Stories from Wellington · New Zealand

A performance at the Tainui Regional Kapa Haka Competition allegedly mocked Indian cultural practices. The group responsible stated the act was aimed at ACT MP Pamjit Parmar rather than the Indian community.

A global AI sentiment survey found that New Zealanders are lagging behind in the adoption of artificial intelligence.

Helicopter operating costs in New Zealand increased by 65 percent starting today, rising from $8,200 to over $13,000 per hour. Health NZ and ACC stated these costs were calculated prior to the Iran War.

New Zealand First has expressed opposition to current immigration trends, citing potential negative impacts on national infrastructure and services. The party stated that high immigration levels could drive down wages and overwhelm roads, health services, and other frontline sectors. A spokesperson described the potential influx as a "butter chicken tsunami" that the party will not agree to. The party indicated that such growth will not occur if it requires their agreement. New Zealand Members of Parliament are defending the deal and addressing discussions regarding the Indian population. The source noted that the deal is being praised in court press. Willis used the debate slot to criticize those criticizing the Indian community in New Zealand. The minister suggested the deal would increase revenue for the country.

New Zealand's first convicted slave master was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The sentencing followed the reading of harrowing victim impact statements. The individual was convicted of keeping a daughter as a slave and selling her for sex.

Police have concluded an investigation to identify any accomplices who supported Tom Phillips. Detective Superintendent Ross McKay stated that the investigation resulted in no charges being filed.

NZTA is expected to share convoy timeframes today to assist motorists with weekend planning. A lane will reopen to single-lane escorted convoys starting tomorrow. The reopening follows a period of closures over the last year.

The United States has invited New Zealand to join a multilateral mission, according to Deputy Prime Minister Nicola Willis. Willis stated that more information is required before any decisions are made regarding the proposal. The government is also discussing a potential joint British-French mission. Willis noted that New Zealand is currently preparing for a potentially prolonged closure of the Strait. An issue causing widespread internet and call outages across the network and Two Degrees has been fixed. A paramedic reported winching a man to safety after he landed on rocks during the period of service disruption. Internet and phone calls were unavailable for many customers across the country. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated the government requires more information regarding plans for multinational missions to open the Strait of Hormuz.

A marine science team is bioengineering artificial mussel beds on harbor bottoms to encourage biodiversity. The team is using green-lipped mussel shells to create these structures to support species like sponges, worms, and fish.

A citizen campaign has successfully returned iconic kiwi birds to New Zealand's capital city. The birds were reintroduced after a century-long absence from the area.