New Zealand hit by deadly landslides and floods, with two teens missing after Mount Maunganui disaster. Known for stunning landscapes and kakapos.
Israeli forces killed at least 25 Palestinians, including children, in Gaza amid ongoing violations of a ceasefire. Attacks targeted shelters and displaced civilians, with over 525 Palestinians killed since October. The Rafah crossing is set to open, but restrictions remain. Regional tensions with Iran and Lebanon intensify.
New Zealand will not join Donald Trump’s proposed 'Board of Peace' in its current form, citing a need for clarity and alignment with the UN. The decision follows concerns over the board's broad scope and potential to challenge UN authority, with several Western allies also opting out.
England cricketer Harry Brook apologized after a nightclub incident in Wellington on October 31. Initially claiming he was alone, he later acknowledged teammates Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were involved. Brook expressed regret and is reflecting on his actions amid ongoing investigations.
Cristiano Ronaldo has missed recent matches at Al-Nassr amid dissatisfaction with club management and transfer activity. Meanwhile, Karim Benzema's move to Al Hilal heightens league rivalry. The transfer window closed with ongoing disputes over squad strengthening and club funding, highlighting tensions within Saudi football's top clubs.
A series of severe storms have caused flooding, landslides, and power outages across New Zealand, especially in Wellington and Canterbury. Emergency services are responding to widespread damage, with warnings of further heavy rain and dangerous sea conditions today.
Pakistan's cricket team will not play India in the upcoming World Cup, citing security concerns amid ongoing political tensions. The ICC warns this could harm the tournament's integrity and revenue, especially from the high-profile India-Pakistan fixture. The dispute highlights the influence of geopolitics on international sports.
As of February 2026, Brenton Tarrant, convicted for the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, is appealing his 2020 guilty pleas in New Zealand's Court of Appeal. He claims harsh prison conditions caused mental illness, impairing his ability to plead rationally. The five-day hearing will decide if his pleas are quashed, potentially leading to a new trial and sentence appeal.
Recent reports show a global decline in perceived corruption levels, with the US and UK slipping in rankings. While some countries improve, many democracies face setbacks due to weakened institutions, political influence, and funding cuts, raising concerns about governance and transparency worldwide.
Brenton Tarrant, the Christchurch mosque shooter, is appealing his conviction, claiming prison conditions affected his mental state when he pleaded guilty. The Court of Appeal in Wellington is considering whether to discard his guilty pleas and order a new trial. Tarrant is serving a life sentence without parole.
The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index shows a global decline, with the average score dropping to 42, the lowest in over ten years. Rwanda improved slightly, ranking 41st, while regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East continue to struggle with entrenched corruption. The US and Europe face rising risks.
Heavy rain, gales, and flooding continue across New Zealand and parts of Europe. New Zealand declared a state of emergency after floods and landslides disrupted communities, while Europe faces power outages and infrastructure damage from Storm Nils. The weather systems are intensifying and causing widespread impacts today.
Conservation efforts have led to a surge in kakapo and regent honeyeater populations. Kakapo chicks are hatching in record numbers thanks to bumper fruit crops, while regent honeyeaters are regaining their wild song through targeted training. These developments mark significant progress in species recovery efforts.
Zimbabwe and West Indies cricket teams remain in India after their elimination from the T20 World Cup due to flight cancellations caused by Iran-US-Israel conflict. Escalating hostilities have disrupted transit hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, complicating safe travel arrangements for the teams and ICC personnel. The tournament continues with semi-finals in India.
As of March 26, 2026, Iran is negotiating with FIFA to move its 2026 World Cup group matches from the United States to Mexico due to safety concerns linked to ongoing US-Iran tensions. Iran is scheduled to play three group games in US cities Los Angeles and Seattle. FIFA maintains the original schedule but is in talks with Iran. Mexico has expressed willingness to host the matches if FIFA agrees.
South Africa secured the series title after winning the New York Sevens final, defeating Fiji 10-7 in a close match. The victory was highlighted by strong defensive effort and key try assists from Tristan Leyds. Meanwhile, New Zealand's women’s team claimed their fifth consecutive tournament win, edging Australia 24-17. The season continues with upcoming semifinals and ongoing rugby competitions.
The 2026 World Happiness Report reveals a significant decline in life satisfaction among under-25s in Western countries, especially in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, linked to heavy social media use. Finland remains the happiest nation for the ninth year, while Costa Rica rises to fourth place. The report highlights social media's harmful effects on youth mental health, particularly among teenage girls.
Israel has increased military activity in southern Lebanon, aiming to establish a buffer zone against Hezbollah. Meanwhile, tensions escalate with Iran over ongoing conflicts in the region, with both sides engaging in media mockery and military strikes. The US and Iran are also engaged in diplomatic and economic tensions, including a partial shutdown in the US and efforts to negotiate over the Strait of Hormuz.
New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a declaration in Rarotonga, clarifying their relationship and resuming aid funding. The move follows a period of tension caused by a secret Chinese deal and aims to strengthen security ties, with New Zealand reaffirming its role as the Cook Islands' main partner.
Wellington has experienced record rainfall, prompting a state of emergency. Authorities have responded with evacuations and road closures. No fatalities have been reported, but one person remains missing. The weather agency warns more rain is expected, increasing risks of landslides and flooding in the coming days.
Ben Stokes has required facial surgery after suffering a broken cheekbone during a net session at Durham in February. He has been working on recovery and is expected to lead England in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4. Stokes has also addressed recent team criticism and team dynamics.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has secured support from his caucus in a confidence vote amid declining polls and internal party questions. The vote was held privately, and Luxon has declared his leadership is confirmed, as the country prepares for the upcoming November election.
New research has re-evaluated a 78-year-old discovery of a spear with bones in Lehringen lake, revealing it was likely a calculated kill by Neanderthals. The findings show they used teamwork to hunt large animals 75,000 years ago, challenging previous assumptions about their behavior.
Severe flooding in Wellington has caused widespread damage, with a man missing after floodwaters swept through his property. Emergency services have been working in affected areas, and the city remains under a state of emergency as heavy rain continues to pose risks of landslides and debris. The search for the missing man is ongoing.
On April 25, 2026, Australians, New Zealanders, and others have observed ANZAC Day with ceremonies across the globe. The events commemorate the Gallipoli landings of 1915, with wreath-laying, speeches, and memorial services. Recent incidents include disruptions and arrests during services in Australia, amid ongoing tensions around the day’s significance.