Covering a total area of 268,021 sq.km (103,483sqmi), New Zealand is comprised of two large islands that can be observed on the physical map of the country above - the North Island and South Island (which are separated by the Cook Strait), as well as Stewart Island, hundreds of coastal islands and about 600 small regional islands.

From north to south, New Zealand is a country of snow-capped mountains and scenic landscapes. Positioned along the Ring of Fire, the Southern Alps (and its many ranges) extend through the western portions of South Island. As marked on the map by an upright yellow triangle, the country's highest point, Mount Cook (Aoraki) is located in the Southern Alps, as well as over 350 glaciers and a wide assortment of national parks. Mount Cook rises to an elevation of 12,316ft (3,754 m). Throughout the Southern Alps, an additional 19 mountains rise above 10,000 ft (3,000 m). Along the western side of these massive peaks there's a narrow strip of coastline. Along their eastern flank, the mountains slope into a region of rolling hills and plains, drained by glacier-fed rivers.

In the far south, within the confines of Fiordland National Park, a jagged coastline of fjords, inlets and bays front the Tasman Sea. Milford Sound located within the park, is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise to 3,937 ft (1,200 meters) or more on either side. It's widely considered New Zealand's top travel destination.

The mountains found on North Island are volcanic in nature, and many remain quite active. On the island's southwestern corner, Mount Taranaki (or Mt. Egmont) rises to an elevation of 8,261 ft (2,518 m). Other volcanic peaks of note stretch across a wide central plateau, including Mount Ruapehu (2,797 m/9,177 ft), Mount Ngauruhoe (2,291 m/7,515 ft), and Mount Tongariro (1,968 m/6,458 ft). This thermal belt area is replete with boiling mud pools, geysers, hot springs and steam vents.

Broad coastal plains ring much of North Island, and along its central western coastline, limestone caves, caverns and underground rivers are common. Along the north eastern coastline, the Bay of Islands is famous for its 125 (or more) scenic islands and secluded coves. With Mount Maunganui guarding the entrance, and nearly 62 miles (100 km) of white sand, the Bay of Plenty is New Zealand's premier beach area.

Large areas of temperate rain forests are found along the western shore of South Island, and across much of New Zealand's North Island.

Occupying an extinct volcanic crater, the country's largest lake is Lake Taupo on North Island. The country's longest river, the Waikato, flows north from Lake Taupo through Hamilton, and on into the Tasman Sea. Lake Te Anau is the largest lake on South Island. The Clutha River is the island's longest river, and like most rivers here, it originates in a Southern Alps glacial lake. The lowest point of New Zealand is South Pacific Ocean (0 m).

New Zealand is primarily divided into 16 regions and 1 special territorial authority. In alphabetical order, the regions are: Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman, Waikato, Wellington, West Coast. Chatham Islands is a special territorial authority. New Zealand is secondarily divided into 15 cities and 58 districts collectively referred as the territorial authorities.

Covering a total area of 268,021 sq.km, New Zealand consists of two main islands (North Island and South Island) and about 600 small islands. Located at the extreme southwestern point of North Island is, Wellington the capital and the 2nd largest city of New Zealand. It is the worlds southernmost capital city and an important cultural, economic and commercial center of the country. Wellington harbor is an important port and functions as the countrys trading, transportation and communications hub. Auckland is the largest and the most populous city of New Zealand, located in the northern part of North Island. It is also the countrys commercial hub and the chief sea port.

New Zealand is an island country and one of the many islands that make up Oceania. It is located in the South Pacific Ocean to the southeast of Australia, south of New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga Islands. New Zealand is geographically positioned both in the Southern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. The island nation is completely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. New Zealand shares maritime borders with Australia, Tonga, Fiji and the other island nations in Oceania.

Regional Maps: Map of Oceania

This page was last updated on February 25, 2021

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1. New Zealand's biggest city braces for more heavy rains after deadly floods  CNN
2. Deadly Flooding Hits Auckland, New Zealand, With More Rain On The Way - Videos from The Weather Channel  The Weather Channel
3. New Zealand flooding: Fears of further damage as new alerts issued  BBC

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1. New Zealand-bound plane flies 13 hours only to land where it took off  Fox Business
2. New Zealand-bound plane flies 13 hours only to land where it took off  New York Post
3. New Zealand-bound plane flies 13 hours only to land back in Dubai after Auckland floods close airport  Sky News

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This New Zealand Clothing Line Has Just Released a Range Dedicated to Pizza Hut's Hawaiian Pizza  Concrete Playground Brisbane

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New Zealands prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has said she is resigning, in an unexpected announcement that came as she confirmed a national election for October.

