New Zealand

On August 24-25, 2026, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced legislation to ban children under 16 from social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, citing mental health and safety concerns. The bill would require age verification via facial estimation or digital ID, with fines up to 10% of global revenue for non-compliance. However, it lacks sufficient parliamentary support from coalition partners ACT and NZ First, and faces opposition from privacy groups. The move follows Australia’s similar ban in December 2025.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 25, 04:28 AM UTC

England Cricket reappointed Joe Root as Test captain and named Stephen Fleming as head coach after Ben Stokes retired and Brendon McCullum was dismissed. Root, 35, previously captained from 2017-2022 and cited Fleming’s appointment as a key reason for returning. The decision drew criticism from former player Mark Butcher, who called it a “retrograde step.” Root will lead England in a three-Test home series against Pakistan starting August 19, 2026, with Fleming taking over after interim coach Marcus Trescothick.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 8, 01:34 PM UTC

Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) confirmed it is in advanced discussions to sell a minority stake of over 30% in its Australian subsidiary Optus to New Zealand-based investor Morrison, in a deal reportedly valued at over A$2 billion (US$1.4 billion). The move follows a turbulent period for Optus, marked by network outages and regulatory scrutiny. If completed, the transaction would end Singtel’s 25-year full ownership of Optus, aiming to raise capital, reduce debt, and fund growth initiatives.

11 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 31, 01:50 AM UTC

During the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise, U.S. and allied forces sank two decommissioned warships—USS Peleliu and USS Mobile Bay—in a sinking exercise (SINKEX) off Hawaii. The event showcased expanding allied anti-ship capabilities, including U.S. Army HIMARS, Japanese Type 12 missiles, Navy LRASM, submarine-launched Harpoons, and drone strikes. Involving 30,000 personnel from 30 nations, the drills emphasized integrated maritime strike systems aimed at countering Chinese naval expansion in the Indo-Pacific.

14 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 4, 09:17 AM UTC

The 12th edition of the Malabar River Festival, Asia's premier white-water kayaking event, will be held from July 30 to August 2, 2026, along the Chalipuzha and Iruvanjipuzha rivers in Kozhikode district, Kerala. Over 100 paddlers from India and six countries (New Zealand, Italy, Russia, Malaysia, Nepal, Czech Republic) will compete in disciplines including Kayak Slalom, Boater Cross, and Downriver Race. The event features the National Kayakers' Ranking Championship in partnership with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association. Safety operations are managed by Adventure Sports Systems and Timing, supported by Kerala Police, Fire and Rescue Services, and disaster management teams. Local community engagement included pre-events across eight grama panchayats and Mukkom municipality. The festival will be inaugurated by Agriculture Minister T. Siddique and concluded by Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 01:55 PM UTC

Lydia Ko, the New Zealand golfer, aims to 'channel her inner Foxy'—inspired by compatriot Ryan Fox's dramatic victory at The Open—as she prepares for the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Fox became the third New Zealand men's major champion with a one-shot win at Royal Birkdale, a moment that moved Ko to tears. Ko, a 29-year-old multiple major winner, seeks her fourth major title and second AIG Women's Open victory. She admitted the course is the toughest Women's Open she has ever played. Ko missed cuts in the first two majors of 2026 but has since recovered with top-15 and top-10 finishes. She will play alongside Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu in the opening rounds.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:19 PM UTC

New Zealand's government has awarded its first offshore oil and gas exploration license since lifting a drilling ban imposed by the previous administration. The license was granted to Australian firm EnZed Energy for a 12-year period in the Taranaki Basin, a region with 400 existing wells across 20 fields but considered underexploited. The current government, prioritizing energy security over the previous focus on transitioning to low-carbon sources, reversed the ban last year and invited bids. New Zealand's gas production has halved since 2017, dropping to 215 million cubic meters per month, increasing reliance on imports. The government also plans to build an LNG import terminal, potentially operational by 2025 or 2028, to address electricity sector vulnerabilities during dry years when hydro lakes run low.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:30 AM UTC

