Stories from Wellington · New Zealand

The New Zealand Labour Party stated that newly released emails prove Prime Minister Christopher Luxon supported the United States' war on Iran.

New Zealand Rugby interim chief Steve Lancaster stated the organization faces challenges in recruiting and retaining players. Lancaster noted that the code is not struggling due to sound investments through the provincial union network and community game initiatives.

Maritime New Zealand is updating the Maritime Security Act of 2004 due to evolving shipping security threats. Hewlett noted that seaports are being targeted by criminal gangs.

Pharmaceuticals director Adrian Martin Tolstoy stated that Pharmax is temporarily rationing certain forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used for menopause symptoms. Starting tomorrow, progesterone capsules will be dispensed on a monthly basis instead of every three months. The change affects generic medications which cost between 45 and 50 dollars a month. The country is struggling to source estrogen patches because manufacturers cannot meet global demand. Tolstoy noted that without these treatments, patients face disruptions to their everyday well-being. Pharmax is reportedly working to minimize the supply disruption. Manufacturers are struggling to meet global demand for estrogen patches, causing supply disruptions in New Zealand. The Malagon Institute, a New Zealand charity, is conducting clinical trials for a locally developed CAR-T cell therapy.

Internal emails from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's office suggest he sought to shift the government's position to show explicit public support for the United States regarding the war in Iran. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated the emails were mischaracterized and that Luxon was merely testing New Zealand's position against those of Canada and Australia. The release of these internal discussions was described as a mistake by an office representative. The source criticized a lack of British support regarding the war against Iran. Former Labour Party leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff stated that Winston Peters deliberately damaged Prime Minister Christopher Luxon by releasing an email exchange regarding the Iran War. Peters reportedly advised against the action.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation reports that three people die every week due to preventable unintentional overdoses. Executive Director Sarah Helm stated that a law change could improve interventions to prevent these deaths.

Some children in New Zealand have lost their vision and registered as blind due to malnutrition. He advised parents of picky eaters to ensure children receive proper nutritional support. The source said the importance of awareness regarding these nutritional risks. Julia Iscado-Payton reported that vitamin A deficiency from poor diets is causing blindness in children. One boy lost his vision before diagnosis due to a diet consisting only of hot chips and Pringles. Rasha Ultae noted another case involving dietary deficiencies. Parents concerned about their children's diets are urged to consult a general practitioner. This follows recent reports of malnutrition-linked blindness in the region. Russia Altai Blind Low Vision New Zealand has identified nine people registered as blind due to this deficiency. The condition is linked to a lack of fruit and vegetable consumption.

Wellington City Council reported approximately 40 addresses are uninhabitable following intense storms and flooding that occurred early last week. The council is transitioning from emergency response to recovery efforts.

New Zealand National Party leader Christopher Luxon and deputy Nicola Willis have publicly criticized co-governance models. The remarks follow recent political developments regarding coalition dynamics and the influence of Winston Peters.

A ridge is building across the South Island of New Zealand. A weather front is moving northwards off the South Island and onto the North Island today, weakening as it moves.