At the partys first caucus meeting of the year on Thursday, Ardern said she no longer had enough in the tank to do the job. Its time, she added.

Im leaving, because with such a privileged role comes responsibility the responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not. I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. Its that simple, she said.

Her term as prime minister will conclude no later than 7 February but she will continue as an MP until the election this year.

I am human, politicians are human. We give all that we can for as long as we can. And then its time. And for me, its time, she said.

Ardern said she had reflected over the summer break on whether she had the energy to continue in the role, and had concluded she did not.

Ardern became the worlds youngest female head of government when she was elected prime minister in 2017 at 37. She has led New Zealand through the Covid-19 pandemic, and a series of disasters including the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, and the White Island volcanic eruption.

This has been the most fulfilling five and a half years of my life. But its also had its challenges among an agenda focused on housing, child poverty and climate change, we encountered a domestic terror event, a major natural disaster, a global pandemic, and an economic crisis, she said.

Asked how she would like New Zealanders to remember her leadership, Ardern said as someone who always tried to be kind.

I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused. And that you can be your own kind of leader one who knows when its time to go, Ardern said.

Over the past year, Ardern has faced a significant increase in threats of violence, particularly from conspiracy theorist and anti-vaccine groups infuriated by the countrys vaccine mandates and lockdowns. She said, however, that the increased risk associated with the job were not behind her decision to step down.

I dont want to leave the impression that the adversity you face in politics is the reason that people exit. Yes, it does have an impact. We are humans after all, but that was not the basis of my decision, she said.

Ardern said she had no future plans, other than to spend more time with her family.

She thanked her partner, Clarke Gayford, and daughter Neve, whom she gave birth to while holding office, as the ones that have sacrificed the most out of all of us.

To Neve: Mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year. And to Clarke lets finally get married.

The prime ministers announcement came as a shock to many New Zealanders. During a brief flurry of speculation over Arderns possible resignation in late 2022, the prime minister said she had no intention of doing so. In the weeks leading up to Thursdays announcement, there were no clues or leaks to suggest her resignation was on the cards.

The news arrives as New Zealand enters a closely fought election year, with the date of the vote announced for 14 October. Polling over recent months had placed the Ardern-led Labour party slightly behind the opposition National.

Ardern said her decline in the polls did not prompt her decision to leave.

Im not leaving because I believe we cant win the election, but because I believe we can and will, and we need a fresh set of shoulders for that challenge, she said.

Who will replace Ardern is not yet clear: the deputy leader and finance minister, Grant Robertson, who would be considered a frontrunner, said on Thursday that he would not be seeking the position.I am not putting myself forward to be a candidate for the leadership of the Labour party, he said.

The Labour caucus has seven days to find out whether a new candidate holds more than two-thirds of support within caucus to become the new leader and prime minister. A caucus vote for a new leader will take place on 22 January. If no one meets that threshold level of support, the leadership contest will go to the wider Labour membership.

The National leader, Christopher Luxon, said Ardern had made a significant contribution to New Zealand, in what is a difficult and demanding job and called her a strong ambassador for New Zealand on the world stage.

Her leadership in the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attacks was simultaneously strong and compassionate, and is something she can be proud of, he added.

The prime minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, paid tribute to Ardern, saying she has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities.

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Jacinda Ardern resigns as prime minister of New Zealand

Head Of Government:Prime Minister: Jacinda Ardern...(Show more)Capital:Wellington...(Show more)Population:(2023 est.) 5,128,000...(Show more)Currency Exchange Rate:1 USD equals 1.559 New Zealand dollar...(Show more)Head Of State:British Monarch: King Charles III, represented by Governor-General: Dame Alcyion Cynthia (Cindy) Kiro...(Show more)Recent NewsJan. 18, 2023, 7:54 PM ET - Saying "I no longer have enough in the tank," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that she will step down no later than February 7.

Summary

New Zealand, Mori Aotearoa, island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the southwesternmost part of Polynesia. New Zealand is a remote landone of the last sizable territories suitable for habitation to be populated and settledand lies more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Australia, its nearest neighbour. The country comprises two main islandsthe North and the South Islandand a number of small islands, some of them hundreds of miles from the main group. The capital city is Wellington and the largest urban area Auckland; both are located on the North Island. New Zealand administers the South Pacific island group of Tokelau and claims a section of the Antarctic continent. Niue and the Cook Islands are self-governing states in free association with New Zealand.