Tottenham Hotspur defenders Kevin Danso and Ben Davies met legendary All Blacks rugby stars, including iconic fly-half Dan Carter, after a 2-0 pre-season victory over Auckland FC at Eden Park. The match was attended by current All Blacks players Fabian Holland and Anton Segner. Davies, a lifelong rugby fan, described Carter as 'an absolute legend.' Danso, an Austrian, conversed in German with Segner. The players swapped jerseys with Holland and celebrated the crossover of football and rugby culture. The event highlights Tottenham's global appeal and positive squad atmosphere under manager Roberto De Zerbi during their summer tour.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:45 PM UTC

AiRWA (NASDAQ:YYAI) has agreed to acquire a 97% stake in Hongkong Best Life Trade Co., Limited, an import-export company, in a deal valued at up to $130 million. The acquisition includes an initial $50 million payment ($30 million at closing and $20 million within 90 days) plus up to $80 million in contingent earn-out payments tied to revenue milestones: $30 million if Best Life achieves $10 million in fiscal 2026 revenue, and $50 million if it reaches $25 million in fiscal 2027 revenue. Best Life has operated for over a decade with customers including Alibaba Health Hong Kong, AlipayHK, Tmall, Taobao, and Cainiao, and has expansion plans in North America and New Zealand. The deal supports AiRWA's strategy to diversify revenue beyond AI technology licensing and digital advertising, which face increased counterparty risk and profitability pressure. Management noted its AI subsidiary, 26 Rafael, continues to perform in line with expectations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:36 PM UTC

The Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), a flexible trade arrangement launched in September 2025 with 14 founding members, is gaining momentum. On July 17, ministers from 21 countries met in New Zealand to advance the initiative, which now has 19 members representing nearly 20% of global goods trade. Spearheaded by Singapore, Switzerland, New Zealand, and the UAE, FIT-P focuses on practical collaboration to strengthen supply chains, remove non-tariff barriers, integrate digital technologies, and facilitate investment. Unlike traditional free trade agreements, FIT-P has no legally binding obligations; members can choose which initiatives to join. The Auckland meeting produced three separate declarations on non-tariff barriers, digital trade facilitation, and economic resilience. The initiative reflects a growing trend among smaller economies to diversify trade partnerships and pursue agile, adaptable cooperation outside major power blocs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:36 PM UTC

Tottenham Hotspur opened their pre-season tour with a 2-0 victory over A-League champions Auckland FC at Eden Park in New Zealand. Goals from Dane Scarlett (12th minute) and Richarlison secured the win in damp conditions. The match attracted a record crowd of 40,112 for a men's football match in New Zealand, surpassing the previous record of 37,034 set in 2017. Manager Roberto De Zerbi rested most of his top players, citing travel fatigue and injury concerns. Notable absentees included new club-record signing Sandro Tonali (minor injury) and veterans Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke (not match-fit). New signing Mateus Fernandes made an appearance as a substitute. Tottenham, who narrowly avoided relegation last season (finishing 17th), will continue their tour with matches against Sydney FC and Chelsea in Sydney.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:59 AM UTC

Tottenham Hotspur opened their pre-season tour with a 2-0 victory over A-League champions Auckland FC at Eden Park in New Zealand. Goals from Dane Scarlett in the 12th minute and Richarlison late in the second half secured the win. The match drew a record crowd of 40,112, the largest ever for a men's football match in New Zealand, surpassing the previous record of 37,034 set in 2017. Spurs coach Roberto De Zerbi rested most of his top players due to travel fatigue and injury concerns, giving opportunities to academy players and new signing Mateus Fernandes. Record signing Sandro Tonali was unavailable due to a minor injury. Tottenham, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, will continue their tour with matches in Sydney against Sydney FC and Chelsea.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 10:59 AM UTC

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi spoke after a 2-0 preseason friendly win over Auckland FC. He praised the performance of young players in the first half and confirmed that first-team players like Matheus Fernandes, Gallagher, Ben Davies, Richarlison, and Mathys Tel played 30 minutes without injury. De Zerbi provided injury updates on James Maddison and Udogie, stating they are precautionary absences. He highlighted the importance of youth development due to Financial Fair Play and competition rules, mentioning talents Luca Williams-Barnett and Malachi Hardy. De Zerbi emphasized the versatility of Archie Gray, who can play multiple positions. Regarding Mikey Moore's first-team prospects, he said it depends on transfer window dynamics as the club seeks wingers. He noted the club's need to complete further signings, improve fitness, and integrate new players. De Zerbi admitted struggling with jet lag and focusing solely on work and sleep.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 07:32 AM UTC

