Stories from Wellington · New Zealand

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.

A New Zealand zoo will allow visitors to watch live veterinary procedures for the first time. The gallery will include penguin health checks, aardvark ultrasounds, and porpoise post mortems.

The New Zealand government is seeking approximately $500 million in private sector capital to facilitate the growth of Kiwi Bank. The bank currently requires more capital to compete with the four major Australian-owned banks.

Minister Goldsmith stated the government will not consider abolishing the Pacific People's Ministry for the remainder of the term. The ministry aims to reduce crime victimization rates, noting Pacific people are statistically more likely to be victims. Goldsmith said the ministry provides essential expertise to other ministers. The decision follows calls from political opponents to scrap the department. The ministry's role includes addressing the fact that Pacific people in Aotearoa are more likely to be victims of crime.

Goldsmith has entered a new role during a period of increased hardship for Pacifica communities in Aotearoa. Pacifica demographics have seen rising unemployment, food insecurity, and incarceration rates over the last two years.