New Zealand is a land of great contrasts and diversity. Active volcanoes, spectacular caves, deep glacier lakes, verdant valleys, dazzling fjords, long sandy beaches, and the spectacular snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps/K Tiritiri o te Moana on the South Islandall contribute to New Zealands scenic beauty. New Zealand also has a unique array of vegetation and animal life, much of which developed during the countrys prolonged isolation. It is the sole home, for example, of the long-beaked, flightless kiwi, the ubiquitous nickname for New Zealanders.

New Zealand was the largest country in Polynesia when it was annexed by Great Britain in 1840. Thereafter it was successively a crown colony, a self-governing colony (1856), and a dominion (1907). By the 1920s it controlled almost all of its internal and external policies, although it did not become fully independent until 1947, when it adopted the Statute of Westminster. It is a member of the Commonwealth.

The ascent of Mount Everest by New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953 was one of the defining moments of the 20th century. In some ways, Hillary suggested, I believe I epitomise the average New Zealander: I have modest abilities, I combine these with a good deal of determination, and I rather like to succeed.

Despite New Zealands isolation, the country has been fully engaged in international affairs since the early 20th century, being an active member of a number of intergovernmental institutions, including the United Nations. It has also participated in several wars, including World Wars I and II. Economically the country was dependent on the export of agricultural products, especially to Great Britain. The entry of Britain into the European Community in the early 1970s, however, forced New Zealand to expand its trade relations with other countries. It also began to develop a much more extensive and varied industrial sector. Tourism has played an increasingly important role in the economy, though this sector has been vulnerable to global financial instability.

The social and cultural gap between New Zealands two main groupsthe indigenous Mori of Polynesian heritage and the colonizers and later immigrants from the British Isles and their descendantshas decreased since the 1970s, though educational and economic differences between the two groups remain. Immigration from other areasAsia, Africa, and eastern Europehas also made a mark, and New Zealand culture today reflects these many influences. Minority rights and race-related issues continue to play an important role in New Zealand politics.

New Zealand is about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) long (north-south) and about 280 miles (450 km) across at its widest point. The country has slightly less surface area than the U.S. state of Colorado and a little more than the United Kingdom. About two-thirds of the land is economically useful, the remainder being mountainous. Because of its numerous harbours and fjords, the country has an extremely long coastline relative to its area.

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New Zealand | History, Map, Flag, Capital, Population, & Facts

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whose empathetic handling of the nation's worst mass-shooting and health-driven response to the coronavirus pandemic led her to become an international icon, but who faced mounting criticism at home, said Thursday she was leaving office.

Fighting back tears, Ardern told reporters in Napier that Feb. 7 will be her last day as prime minister.

"I am entering now my sixth year in office, and for each of those years, I have given my absolute all," she said.

She also announced that New Zealand's general elections would be held on Oct. 14, and that she would remain a lawmaker until then.

Her announcement came as a shock to people throughout the nation of 5 million people. Although there had been some chatter in political circles that Ardern might resign before the next election, she'd always firmly said she planned to run again.

It's unclear who will take over as prime minister until the election. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson announced he wouldn't be contesting for the leadership of the Labour Party, throwing the competition open.

Ardern became an inspiration to women around the world after winning the top job in 2017 at the relatively young age of 37. The following year, she became just the second world leader to give birth while holding office. When she brought her infant daughter to the floor of the U.N. General Assembly in New York in 2018, it brought smiles to people everywhere.

In March 2019, Ardern faced one of the darkest days in New Zealand's history when a white supremacist gunman stormed two mosques in Christchurch and slaughtered 51 people. She was widely praised for the way she embraced the survivors and New Zealand's Muslim community in the aftermath.

She was lauded globally for her country's initial handling of the coronavirus pandemic after New Zealand managed for months to stop the virus at its borders. But that zero-tolerance strategy was abandoned once it was challenged by new variants and vaccines became widely available.

Ardern faced growing anger at home from those who opposed coronavirus mandates and rules. A protest last year that began on Parliament's grounds lasted for more than three weeks and ended with protesters hurling rocks at police and setting fires to tents and mattresses as they were forced to leave.

The heated emotions around the coronavirus debate led to a level of vitriol directed at Ardern that was rarely been seen by former New Zealand leaders. This year, Ardern was forced to cancel an annual barbecue she hosts due to security fears.

Ardern had been facing tough reelection prospects. Her liberal Labour Party won reelection two years ago in a landslide of historic proportions, but recent polls have put her party behind its conservative rivals.