Portuguese driver António Félix da Costa (Jaguar) was eliminated from contention for victory in the 14th round of the Formula E World Championship in Tokyo after a collision with German driver Pascal Wehrlein (Porsche). Starting from third, da Costa finished ninth, scoring only two points. He expressed frustration, stating he had managed energy perfectly and was 90% certain of a win. The incident was triggered by a confusing strategy from his Jaguar teammate Mitch Evans during the mandatory pit stop window, which allowed Wehrlein to get alongside and make contact. Wehrlein retired from the race, while Evans regained the championship lead with 144 points. Da Costa remains fifth with 113 points. The second race of the Japanese weekend takes place on Sunday.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 05:26 PM UTC

England's netball team opened their Commonwealth Games campaign with a dominant 83-34 victory over Northern Ireland in Glasgow. The Roses led 24-7 after the first quarter and 41-18 at halftime, with all 12 players seeing court time. Half-time substitute Eleanor Cardwell top-scored with 35 goals from 37 shots. Head coach Anna Stembridge praised the performance and emphasized the team's focus on their upcoming match against defending champions Australia on Sunday. In the same pool, Scotland lost to New Zealand. The win builds confidence for England as they prepare to face the world number one ranked Australian team.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 04:17 PM UTC

Oil giant BP is in advanced negotiations to sell its solar power business, Lighthouse (formerly Lightsource), to a consortium backed by Kuwait's sovereign wealth fund. The consortium includes private equity firm Qualitas Energy and Wren House, the infrastructure arm of the Kuwait Investment Authority. The group is reportedly the highest bidder, and a deal is expected soon, though it has not been finalized and could still fall through. The sale is part of BP's broader strategic shift away from its previous net-zero commitments. In February 2025, BP announced it would roll back its green energy targets, prioritizing oil and gas to reduce debt and boost profits after its renewable energy plans underperformed. BP first invested in Lighthouse in 2017. The solar business operates 4 gigawatts of renewable capacity across 15 countries, including the UK, US, Australia, and New Zealand. BP declined to comment on the reported sale.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 11:52 AM UTC

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand on July 24, 2026, just hours after Tottenham Hotspur's senior squad landed in Auckland for their pre-season tour. The epicentre was located 146 miles south of Auckland near Taumarunui. Geonet classified the tremor as severe, and authorities warned of aftershocks. The team, based in Auckland, did not feel strong tremors and reported no injuries. The Lilywhites will proceed with scheduled matches against Auckland FC, Sydney, and Chelsea. Several key players, including Xavi Simons and Mohamed Kudus, remained in London for injury rehabilitation. The article also notes that six players were granted extended rest after the World Cup.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:57 PM UTC

President Trump imposed tariffs of 10-12.5% on 60 countries citing Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows duties on nations using forced labor. The move sparked outrage among U.S. trading partners. Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell called the tariffs 'completely unjustified,' asserting Australia takes modern slavery seriously. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the U.S. lacked evidence of slave labor and warned tariffs drive up costs and uncertainty. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas argued European labor laws are superior to those in the U.S., making the allegations unfounded. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara expressed regret, stating Japan’s industry complies with international rules. The article suggests the Trump administration is using forced labor as a legal pretext to avoid judicial challenges, noting no specific evidence of forced labor in the targeted countries was provided.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:55 PM UTC

The Trump administration announced new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 trade partners, including the EU, citing forced-labor violations. Effective July 24, 2026, the duties replace expiring global tariffs and cover over 99% of U.S. imports. The move, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, is described as the most sweeping international labor rights action ever taken. Exemptions exist for USMCA goods and existing steel/aluminum duties.

