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New Zealand

The latest news, analysis and opinion on New Zealand. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Wellington

Head of State

King Charles III

Head of Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

India

How India’s ‘practical’ alliances could reshape Indo-Pacific security

New Delhi’s ‘proactive new playbook’ aims to fill the vacuum left by fluctuating US commitments in the region, analysts say.

1 hour ago

Wellness

Manuka honey: New Zealand’s skincare, wellness and gut health elixir

6 hours ago

Hong Kong society

Winter tourists warned as Hongkonger dies in New Zealand car crash

16 Jul 2026 - 3:57PM

South China Sea

Opinion | Path to South China Sea stability doesn’t run through US, UK or the EU

The statement by 14 countries is a geopolitical exercise, amplifying the flawed 2016 Hague arbitral ruling to try to drive a wedge between China and its neighbours.

16 Jul 2026 - 10:55AMvideocam

The China Coast Guard vessel Dong’an patrolling in the South China Sea on June 22. Photo: Xinhua

Nato

China report warns against European-led Nato 3.0 expansion in the Asia-Pacific

The alliance’s expanding military cooperation in the region will leave the bloc ‘increasingly at odds’ with multipolar world order.

15 Jul 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

Pacific nations

Australia, Fiji and now New Zealand: a new Pacific alliance takes shape

Wellington’s bid to join the pact flags a hard-security pivot, but analysts ask if such treaties serve Pacific societies’ best interests.

15 Jul 2026 - 3:45PM

Pacific nations

China sends a message to Pacific islands amid unease over missile test

Solomons prime minister has pledged to review China pact while advancing talks on a comprehensive treaty with Australia.

14 Jul 2026 - 8:42PMvideocam

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks in Beijing on Tuesday with Rick Houenipwela, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Solomon Islands. Photo: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Fame and celebrity

Meet Russell Crowe’s son Tennyson, who flexed with the Gladiator star in a gym selfie

The Oscar-winning actor recently marked his younger son’s 20th birthday with the tandem photo and a heartfelt post.

14 Jul 2026 - 5:00AM

Obituaries

Sam Neill, known for roles in Jurassic Park and The Piano, dead at 78

The New Zealand actor’s death was ‘sudden and unexpected’, his family says.

13 Jul 2026 - 3:29PM

My Take

My Take | How China’s rare missile test sparked hysterical hypocrisy

Western pundits were quick to denounce Beijing. But far more frequent US launches rate barely a mention.

13 Jul 2026 - 9:01AM

A long-range ballistic missile bursts out of the sea during a test launched from a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific on July 6, 2026. Photo: Xinhua via AP

Diplomacy

New Zealand-India trade, defence pact celebrated despite criticism

Anti-immigration members of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s coalition and anti-Modi members of the Indian diaspora opposed the deal.

11 Jul 2026 - 5:55PM

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday. Photo: AFP

Nato

Nato, Indo-Pacific 4 vow defence, tech boost as China-Russia ties spark alarm

Nato chief Mark Rutte meets top officials from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea on sidelines of Ankara summit.

8 Jul 2026 - 6:10PM

China's military weapons

What does China’s submarine missile test mean for its nuclear triad expansion?

More than a technical milestone, undersea launch sends strategic signal to the US and Beijing’s neighbours in Asia-Pacific, analysts say.

8 Jul 2026 - 12:43AMvideocam

China's military weapons

China submarine fires long-range missile ahead of Nato summit

An unprecedented missile launch by a PLA nuclear submarine will prompt Nato leaders to focus more on the Asia-Pacific region.

7 Jul 2026 - 5:00PM

Submarine-launched JL-3 intercontinental ballistic missiles at a military parade in Beijing last year. Photo: Reuters

Asia housing and property

Bargain homes are to be had in New Zealand but here’s the catch: floods

In Auckland, where thousands of properties were swamped in 2023, buying a home in a flood-prone area offers discounts of up to US$60,000.

7 Jul 2026 - 10:00AM

Homes are submerged in a flood caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in Awatoto, near the city of Napier in New Zealand, on February 14, 2023. Photo: AFP

Australia

Australia, Fiji sign mutual defence pact to boost Pacific security

Australia has greatly upped its diplomatic efforts in the region following China’s secretive security deal with the Solomon Islands in 2022.