Ardern described her job as among the most privileged but challenging and said doing it required having a reserve to face the unexpected. She said she no longer had that reserve to serve another term.

She said her time in office has been fulfilling but challenging.

"But I am not leaving because it was hard. Had that been the case I probably would have departed two months into the job. I am leaving because with such a privileged role, comes responsibility, the responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead, and also, when you are not. I know what this job takes, and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It is that simple," she said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose Labor Party is aligned with New Zealand's ruling party, said Ardern "has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength."

"She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities," Albanese tweeted.

"Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me," he added.

With China becoming more assertive in the Pacific, Ardern had tried to take a more diplomatic approach than neighboring Australia, which had ended up feuding with China. In an interview with The Associated Press last month, she'd said that building relationships with small Pacific nations shouldn't become a game of one-upmanship with China.

Ardern in December announced a Royal Commission of Inquiry would look into whether the government made the right decisions in battling COVID-19 and how it can better prepare for future pandemics. Its report is due next year.

The Labour Party caucus will vote for a new leader on Sunday. If no candidate gets at least two-thirds support, then the leadership contest will go to the wider party membership. Ardern has recommended the party chose her replacement by the time she finishes on Feb. 7.

Ardern said she didn't have any immediate plans after leaving office, other than family commitments with her daughter, Neve, and her fiance Clarke Gayford, after an outbreak of the virus thwarted their earlier wedding plans.

"And so to Neve, Mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year," Ardern said. "And to Clarke, let's finally get married."

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Cost of living: New Zealand food prices grow 11.3 percent, biggest increase in more than three decades  Newshub

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Cost of living: New Zealand food prices grow 11.3 percent, biggest increase in more than three decades - Newshub

Watch: Shardul Thakur's Last-Over Yorker That Sealed India's Win vs New Zealand In 1st ODI  NDTV Sports

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Watch: Shardul Thakur's Last-Over Yorker That Sealed India's Win vs New Zealand In 1st ODI - NDTV Sports

Air New Zealand Limited (NZSE:AIR) insiders have profited after buying stock worth NZ$3.8m last year, current gains stand at NZ$737k  Simply Wall St

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Air New Zealand Limited (NZSE:AIR) insiders have profited after buying stock worth NZ$3.8m last year, current gains stand at NZ$737k - Simply Wall St

ACT proposing to fine parents of truant children to tackle New Zealand's 'shocking' attendance rates  Newshub

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ACT proposing to fine parents of truant children to tackle New Zealand's 'shocking' attendance rates - Newshub

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made one change to the starting line-up for the second Test against New Zealand which takes place on Saturday at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.

Mack Hansen is introduced on the right wing to play alongside James Lowe and Hugo Keenan in the backfield.

Captain Johnny Sexton will again be partnered by Jamison Gibson Park at half-back while Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose continue their centre partnership.

The pack is unchanged from the first Test in Auckland with Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong in the front row and Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan at lock. Peter OMahony, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris are named in the backrow.

Rob Herring and Finlay Bealham who were ruled out of the first Test return to be named amongst the replacements alongside Cian Healy, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery and Bundee Aki.

The second Test against New Zealand will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and RT Radio. (8.05am IST)

15 Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 21 caps

14 Mack Hansen (Connacht) 4 caps

13 Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 43 caps

12 Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 58 caps

11 James Lowe (Leinster) 13 caps

10 Johnny Sexton (Leinster/St Marys College) 106 caps CAPTAIN

9 Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 18 caps

1 Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 44 caps

2 Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 8 caps

3 Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 58 caps

4 Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 31 caps

5 James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 44 caps

6 Peter OMahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 85 caps

7 Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 41 caps

8 Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Marys College) 18 caps

Replacements

16 Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 26 caps

17 Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 116 caps

18 Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 23 caps

19 Kieran Treadwell (Ulster/Ballymena) 6 caps

20 Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 28 caps

21 Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 97 caps

22 Joey Carbery (Munster/Clontarf) 33 caps

23 Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 38 caps

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Ireland Team To Face New Zealand In 2nd Test - Munster Rugby

Given the importance of enforcement at the FMA, we wanted to test the market to ensure we appointed the best person to the role.

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA), New Zealands financial watchdog, has confirmed the appointment of Margot Gatland as its new Head of Enforcement.

Margot Gatland joined the FMA in December 2017 as a senior solicitor. She already led a number of successful FMA prosecutions and was most recently Acting Head of Enforcement at the FMA.

The litigation lawyers past work experience includes jobs in New Zealand and the United Kingom, having worked at the Serious Fraud Office, Meredith Connell, commercial firms, and in government.

