A large metropolitan city in New Zealand’s North Island
India has clinched the five-match T20I series in New Zealand after winning the first three matches. The tourists have chased competitive totals in tight finishes early in the tour, produced a dominant 13.2-over chase in Wellington led by Abhishek Sharma (113) and 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (45), and followed up with a clinical win in Christchurch and a strong batting display in Auckland.
Luxon has secured a caucus-backed renewal of leadership ahead of the November election, while facing ongoing questions about his grip on the National Party amid a string of missteps and weak polls. The party declares unity, but observers warn the underlying tensions persist.
Gao Zhen has been sentenced to three years in a Hebei prison for works authorities deem insulting to revolutionary figures. He has been in detention since August 2024 and plans to appeal. Amnesty International and the UN condemn the ruling as a crackdown on artistic freedom.
A public inquiry into the disappearance of four-year fugitive Tom Phillips and his three children has found police, Oranga Tamariki and other agencies underplayed harms and missed opportunities. The inquiry has prompted government apologies and a pledge to implement recommendations.
The Ed Sheeran Loop Tour at Gillette Stadium has been canceled due to severe weather warnings in Boston and New England. Promoter statements emphasize fan and staff safety, with refunds available. This follows controversy over Macklemore’s removal for pro-Palestinian comments, a move tied to venue owners’ stance. Several other events face disruption as a nor’easter bears down.
The co-pilot of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe, stabbing him as the aircraft plunged mid‑flight. Passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot, and the plane was landed safely in north-western Saudi Arabia. Investigations are probing the co-pilot’s links to multiple countries and possible long-standing extremist influences. The incident has sparked international security reviews and calls for accountability across jurisdictions.
A 40-year-old woman has been charged with making a false statement about a sexual assault claim in Auckland. The accusation arose after Cape Verde played Chile in a Auckland friendy. Mendes has been cleared and is continuing his career with RS Berkane in Morocco.