Stories from Wellington · New Zealand

Submissions closed today on a bill intended to simplify the deportation process for individuals who have committed crimes or whose visas have lapsed. Migrant advocates expressed concern that the legislation could lead to crackdowns on asylum seekers and overstayers similar to those in the United States. Ministry of Justice officials warned that children without residency status would lose the ability to appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. Submissions on the Immigration Enhanced Risk Management Amending Bill close today. Currently, these individuals can appeal by demonstrating exceptional humanitarian circumstances and public interest factors. A cabinet paper indicates the bill would grant immigration officers expanded powers to demand identity documents. Immigration lawyer Stuart Dalley stated the bill moves New Zealand toward American-style immigration compliance.

The Capital Kiwi project has translocated 250 birds to the hills around Wellington. The birds were moved from the Manga Tauturatari sanctuary in Waikato. Rahuipapa, representing the sanctuary, stated the translocation is a first for the Tongan bird. The project reports the population is currently flourishing. The project follows years of predator control across more than 23,000 hectares. This initiative returned the Kiwi species to the capital for the first time in at least a century in 2022. The project operated under a permit with the Department of Conservation.

New Zealand has utilized artificial intelligence technology to evaluate applications for residency and citizenship. The AI system analyzes biographical data and compares it with biometric information provided by foreigners.

New Zealand's annual interest bill was $8.9 billion according to the last count. Investment specialist Greg Smith from Generate KiwiSaver stated that the government needs to proceed with asset sales.

Former Blackcaps fast bowler Jeff Allitt has been appointed Chief Executive of New Zealand Cricket. He replaces Scott Weenink, who resigned in December. Allitt played 10 tests and 31 ODIs for New Zealand between 1996 and 2000. He is scheduled to begin the role in July. The 54-year-old veteran of Test cricket previously held several roles within the sport, including general manager of cricket and a founding board member of the Players Association.

Child Fund New Zealand chief executive Josie Pagani is calling for a broader response to sophisticated drug smuggling operations in the Pacific. Pagani stated that the surge in trafficking is putting children and young people at risk. The organization suggests New Zealand must look beyond its borders to assist Pacific countries in managing these risks. Investigations by the ABC indicate multiple narcotics-related operations are active in Pacific waters. Investigations by the ABC identified multiple NACO submarines operating in Pacific waters. Japan is funding a program to gather more information on drug seizures across the Pacific, including in Samoa. The program aims to address drug issues in the region.

The New Zealand government is considering increasing weight limits for trucks as part of Phase 2 of the National Fuel Plan. Shane Jones stated the government is also seeking advice on storage options to hold more aviation fuel. Political parties have questioned why the government is not exploring rail freight as a fuel-saving option. The government is also looking at partnering with Z to secure fuel supplies. The decision depends on the progression of the national fuel strategy. Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick and Labor's Karen McEnulty have criticized the proposal, suggesting rail freight is a better alternative. McEnulty stated that loosening weight restrictions will damage roads that local councils cannot afford to repair. The government noted that rail freight remains a commercial option for companies to save fuel.

The world's rarest parrot species, the kakapo, has begun breeding again after a four-year hiatus. This development marks a milestone for the conservation of the species in New Zealand.

A report by the Asia New Zealand Foundation indicates 83% of Pasifika people prefer New Zealand as a regional partner. This compares to 58% who prefer Australia, according to the findings. The report suggests Pacific New Zealanders want the country to play a larger role in the region.

An urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing regarding government changes to the education sector concluded today. A crown memorandum filed ahead of closing submissions revealed that proposed legislation weakening obligations to treaty principles will not be introduced before August. NZEI Te Riu Roa, an education union, is one of the claimants in the case. The hearing involved submissions regarding the impact of these changes on treaty principles.