Liam Mason, FMA General Counsel, said: Margot Gatland has been confirmed as our new Head of Enforcement after an extensive local and international search. This is a crucial role, responsible for leading all the FMAs work to enforce the law and prosecute misconduct.

Given the importance of enforcement at the FMA, we wanted to test the market to ensure we appointed the best person to the role. We received a high level of interest from both local and overseas candidates. The interest in the role reflects the high regard in which the FMA is held, and were delighted that we have the right skills and experience inside the FMA with Margot.

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The New Zealand regulator appointed experienced international regulator Samantha Barrass as its new Chief Executive in January 2022 after announcing the hire in September 2021.

She has worked in a range of regulatory and executive roles in the UK and Europe. Between 2014 and 2019, Ms. Barrass was the Chief Executive Officer of the financial regulator in Gibraltar. The role encompassed conduct and prudential regulatory oversight. Earlier in her career, she worked for nine years in a number of roles at the Financial Services Authority in the UK (now the Financial Conduct Authority).

Most recently, Ms. Barrass led the establishment of the UKs Business Banking Resolution Service, an innovative service designed to resolve disputes between banks and their business customers. She has also held senior roles at the UK Solicitors Regulatory Authority and the London Investment Banking Association.

After graduating in economics from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch and completing post-graduate study at Victoria University of Wellington, Ms. Barrass began her career as an economist at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. She then moved to the UK to attend the London School of Economics, where she was awarded an MSc.

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New Zealand FMA appoints Margot Gatland as Head of Enforcement - FinanceFeeds

New Zealand conservationists are embarking on the largest attempt ever made to eradicate introduced predators from an inhabited island.

Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, a crown research institute, has signed a $2.8m partnership with Rakiura/Stewart Islands conservation group, Predator Free Rakiura, to eradicate predators including possums, rats, feral cats and hedgehogs over the next four years.

The project will also include research programmes to better understand how pests proliferate and how best to manage them.

Rakiura sits off the coast of the South Island and is about 180,000 hectares, with a permanent population of 400 people and roughly 45,000 visitors a year.

The island boasts national parks, distinctive ecosystems, significant dunes and pristine freshwater systems, and is home to many vulnerable native species including native birds, geckos and bats.

But the introduction of pests has affected its delicate flora and fauna including the flightless national icon, the kiwi, and the lovable nocturnal kkp the heaviest and only flightless parrot in the world.

Presently Rakiura is in a state of puri or sadness, said Dean Whaanga, the co-chair of predator frees trust, Te Puka Rakiura Trust.

On the surface a visitor might see the beautiful treasure that it is, however its true mana [power] and mauri [essence] will be recognised when the indigenous species return in numbers as seen by our ancestors, he said.

In Mori legend, Rakiura is also known as Te Punga o Te Waka a Mui the anchor stone of Muis canoe (the South Island) from which he raised the great fish (the North Island). Now it will act as a motif for anchoring the country to a nationwide predator-free goal.

What we learn here will help to pave the way for the whole country to become predator free, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research said in a statement.

Its acting chief executive, Dr Fiona Carswell, said working alongside the trust and the community is what would bring the institutes research to life.

We relish working with local knowledge and approaches to achieving biodiversity aspirations for Rakiura.

Similar predator-free projects have occurred around the world, including on the island of South Georgia, in the south Atlantic Ocean. Its rat eradication covered roughly 350,000 hectares, but the islands population is only 20-30 people.

While smaller, Rakiura has a much higher population and unless someone else gets there first, Predator Free Rakiura will be the largest predator eradication to date globally with a community of this size, Chris Jones of Manaaki Whenua told Stuff.

New Zealands leading independent conservation group, Forest and Bird, has praised the project, calling it a massively ambitious and important vision that will pave the way for environmental protection across New Zealand and around the world.

Sixty years ago Forest and Bird members led the very first humble rat eradication on Maria Island in the Hauraki Gulf, which covers only one hectare, its spokesperson, Dean Baigent-Mercer, said.

Its incredible that today New Zealand is researching the removal of all introduced predators off an island 180,000 times bigger.

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New Zealand to embark on worlds largest feral predator eradication - The Guardian

New Zealand has been in a COVID lull for the past two months, but with the BA.5 variant on the rise and more than 10,000 new daily cases reported this week, it appears we are now at the start of a second Omicron wave.

How large it will be is difficult to predict, but a number of factors coincide to make this the most serious moment in the pandemic this year since the first wave in March.

