New Zealand
Leaders of Pacific island nations gathered in Palau amid the US-China struggle for influence. The president called for a focus on climate and the economy.
Flash floods have claimed the lives of at least 359 people, while more than 1,400 are missing. They include citizens of more than 30 countries.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed New Zealand's joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which now comprises 51 countries. He stressed that this increases international pressure on Russia to return the illegally deported children.
A group of 32 countries, including 29 European states, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, condemned Iran for sentencing participants in the protests to death. Since the beginning of the year, at least 56 people have been executed in Iran on charges related to national security.
Canada has imposed sanctions on the defense company Streit Group for supplying products to Russia’s military-industrial complex. The company manufactures armored vehicles used by Russia’s National Guard in the war against Ukraine.
An employee of the American McMurdo Station was evacuated by an Airbus A319 aircraft due to serious health problems. The rescue operation took place during the Antarctic winter, and the patient was transported to a hospital in New Zealand.
New Zealand announced its 36th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting 33 individuals and organizations, including over cyber activities and involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children. The decision was made after the United States supported a bill to increase pressure on Russia.
A forest fire broke out near Vancouver, prompting an evacuation warning for 35 homes in the suburb of Anmore. The fire is almost contained, and international rescuers have arrived to fight it.
Snow fell in Wellington for the first time in 15 years due to a powerful Antarctic cold front. Residents of Dunedin skied through the streets, while the country recorded record electricity consumption.
The Pacific state of Nauru changed its name to the Republic of Naoero to restore its traditional designation. The international code will change from NRU to NRO, and residents will be called dei-Naoero.
The New Zealand Parliament granted English official status despite criticism. The Ministry of Justice recommended not passing the law due to a lack of evidence of necessity.
The UN International Organization for Migration reports a rise in the recruitment of hundreds of thousands of people to work in online scam centers. Victims are lured by fake job advertisements through social media and then held by force.
Next week, important economic data and central bank decisions from the US, China, and Japan are expected. The Fed is in a quiet period ahead of its July 28-29 meeting, while the People's Bank of China will announce its rate decision.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill has died at the age of 78. The family reported that the death was sudden and unexpected.
Japan, the US, the Philippines, and 11 other countries stated that China's claims have no legal basis. China rejected the statement and expressed protest to Japan.
The US Department of Homeland Security allowed the Iranian football team to enter the country two days before the match against Egypt. The team must leave after Friday's match in Seattle.
The Group G match between Belgium and Egypt ended in a 1-1 draw. In the second match of the first round in Group G, the national teams of Iran and New Zealand will face each other.
US authorities have refuted rumors about restricting the Iranian national team's stay to only the match day. Players were issued visas, but some staff members were denied entry.
An evacuation and a state of emergency have been declared in Wellington due to the threat of 9-meter waves. Roads have been closed and ferry services canceled in the city.
As a result of a 7. 8 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines, 35 people have died and more than 200 are injured. The disaster caused destruction, landslides and a one-meter tsunami.
The United States issued visas to the Iranian national team for participation in the 2026 World Cup 10 days before the match. The first game will take place on June 15.
Pete Hegseth demands that NATO increase defense spending and stop being protectorates. He also noted the "alarming" military buildup of China.
Iran moved its 2026 World Cup base from the USA to Mexico due to security risks. FIFA has officially approved the change of the national team's training location.
Six passengers from the MV Hondius have been isolated in Australia for three weeks. Eleven cases of hantavirus were recorded on the vessel, and three people have died.
Three people have died due to a hantavirus outbreak on the vessel MV Hondius. The WHO is in contact with officials from at least 12 countries monitoring citizens who have returned home; five Ukrainians are on board.
The Government of New Zealand has introduced sanctions against 20 Russian individuals and legal entities. The restrictions target cybercriminals, propagandists, and payment services.
The Ukrainian Navy struck the tanker Marquise with two kamikaze drones near Tuapse. The sanctioned vessel was used for the illegal transportation of petroleum products.
The US does not plan to ban Iranian athletes from participating in the World Cup. The proposal to replace Iran with the Italian national team remains merely an initiative.
FIFA releases additional tickets for all World Cup matches, introducing more expensive front-row seats. Fans are unhappy with the change in categories and rising prices.
A state of emergency has been declared in New Zealand's capital due to record rainfall and landslides. One person is missing, and the city received 77 mm of precipitation in one hour.