Stories from New Zealand

The New Zealand government has committed $400 million to develop tools to reduce agricultural methane, including vaccines and low-methane genetics. This follows the decision last year to scrap a plan to tax agricultural methane by 2030 in favor of a technology-led approach.

A new agricultural company has been founded by university graduates. The company aims to innovate within the agricultural sector. In 2017, Chen Gejiang and two university students founded an agricultural company.

The government's chief digital officer acknowledged that there is currently no formal public sector strategy in place.

A large landslide has caused the hillside to change shape significantly. The earth has split into approximately six bridges, creating a chasm hundreds of yards long and about 100 yards wide. Fallen trees and wires are down, and water is running down the street.

A total of 41 people have drowned so far this year in New Zealand. Increased economic pressure to provide food may be causing individuals to take greater risks, such as fishing alone. Water Safety New Zealand reported that the number of drownings occurring across the country this year is tracking higher than the previous year. No specific casualty numbers or locations were provided in the report. The statement was made during a broadcast on RNZ National.

The ACT Party in New Zealand is proposing new immigration policies to identify individuals overstaying visas. Leader David Seymour stated that approximately 20,000 people are currently overstaying their visas. The party plans to test platform companies, such as Uber and DoorDash, to verify the legal residency status of their workers. Other proposed measures include deporting serious offenders and strengthening English language requirements. The proposal aims to test these companies' compliance with immigration standards. Immigration lawyer Alistair McClements stated that the proposed welfare changes are unnecessary because the vast majority of migrants arrive with existing employment. McClements suggested the announcement does not significantly alter the current immigration regime.

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake occurred at 9:19 AM near Te Araroa. The tremor originated at a depth of 114.9 kilometers and produced a Modified Mercalli Intensity of IV (Light). A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck 33 km northwest of Ruatoria, New Zealand.

Auckland FC defeated Melbourne City on penalties following a one-all draw in New Zealand. The Black Knights are scheduled to face Adelaide in the semi-finals. In the A-League Women's competition, Melbourne City defeated Melbourne Victory 1-0 in the first of their semi-finals. Matilda's midfielder Letitia McKenna scored the winning goal just before half-time. Auckland FC advanced to the men's A-League semifinals after defeating Melbourne City in a penalty shootout last night. The team's next match is scheduled for next Sunday afternoon. The return semi will be played at Puriroa Park.

A tremor was felt by more than 2,000 people, according to the government seismology website Geonet. Most reports originated from the Wellington region. Some residents at the top of the South Island also reported feeling the earthquake.

RNZ National reported on the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery band, which has been playing continuously since 1860. John Knowles, a former leader of the band and member since the 1970s, was a guest on Culture 101 reflecting on 160 years of tradition, uniform, and music.