BA.5 is the latest instalment in the Omicron series. It was first detected in South Africa in February 2022 and is closely related to BA.2, the variant currently still dominant in New Zealand.

It carries distinct mutations in the spike protein, two of which are associated with higher transmissibility and immune evasion. The rise in BA.5 seems to stem from its ability to infect people who were immune to earlier variants, but so far there is no indication the variant causes more severe disease.

BA.5 was first detected in the New Zealand community in April and cases have been appearing consistently since May. It has quickly risen to 32% of sequenced community cases and looks set to become the dominant variant in the next week. It already is dominant in other countries.

Our recent modelling showed a second wave of COVID this year was likely as a consequence of waning immunity, but the spread of BA.5 has hastened its arrival.

Read more: Why are there so many new Omicron sub-variants, like BA.4 and BA.5? Will I be reinfected? Is the virus mutating faster?

A big concern at the moment is that case numbers in older age groups are higher now than ever before. The March wave was heavily concentrated in younger people, with under 60s making up 91% of all cases up to the end of April.

That helped keep a lid on the hospitalisation rate and has built strong hybrid immunity, acquired from both infection and vaccination, in these groups. But it leaves a large susceptible population in older groups.

Part of BA.5s advantage is a better ability to re-infect people whove had COVID before. Nevertheless, prior infection with a different variant does provide immunity, however imperfect, and those who havent been previously infected are at higher risk of catching the virus in the second wave. In New Zealand, this predominantly means older people.

Waning immunity means many people who are five to six months after their third vaccine dose will have significantly lower immunity now than they did in March.

And winter is flu season. The healthcare system is already swamped with patients with influenza and other winter ailments. Winter weather means people tend to gather indoors, in more crowded and poorly ventilated spaces that create ideal conditions for viruses to spread.

This wave is starting with much busier hospitals than in February, and any additional demand caused by COVID will add more stress to a system already under extreme pressure.

The risk of hospitalisation is around six times higher in people over 70 compared to younger groups. Even if the number of cases in this wave is lower than in the first wave, our modelling shows the shift in age distribution means its possible the number of hospitalisations will actually be higher.

The vaccine is still our best line of defence against COVID. It provides a high level of protection against getting seriously ill, even if it is less effective at preventing infection with BA.5.

That protection does wane over time, which is why a fourth dose is now available to over 50s. If you or your whnau are eligible for a vaccination, whether its the first dose or the fourth, now is a really good time to get it.

Strong uptake of fourth doses in older age groups, as well as third doses among the one million New Zealanders currently eligible, is the best way we have to mitigate this wave.

The influenza vaccine is also important as it can prevent more people getting sick this winter and ease the burden on the healthcare system. Free flu vaccines are available from GPs and pharmacies for everyone over 65, for Mori and Pacific people over 55, and for children aged between three and 12.

Read more: As flu cases surge, vaccination may offer some bonus protection from COVID as well

Other easy measures using high-quality masks indoors, testing and staying home if sick remain important. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are an extremely useful tool for managing risk. They are a reliable indicator of whether someone is currently infectious.

Doing a RAT before visiting a vulnerable person or before large gatherings is an excellent way to reduce risk. They are available for free to anyone with symptoms or whose household members have tested positive.

Even if you test negative on a RAT but have respiratory symptoms, you could have flu or another virus. Staying home when sick is the best way to protect others and reduce the rates of sickness this winter.

The pandemic is clearly not over yet. The virus will continue to evolve to get around our immunity and this will lead to ongoing waves. But we are not helpless in the face of it. Updated vaccines, better treatments, action to lower transmission through improved ventilation, and the build-up of hybrid immunity will continue to blunt its effects.

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A new Omicron wave is upon New Zealand, with older people now most at risk heres what to expect - The Conversation

New Zealanders across the North Island have reported rumbling, crackling sounds, a fireball and a huge flash of light streaking across the sky on Thursday afternoon, in what scientists believe was likely a meteor.

Local media outlets and social media were flooded with reports and queries about the sight, with some witnesses describing rumbles, bangs, a crackling sound in their ears, hair standing on end, rattling windows or a streak or explosion of light, followed by a smoke trail.

Seismologists at Geonet picked up a presumed sound wave from the object, and weather scientists for Metservice believe they picked up the object or its smoke trail on radar.

Plumber Curtis Powell captured the phenomenon on his dashcam while driving north of Shannon at 1.39pm on Thursday.

We were just driving to a job in Shannon when I saw a blue line falling in the sky, then a massive bright light, he said. Realised my dashcam was recording and downloaded the video once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

On social media, people shared photos and swapped stories of their sightings. Im so glad someone caught it I thought I was hallucinating, said one commenter.