34 reports · 16 sources · Updated Jul 25, 06:00 PM UTC

Tottenham Hotspur have omitted three key players—Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, and Guglielmo Vicario—from their 35-man squad for the pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand. The club officially stated that Bentancur and Sarr were granted extended leave after World Cup duties, while Vicario suffered a minor knock in training. However, the omissions have fueled speculation about their futures. Sarr has been linked with Brentford and Galatasaray, Bentancur faces questions over his mobility post-ACL injury, and Vicario is reportedly seeking a move to Juventus after Tottenham signed Martin Dubravka and Antonin Kinsky emerged as the likely new number one. The team, under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, has made several summer signings and aims to improve on last season's disappointing Premier League campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:45 AM UTC

The Indonesian Air Force has ordered a dozen Leonardo M-346F Block 20 light fighters, becoming the first Asian customer for this variant. The deal, announced by Leonardo's CEO, includes localization of support, maintenance, and training capabilities. The M-346F is a multirole light fighter equipped with AESA radar, Link 16 data link, and seven hardpoints. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030. Indonesia, which already operates a diverse fleet including Rafale, F-16, Su-27/30, and T-50i aircraft, continues to pursue a diversification strategy, though analysts note interoperability challenges. Separately, Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions, and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense signed a letter of intent for the potential procurement of AW149 medium helicopters for the Indonesian Navy, intended for search and rescue and disaster relief missions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:35 AM UTC

The Indonesian Air Force has ordered a dozen Leonardo M-346F Block 20 light fighters, with deliveries expected to begin in 2030. The deal includes localization of support, maintenance, and training capabilities. Indonesia becomes the first Asian customer of the latest Block 20 variant. The M-346F is a multirole light fighter equipped with AESA radar, Link 16 data link, seven hardpoints, aerial refueling capability, and electronic countermeasures. Separately, Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions, and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense signed a letter of intent for the potential procurement of AW149 medium helicopters for the Indonesian Navy, intended for search and rescue and disaster relief missions. The article highlights Indonesia's ongoing challenge of operating a highly diverse and complex fleet of combat aircraft from multiple nations, which raises interoperability concerns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:35 AM UTC

The Indonesian Air Force has ordered a dozen Leonardo M-346F Block 20 light fighters, becoming the first Asian customer for this variant. The deal includes localization of support, maintenance, and training capabilities. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030. The M-346F is a multirole light fighter equipped with AESA radar, Link 16 data link, seven hardpoints, aerial refueling, and electronic countermeasures. Separately, Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions, and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense signed a letter of intent for the potential procurement of AW149 medium helicopters for the Indonesian Navy, intended for search and rescue and disaster relief missions. Indonesia's fleet already includes Dassault Rafale, F-16, Su-27/Su-30, and T-50i aircraft, and the country has expressed interest in the KF-21, Turkish Kaan, and Chinese J-10. Analysts note that this diversification strategy poses interoperability challenges for joint operations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:35 AM UTC

During the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 sinking exercise (SINKEX), allied helicopters from multiple nations demonstrated advanced anti-ship capabilities against retired U.S. Navy vessels. U.S. Army AH-64 Apaches fired Spike NLOS missiles at the ex-USS Mobile Bay, marking a milestone in the Army's expanding maritime mission. A Royal New Zealand Navy SH-2G(I) Seasprite struck the ex-USS Peleliu with an AGM-119 Penguin missile, penetrating the hull. A Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk launched an AGM-114N Hellfire, and an Italian Navy SH-101 fired a Marte missile. The engagements underscore the growing role of rotorcraft in distributed maritime strike, complementing fighters, ships, and submarines with precision-guided weapons. The Spike NLOS missile, with a range of roughly 20 miles, provides a significant stand-off advantage over Hellfire and JAGM missiles.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:34 PM UTC

U.S. and allied cyber-intelligence authorities warned that Russian state-backed hackers, known as Laundry Bear, have exploited a vulnerability in the Zimbra Collaboration Suite to steal emails, passwords, and authentication data from over 10 Western organizations since July 2025. The zero-click exploit activates when a victim simply opens or previews a malicious email in an unpatched version of the software, requiring no link click or attachment download. Targets include the defense industrial base, federal and local governments, law enforcement, technology companies, educational institutions, media outlets, and NGOs. The hackers sought email addresses, passwords, two-factor authentication tokens, email directories, and up to 90 days of communications. Proofpoint described the technique as a 'half-click' exploit. CISA, NSA, and FBI issued a joint advisory urging organizations to patch Zimbra software and monitor for suspicious activity. The advisory was also backed by agencies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and more than a dozen European countries.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:30 PM UTC

