — and former world player of the year — who sat out the 2019 World Cup in protest of her federation’s treatment of women’s soccer.

Persons: Hannah Wilkinson, Andrew Cornaga, Norway —, —, “, WGhond6p7h, Jeff Carlisle, Alen Stajcic, Ada Hegerberg, Ramona Bachmann, Germain Organizations: Football Ferns, New, Associated Press New, New Zealand, Copa América, Ireland, ”, Ferns, FIFA, United, Switzerland, European, Paris St Locations: Philippines, Colombia, South Korea, Norway, Associated Press New Zealand, New Zealand, Wellington, Switzerland, Korea Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, ” Colombia, China, Sydney, Australia, United States, America, Australian, ” Switzerland, Norway Norway, Swiss

“We’re horrified that something like this could happen, not only to us, but to anyone,” Saffrine Duggan told her supporters. Former US fighter pilot Daniel Duggan is in custody in Australia pending extradition to the US on charges including that he trained Chinese military pilots. Courtesy Saffrine DugganTraining Chinese pilotsDuggan doesn’t deny training Chinese pilots, but he maintains they were civilians – plane enthusiasts seeking to improve their skills or prospective members of China’s then rapidly expanding aviation industry. And a spokesperson for New Zealand’s Defence Force confirmed to Reuters that four of its former military pilots had been recruited by the company. It’s the wrong type of approach and landing.”In its statement to CNN, TFASA denied teaching aircraft carrier approach and landing techniques to Chinese military pilots.

Persons: Daniel Duggan, Duggan, Duggan’s, “, ”, Saffrine, “ We’re, ” Saffrine Duggan, Paul Devitt, Duggan –, –, ” Duggan, Saffrine Duggan, TFASA, they’re, Duggan doesn’t, China’s, Glenn Kolomeitz, ” “ Dan, Richard Marles, It’s, Constant, Daniel Duggan's, Mike Burgess, Ben Hancock, ” Hancock, Hancock, hasn’t, Dan didn’t, “ TFASA, he’s, Xi Jinping, reunify, Joe Biden, Ng Han Guan, Xi, Donald Trump, “ Don’t Organizations: Australia CNN —, Marine Attack Squadron, Intelligence, Security, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Lithgow Correctional Centre, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, ABC, US Marines, US State Department, of Defense Trade, Test Flying Academy of South, CNN, TFASA, Embassy, Former, Saffrine Duggan Training, Australian Defence Force, RAF, UK Defence Ministry, UK Armed Forces, Australia’s, New Zealand’s Defence Force, Reuters, Marles, ASIO, Buckeye, Marine Corps, US Navy, Aircraft, Training Squadron, US Department of Defense, Harrier, Getty, Pacific Locations: Brisbane, Australia, United States, Yuma , Arizona, China, Beijing, Lithgow, Sydney, Australian, Test Flying Academy of South Africa, Tasmania, South Africa, Former US, New South Wales, Persian, Asia, Townsville, Pensacola, Fla, Western, Taiwan, AFP

☆ Women's World Cup: How to watch as New Zealand and Switzerland look to progress
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Women’s World Cup 2023: Live scores, fixtures, results, tables and top scorersCNN —Women’s World Cup co-host New Zealand can potentially secure a place in the tournament’s knockout stages with a win against the Philippines in Group A on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Colombia and South Korea will play their first 2023 Women’s World Cup game in Group H.How to watchIn the US, the match will air on your local Fox channel. Colombia reached the round of 16 at the 2019 World Cup and, having drawn a favorable group, will be confident of repeating this success. Switzerland started its World Cup campaign brilliantly. Matthew Gelhard/APMeanwhile, Norway will be hoping to get its World Cup campaign back on track.

Persons: CNN —, Ada Hegerberg, Jan Kruger, Hannah Wilkinson, “, We’ve, Ali Riley, Buda Mendes, Ramona Bachmann, Piubel, Matthew Gelhard Organizations: CNN, Philippines, Norway, Fox, Fox Sports, Telemundo, Peacock, Seven Network, Optus Sport, BBC, ITV, FIFA, South, Getty, New Zealand, Football Ferns, Ferns, Swiss Locations: Zealand, Switzerland, Colombia, South Korea, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Philippines, Norway, Korea Colombia, New, Buda

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