A number of people mistook the rumbling sound for an earthquake.

We thought it was an earthquake, but it didnt sound right, more like a large heavy truck, with a beat, but there were no trucks near our house at the time. The house vibrated slightly too, one Twitter user said.

Dr Duncan Steel, a Wellington-based space scientist who has worked for Nasa, said the object was likely a piece of meteor and to see one in the daytime was a rare experience.

In my lifetime Ive only ever seen one daytime meteor. They are due to macrometeoroids in the atmosphere coming in very quickly, typically 30km per second. To be seen during the daytime it would need to be quite large, something the size of a rugby ball or bigger thats what makes them rare, he said.

Some eyewitnesses described hearing crackling as the object moved through the sky, in what Steel said was likely electrophonic sound. Allan Gilmore of Canterbury Universitys Mt John Observatory said in a radio interview that meteors, and their accompanying electrical charge, could cause some peoples hair to stand on end.

People with frizzy hair often hear it, while the people who dont have frizzy hair dont hear it, Gilmore said.

Dr Ian Griffin, the director of the Otago Museum, urged members of the public to keep any photos or videos. We might be able to use them to triangulate the position of the thing, and where it landed if it did land, he said.

It may be quite scientifically important to retrieve meteorites in this country are quite rare so actually getting one would be quite cool.

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Reports of fireball over New Zealand in what scientists think was rare daytime meteor - The Guardian

Mose will be deported back to Samoa as soon as Immigration NZ can sort the paperwork. Photo / Jeremy Wilkinson

A rapist who grew up in New Zealand will be deported to Samoa, where he has no family, and can't speak the language, after the Immigration Minister today turned down his appeal to stay here.

Mose Vaipapa has spent the last 15 years in prison for two sexual assaults he committed at the age of 14 and for bashing a prison guard while inside. Last month he was served with deportation papers to his birth country.

Vaipapa appealed to the Minister of Immigration saying he was being sent to a place that he hasn't lived in since he was 4 years old and has no family or other connections.

However, this evening he was told his request to stay in New Zealand was turned down by the minister and he would be deported to Samoa.

His lawyer Mike Sceats says it was New Zealand that made him a criminal, not Samoa, and called the Government hypocritical for criticising Australia's controversial 501 policy when they were essentially doing the same thing to Vaipapa.

"We're disappointed the government didn't even bother to read the new information we put forward."

"It basically says we haven't looked at it and we don't have to.

"And the law is completely on their side, he's locked out of the appeal process and he's out of time by decades."

Vaipapa says he's not sure what he's going to do now.

"I've told my brother ... but I don't know how I'm gonna tell my mum."

"I did some shit things, and I regret it every day. There's not one minute I don't think about it. I never saw myself as the kind of person who did that sort of thing, man I've got sisters.

"I was on drugs, I was a child, I went through shit someone my age shouldn't go through. I learned that shit because of the Government, they put me in homes where I was abused.

"When you're a child you're just a mirror, you reflect back what happens to you."

Vaipapa says it seemed the Government only saw the bad side of him.

"They've got a picture of me, and it's not me, but I've got out and I've stayed on track."

Sceats and the staff from the Porirua Community Law Centre who were working to keep Vaipapa in the country claimed New Zealand has a responsibility to look after him.

Sceats said Vaipapa fell through the cracks at primary school because the teachers thought he was stupid.

After that he began getting into trouble and went through a number of boys' homes in Porirua between 2004 and 2009 before being sent to the now infamous Epuni Boys' Home in Lower Hutt.

There Vaipapa says was sexually assaulted at the age of 12.

"He's been labelled as stupid, dangerous and violent. He's been set up to fail all his life," Sceats said.

"My personal view is that technically he wasn't born here but he was made and broken here."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has long been critical of the Australian 501 deportation policy where New Zealanders are deported from Australia and sent back home.

Any non-citizen who has been sentenced to more than a year in prison in Australia can be deported under the 501 policy, even if they served their time years earlier.

So far more than 2000 ex-Kiwis have been deported since the policy was introduced in 2014. The deportees are named after section 501 of the Australian Migration Act which allows their visas to be cancelled.

Several weeks ago Ardern met with Australia's new leader Anthony Albaneseto push for changes to the law. Albanese said after the meeting that the 501 policy would stay, although he promised to "work through" implementation issues with New Zealand.

On the same day Immigration New Zealand was serving Vaipapa with a deportation notice.