6 Jul 2026 - 10:34AM

US-China relations

Why the Indo-Pacific might be on the back burner at the Nato summit

Immediate pressures over Ukraine, Iran and spending mean alliance’s concerns about China could be sidelined at Ankara gathering.

5 Jul 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Just as soon as possible’: Asia’s post-Hormuz supply chain rethink

Covid, Ukraine, Iran: three shocks in six years appear to have ended Asia’s love affair with efficiency no matter the cost.

5 Jul 2026 - 10:22PM

Singapore

Asian Angle | Singapore’s trade pacts prove small states can shape global rules

While major powers employ coercion, Singapore is using flexible, legally binding templates to keep trade open.

4 Jul 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Banking & finance

Exclusive | Hong Kong to launch gold clearing and settlement system next week: sources

The city plans to process its first gold settlement on Tuesday, according to those familiar with the matter.

3 Jul 2026 - 8:24PM

Singapore

Oman Air targets Singapore with nonstop flight as Gulf carriers ramp up services

Flights to Gulf hub airports, which were closed at the start of the Iran war, returned to around 90 per cent of normal levels by mid-June.

1 Jul 2026 - 1:03PM

A Boeing 737 Max 8 operated by Oman Air sits on the tarmac at Muscat International Airport on March 13. Photo: Reuters

South Korea

As US wavers, ex-minister says Japan and South Korea ‘only have each other’

Former Japanese defence minister Taro Kono said Tokyo and Seoul ‘need to step up our own effort for stability in the region’.

25 Jun 2026 - 3:59PMvideocam

US soldiers cross a floating bridge on the Imjin River during a joint exercise with their South Korean counterparts in Yeoncheon last year. Photo: AP

Australia

Why an easier option to travel to New Zealand is a hit with Chinese tourists

Chinese visitors take advantage of a pilot scheme that exempted them from visa requirements if they were travelling from Australia.

25 Jun 2026 - 3:03PM

Australia

Australia refuses release of climate fund reports for Pacific nation Tuvalu

The island relies on a trust fund exposed to fossil fuels to help pay for the cost of climate change, with Australia the biggest contributor.

23 Jun 2026 - 5:47PM

South China Sea

China and Philippines in rare naval stand-off near disputed Scarborough Shoal

Media outlet says incident coincided with end of Salaknib 2026 joint military exercise also involving US, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

23 Jun 2026 - 6:31PMvideocam

The Philippine Navy’s guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang encountered four Chinese warships near Scarborough Shoal on Saturday, according to Philippine media. Photo: GMA Network

China-Japan relations

Japan’s defence outreach to counter China in the region hits hidden roadblocks

Tokyo’s approach combines security, economic and diplomatic tools to show regional nations an alternative to the China-US dilemma.

23 Jun 2026 - 6:36AMvideocam

After Japan lifted its ban on lethal weapons exports in April, it can sell defence equipment to 17 countries, including six Asean nations. Photo: EPA

China travel

Why are foreign travellers racing to China for the June Dragon Boat holiday?

Chinese travel platforms have logged a big jump in bookings by inbound tourists over the holiday, as global interest in Chinese festivals rises.

19 Jun 2026 - 1:28PM

United States

What foreign brands still win over Chinese shoppers?

Localised strategies and high-quality reputations help products from Japan, Switzerland, South Korea and the US build consumer affinity.

16 Jun 2026 - 7:15PMvideocam

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New Zealand

How India’s ‘practical’ alliances could reshape Indo-Pacific security

New Delhi’s ‘proactive new playbook’ aims to fill the vacuum left by fluctuating US commitments in the region, analysts say.

Manuka honey: New Zealand’s skincare, wellness and gut health elixir

Winter tourists warned as Hongkonger dies in New Zealand car crash

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Path to South China Sea stability doesn’t run through US, UK or the EU

The statement by 14 countries is a geopolitical exercise, amplifying the flawed 2016 Hague arbitral ruling to try to drive a wedge between China and its neighbours.

China report warns against European-led Nato 3.0 expansion in the Asia-Pacific

The alliance’s expanding military cooperation in the region will leave the bloc ‘increasingly at odds’ with multipolar world order.