U.S. and allied cyber-intelligence agencies warned that Russian state-backed hackers, known as Laundry Bear, have exploited a vulnerability in the Zimbra Collaboration Suite email software to steal messages, passwords, and authentication data from over 10 Western organizations since July 2025. The campaign uses a zero-click exploit that activates when a victim simply opens or previews a malicious email, requiring no link click or attachment download. Targets include defense, federal and local governments, law enforcement, technology firms, educational institutions, media, and NGOs. The hackers sought email addresses, passwords, two-factor authentication tokens, email directories, and up to 90 days of communications. Proofpoint described the technique as a 'half-click' exploit. CISA urged organizations to patch Zimbra software, monitor for suspicious activity, and follow remediation guidance. The advisory was backed by agencies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and over a dozen European countries.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:30 PM UTC

U.S. and allied cyber-intelligence authorities warned that Russian state-backed hackers, known as Laundry Bear, have exploited a vulnerability in the Zimbra Collaboration Suite to steal emails, passwords, and two-factor authentication tokens from over 10 Western organizations since July 2025. The campaign is notable for using a 'zero-click' or 'half-click' exploit that activates when a victim simply opens or previews a malicious email, without needing to click a link or download an attachment. Targets include defense contractors, federal and local governments, law enforcement, technology firms, educational institutions, media outlets, and NGOs. The hackers used attacker-controlled Proton Mail accounts and compromised addresses to send emails, embedding malicious code directly in the message body. CISA, NSA, FBI, and agencies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and over a dozen European countries jointly issued the advisory, urging organizations to patch Zimbra software and monitor for suspicious activity.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:30 PM UTC

In the fifth and final ODI of the series, West Indies defeated New Zealand by two wickets in Bridgetown, thanks to Shimron Hetmyer's unbeaten 69 and a 95-run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford (61). Chasing 269, West Indies reached 269-8 with 15 balls remaining. New Zealand had earlier posted 268-9, led by Tom Latham (69), Will Young (56), and Nick Kelly (64). Despite a late collapse where Jacob Duffy took two wickets in two balls, Hetmyer held his nerve, hitting two sixes in the 47th over to secure the win. New Zealand won the series 3-2, having clinched it in Game 4 after wins in Games 2 and 3. All five matches were won by the team batting second. New Zealand spinner Jayden Lennox took 3-35 and was named player of the series with 14 wickets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:09 PM UTC

Championship club Swansea City has officially announced the signing of New Zealand international winger Elijah Just from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell. The transfer fee is reported to be £6 million plus add-ons. Just, 26, has signed a three-year contract with a 12-month extension option and will wear the number 8 jersey. He will reunite with New Zealand teammate Marco Stamenic at Swansea. Just scored three goals at the World Cup, including a brace that made him the first New Zealander to achieve that feat, and his goal against Iran was nominated for tournament best goal. He began his career in New Zealand, moved to Denmark in 2019, and transferred to Scotland in 2025. In two seasons at Motherwell, he made 43 appearances with 7 goals, was nominated for Scottish PFA Player of the Year, and won Motherwell's Club Player of the Season. Swansea head coach Vitor Matos and sporting director Ben Stephens praised his versatility and World Cup performances.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:52 PM UTC

Hupu Football News reports that data website Squawka has compiled the list of most chances created in a single match during the recently concluded World Cup. The top spot is shared by Achraf (vs Haiti) and Vanaken (vs New Zealand), each with 7 chances created. Following them, six players tied for third place with 6 chances each, including Rice (vs Ghana), Johnston (vs Qatar), Pedro Bite (vs Curaçao), Trossard (vs Iran), and Lionel Messi (vs Egypt and vs Switzerland). Messi appears twice on the list. The ninth place is shared by Quintero (vs Ghana) and James Rodríguez (vs DR Congo), each with 5 chances. The source is cited as X (formerly Twitter).

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:49 PM UTC