The week after Ardern met with the Samoan Prime Minister to discuss deportations back to the Pacific now that Covid restrictions had eased.

Vaipapa first came to New Zealand with his mother and siblings when he was 4, piggybacking on her passport.

He committed his first imprisonable offences while she was in the process of sorting out residency for her family and it was recommended that her son be removed from the application for the rest of the family to be successful.

At present Vaipapa is under strict supervision and electronically-monitored bail while he now waits to be officially deported.

When Open Justice met with Vaipapa at his address in Trentham several weeks ago he said he was extremely sorry for what he'd done.

"I wish I could go back and punch myself, shake that young Mose and ask him what the hell he's doing?"

Vaipapa said when he was first served the deportation notice in prison when he was 17, he didn't understand what it meant.

"I was still just a kid. The only thing that sunk in was that if I ever got parole then I'd be straight on a plane.

"I don't even remember being in Samoa. I thought I was a New Zealander for half my life."

Open Justice reported earlier this year that New Zealand sent 400 criminals back to Pacific nations between 2013-2018 - a move that a newly released report said was contributing to a growing crime and drug addiction in those countries.

Read more:

Government rejects Samoan deportee's bid to stay in New Zealand - New Zealand Herald

In its 99th year, New Zealands major grower-owned co-operative is assuming a refreshed logo and identity.

The change marks a significant step, reflecting the evolution of our business and the stronger focus we have on enhancing our business profile.

While the co-operative has always been Market Gardeners Limited, it has traded as MG Marketing (MG) for several decades, reflecting the co-operative at the time.

MG now does much more than provide procurement, sales, marketing and distribution services to grower-suppliers. We are involved in a number of complementary businesses including IP, exporting and farming, along with the major shareholding in Australian business, La Manna Premier Group.

We have listened to staff, growers and the wider industry in developing the new look. They told us they wanted to make sure our identity remains connected to the past but also celebrate the fact were a proud Kiwi co-operative, more clearly link MG to the produce/horticulture section and better communicate the business weve become.

Behind the scenes a large project is also under way to make updates across the business and our stakeholders will see the new brand and logo rolled out over the next six months. In some instances, MG is following a sustainable approach, with certain items updated as needed.

This weekend marks our first milestone with the new logo and brand launched online. Our website address will change towww.mggroup.co.nzand our email address will also be updated (name@mggroup.co.nz). Our IT team has ensured that all emails going to the current address will still arrive.

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New Zealand's Major Grower-Owned Co-Operative is Assuming a Refreshed Logo and Identity - PerishableNews

As of last summer, the island nation of New Zealand was home to 6.3 million head of dairy cattle, up 82 percent over the last two decades. The country also holds 3.8 million beef cattle, 800,000 deer and a whopping 26.8 million head of sheep. Thats a lot of livestock for a country of about five million people.

Thats also a lot of methane emissions, mainly in the form of cow burps and farts. (When it comes to cattle, about 90 to 95 percent of the methane produced comes from burps.) Agriculture is responsible for more than half of the methane production across New Zealand, and methane is a huge contributor to global warming and air pollution. In an effort to cut down on the greenhouse gas emissions, the government unveiled a new tax proposal last month.

By 2025, all farms across New Zealand would have to track and manage their greenhouse gas emissions, and pay a levy according to how much they are pumping out. They could also earn credits for planting crops that sequester carbon, including trees. This tax would be the first of its kind globally.

The plan was put together by the ruling Labor government, headed by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, along with primary sector groups. The government and industry partnership was named He Waka Eke Noa, from a Mori proverb, meaning were all in this together.

Although climate change minister James Shaw told Reuters the emissions pricing system will play a key part in how the country cuts methane emissions, the plan has some detractorssome from Shaws own party. While he is a cabinet minister, Shaw is also the co-leader of the federal Green party, which believes the plan doesnt go far enough.

The Greens agricultural spokesperson, MP Teanau Tuiono, said its not clear if the plan will help the country reach their goal of being net-zero by 2050. Tuiono even tweeted He Waka Eke Noa? He Waka Eke Nowhere more like.

Some New Zealand farmers have asked to have greater input in the taxs pricing structure. Meanwhile, other environmental activists say it simply wont be effective at all. Instead, theyve called for a drastic reduction in the amount of cattle, saying its the only way to truly cut down on emissions.

The proposal, and the specific pricing guidelines are still up for debate. Climate minister Shaw said the government would need to continue consultation before it commits to specifics of the plan. A decision is expected by the end of the year.

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New Zealand Wants to Tax Cow Burps and Farts - Modern Farmer