Australia, Fiji and now New Zealand: a new Pacific alliance takes shape

Wellington’s bid to join the pact flags a hard-security pivot, but analysts ask if such treaties serve Pacific societies’ best interests.

China sends a message to Pacific islands amid unease over missile test

Solomons prime minister has pledged to review China pact while advancing talks on a comprehensive treaty with Australia.

Meet Russell Crowe’s son Tennyson, who flexed with the Gladiator star in a gym selfie

The Oscar-winning actor recently marked his younger son’s 20th birthday with the tandem photo and a heartfelt post.

Sam Neill, known for roles in Jurassic Park and The Piano, dead at 78

The New Zealand actor’s death was ‘sudden and unexpected’, his family says.

My Take | How China’s rare missile test sparked hysterical hypocrisy

Western pundits were quick to denounce Beijing. But far more frequent US launches rate barely a mention.

New Zealand-India trade, defence pact celebrated despite criticism

Anti-immigration members of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s coalition and anti-Modi members of the Indian diaspora opposed the deal.

Nato, Indo-Pacific 4 vow defence, tech boost as China-Russia ties spark alarm

Nato chief Mark Rutte meets top officials from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea on sidelines of Ankara summit.

What does China’s submarine missile test mean for its nuclear triad expansion?

More than a technical milestone, undersea launch sends strategic signal to the US and Beijing’s neighbours in Asia-Pacific, analysts say.

China submarine fires long-range missile ahead of Nato summit

An unprecedented missile launch by a PLA nuclear submarine will prompt Nato leaders to focus more on the Asia-Pacific region.

Bargain homes are to be had in New Zealand but here’s the catch: floods

In Auckland, where thousands of properties were swamped in 2023, buying a home in a flood-prone area offers discounts of up to US$60,000.

Australia, Fiji sign mutual defence pact to boost Pacific security

Australia has greatly upped its diplomatic efforts in the region following China’s secretive security deal with the Solomon Islands in 2022.

Why the Indo-Pacific might be on the back burner at the Nato summit

Immediate pressures over Ukraine, Iran and spending mean alliance’s concerns about China could be sidelined at Ankara gathering.

‘Just as soon as possible’: Asia’s post-Hormuz supply chain rethink

Covid, Ukraine, Iran: three shocks in six years appear to have ended Asia’s love affair with efficiency no matter the cost.

Asian Angle | Singapore’s trade pacts prove small states can shape global rules

While major powers employ coercion, Singapore is using flexible, legally binding templates to keep trade open.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | Hong Kong to launch gold clearing and settlement system next week: sources

The city plans to process its first gold settlement on Tuesday, according to those familiar with the matter.

Oman Air targets Singapore with nonstop flight as Gulf carriers ramp up services

Flights to Gulf hub airports, which were closed at the start of the Iran war, returned to around 90 per cent of normal levels by mid-June.

As US wavers, ex-minister says Japan and South Korea ‘only have each other’

Former Japanese defence minister Taro Kono said Tokyo and Seoul ‘need to step up our own effort for stability in the region’.

Why an easier option to travel to New Zealand is a hit with Chinese tourists

Chinese visitors take advantage of a pilot scheme that exempted them from visa requirements if they were travelling from Australia.

Australia refuses release of climate fund reports for Pacific nation Tuvalu

The island relies on a trust fund exposed to fossil fuels to help pay for the cost of climate change, with Australia the biggest contributor.

China and Philippines in rare naval stand-off near disputed Scarborough Shoal

Media outlet says incident coincided with end of Salaknib 2026 joint military exercise also involving US, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

Japan’s defence outreach to counter China in the region hits hidden roadblocks

Tokyo’s approach combines security, economic and diplomatic tools to show regional nations an alternative to the China-US dilemma.

Why are foreign travellers racing to China for the June Dragon Boat holiday?

Chinese travel platforms have logged a big jump in bookings by inbound tourists over the holiday, as global interest in Chinese festivals rises.

What foreign brands still win over Chinese shoppers?

Localised strategies and high-quality reputations help products from Japan, Switzerland, South Korea and the US build consumer affinity.

Opinion | Path to South China Sea stability doesn’t run through US, UK or the EU

Exclusive | Hong Kong to launch gold clearing and settlement system next week: sources