Category: Auckland

UN Envoy Concerned With Recent Violence Towards Women’s Rights Rallies

UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem has called for a stop to ongoing aggression against women protesting for female spaces to remain transgender-free. Alsalem said having different views was not a “green light” for threats and violence. “[Very] concerning that in last few weeks, physical, political + online violence has intensified against #women asserting sex-based needs…


New Zealand Declares National Emergency as Cyclone Gabrielle Wreaks Havoc

WELLINGTON—New Zealand declared a national state of emergency for only the third time in its history on Tuesday as Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread flooding, landslides, and huge ocean swells, forcing evacuations and stranding people on roof tops. About 225,000 people were left without electricity. “It has been a big night for New Zealanders across the…


New Zealand Counts Cost of Auckland Floods, More Rain Forecast

WELLINGTON—Flood-ravaged Auckland is forecast to receive further heavy rain in the coming days, authorities in New Zealand’s largest city said on Monday, as insurers counted the costs of what looks likely to be the country’s most expensive weather event ever. Four people lost their lives in flash floods and landslides that hit Auckland over the…


Unprecedented Auckland Flash Flooding Caused by Climate Change: New Zealand PM

Flash flooding in New Zealand’s largest city that has claimed four lives was the result of climate change, the prime minister said. “Climate change is real, it’s with us, it’s having an impact on our weather,” new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told 1News. “We are seeing more of these extreme weather events; we’re going to…


3 Dead, 1 Missing as Torrential Rains, Flash Floods Hit Auckland

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Authorities said Saturday that three people had died and at least one was missing after record levels of rainfall pounded New Zealand’s largest city, causing widespread disruption. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins flew to Auckland on a military plane after a state of emergency was declared in the region. “Our priority is to ensure…


Torrential Rains, Flash Floods Lash Auckland; Elton John Concert Canceled

SYDNEY—A state of emergency was declared in New Zealand’s biggest city Auckland on Friday as torrential rains caused widespread flooding and evacuations, closing the city’s airports and forcing organizers to cancel a scheduled concert by Elton John. Auckland’s Mayor Wayne Brown declared a state of emergency due to the extent of the “damage, displacement, and…


New Zealand Man Under Investigation for Taking 10 COVID-19 Jabs in a Day

A man is being investigated by New Zealand (NZ) health authorities after receiving ten jabs in one day on behalf of other individuals. The man is alleged to have visited several clinics and was paid to take the jabs, according to NZ-based news site, Stuff. Astrid Koornneef, group manager of operations at the COVID-19 Vaccine…


New Zealand to Open Auckland Domestic Border in Mid-December

New Zealand will open the domestic border around Auckland in mid-December and let separated Kiwis back home for a Christmas reunion. Fully vaccinated people and those with a negative COVID-19 test result can enter Auckland from Dec. 15, by which time 90 percent of the country’s eligible population can be vaccinated, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern…


New Zealand Sets Ambitious 90 Percent Vaccination Target

The New Zealand government has announced an ambitious 90 percent vaccination target for its population. On Oct. 22, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealed the new “COVID-19 Protection Framework” that will take over the current “Alert Level” system that has kept the country under tight lockdown for the last few months. Ardern said residents in NZ’s…


Air New Zealand Reels From Auckland Curbs, Australia Bubble Loss

Air New Zealand Ltd. is operating less than one-third of its usual domestic capacity due to tough COVID-19 restrictions in Auckland and doubts whether a travel bubble with Australia will reopen, the airline’s chief executive said on Thursday. “We’re running almost 100 percent outside of Auckland,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran told Reuters in…