Capital city of New Zealand; political, cultural hub on Cook Strait
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.
England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been removed from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan while the Cricket Regulator investigates a Derby nightclub incident in which footage shows him in handcuffs. He remains in consideration pending the investigation; Sonny Baker is called up to replace him.
Brydon Carse has been stood down from England’s squad for the second Test amid an ongoing investigation by the Cricket Regulator into an incident in Derby. He has been replaced by Sonny Baker as the team prepares for the Lord’s clash.
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.
Heritage sites across the UK are at risk as repair costs rise and funding remains tight. Ashton Court Mansion in Bristol is in very bad condition, with a restoration bill around £20m. The Assize Court in Devizes faces near £15m in costs, while the Lansdowne Monument is undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration led by the National Trust. Groundworks for Devizes begin soon, with an opening planned for 2030; Ashton Court has raised £200,000 so far.
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.