Category Archives: New Zealand

Indie pop singer Benee will launch her 2022 World Tour in Aotearoa.

The Kiwi artist will hit the road next February, taking her full-scale pop show to 10 towns and cities around the country, including three new dates in Dunedin, Auckland and Wellington.

The news comes after her recent World Tour announcement, which will see her visit more than 40 cities in Europe and the US throughout May and June, after completing her run of local shows.

READ MORE:* Why is everyone talking about Taylor Swift's scarf?* The Storyteller: Foo Fighters frontman and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl opens up about life and loss in new memoir* British rockers Idles return with message of hope and healing on new album Crawler

I am beyond excited to announce that my 2022 World tour kicks off in NZ in Feb next year, said Benee.

Its been such a long time coming and weve lived through a lot in these weird times but shows starting up again has [really] got everyone sososososo happyyy!!!!

I cant wait to get back out there & meet all of u and play a bunch of new musiiiiiicccc!!

Supplied

Indie pop singer Benee will be visiting 10 towns and cities around Aotearoa early next year, bringing her full-scale pop show to people who might not have the opportunity to visit main centres for concerts.

Benee will open her tour in Nelson on February 25 and progress through Dunedin, Invercargill, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Tauranga, Palmerston North, and Napier, before capping things off with a final performance in New Plymouth on March 13.

The local shows will be Kiwis last chance to see Benee before she heads overseas to share her new music, following the recent release of her latest single Doesnt Matter - her first new music since her acclaimed 2020 debut album Hey U X.

Benee has also handpicked up-and-coming Christchurch indie pop-rock outfit Theres A Tuesday as the support act for the New Zealand leg of her tour.

The group consists of two female frontwomen, Nat Hutton and Minnie Robberds, both on guitars and vocals, with drummer Angus Murray, and bassist Joel Becker.

Supplied

Benee recently released her latest single Doesnt Matter - her first new music since her acclaimed 2020 debut album Hey U X.

The re-announcement of the New Zealand tour leg comes after Benee confirmed in August that she would postpone her first nationwide eight-date regional tour due to personal circumstances, until early next year.

Benees Aotearoa Tour was originally announced in May, following the success of her sold-out national tour in October 2020.

The Supalonely singer decided to hit the smaller regions after recognising that fans outside the main centres dont often get the opportunity to experience big concerts in their own backyards.

Last month, Benee posted a lengthy statement to Instagram to mark World Mental Health Day, opening up and giving fans an insight into her personal struggles.

The 21-year-old, real name Stella Bennett, explained there were moments this year when she really felt like I wasnt going to get through it all.

She went on to tell her followers that she was continuing to work through her own mental health journey and encouraged others going through tough times to speak up and ask for help.

If you are struggling, I want you to reach out to someone, even anonymously, she wrote. I'd love to know how you guys have been feeling, no matter how bad.

Despite her downtimes, Benee has enjoyed tremendous success over the past 18 months since releasing Hey U X and completing a sold-out national tour.

The 2020 Silver Scroll award winner has also collected seven New Zealand Aotearoa Music Awards in the past two years, twice taking home Single of the Year and Best Pop Artist categories.

She is nominated in a further three categories for the upcoming 2021 awards Te Kaipuoro Takitahi Toa (Best Solo Artist), Te Kaipuoro Arotini Toa (Best Pop Artist), and Te Pukaemi o te Tau (Album of the Year).

Earlier this year she received international recognition when she was named on Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2021 list, while worldwide streams in the billions have made her one of the most exciting new acts to have emerged anywhere.

She has also performed on a string of major US television shows including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Late Night With Seth Meyers, and appeared alongside Sir Elton John on his Apple Music Rocket Hour radio show.

Tickets for all new shows on sale 11am, November 26

Trafalgar Centre, Nelson - February 25 (Previously August 14)

Town Hall, Dunedin - February 27 (New show)

ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill - March 1 (Previously August 12)

Town Hall, Auckland - March 3 (New show)

Globox Arena, Claudelands, Hamilton - March 4 (Previously August 28)

Anderson Park, Wellington - March 5 (New show)

Trustpower Baypark Arena, Tauranga - March 6 (Previously August 20)

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North - March 11 (Previously August 7)

Pettigrew Green Arena, Napier - March 12 (Previously August 21)

TSB Stadium, New Plymouth - March 13 (Previously August 6)

Read the original post:

Benee to kick off World Tour with 10 New Zealand shows in 2022 - Stuff.co.nz

India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I: Venkatesh Iyer hit a quickfire 20 while batting at No. 6 and picked up a wicket in his 3-over spell in India's 73-run win at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Venkatesh Iyer ready to be flexible with batting position for India (AP Photo)

India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer said he wants to continue to be flexible with his batting position for Team India after chipping in with crucial contributions in his debut series -- a 3-0 win over New Zealand at home. Venkatesh Iyer shone with a quickfire 20 on Sunday while batting at No. 6 as India registered their biggest-ever win in terms of runs (73) against New Zealand in the 3rd and final T20I in Kolkata.

Venkatesh Iyer joined Shreyas Iyer at a crucial juncture as India had lost quick wickets, including that of a well-set Rohit Sharma, but he played with positive intent, hitting a six and a boundary in the middle-overs. Venkatesh Iyer batted at No. 6 in a crucial run-chase in the first T20I and got a boundary when the team needed 10 runs in an over. He batted at No. 3 in the 2nd T20I and remained unbeaten on 12.

India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I: Report | Highlights

Iyer, who made his mark after a stunning season with Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2021, played as an opener for his franchise, hitting 370 runs at 10 matches. Iyer, who began as a middle-order batsman in domestic cricket, has been donning the role of an opener for Maharashtra.

Speaking after an all-round effort on Sunday, Iyer said: "I have always maintained that as a professional cricketer, you got to be really flexible as to where you want to bat.

"There might be occasions where even though you are going to play in the middle-order, you might get to bat within the powerplay. That's something I have really worked on - adapting to whatever situation I am going to play. I am going to look to better that," he added.

Venkatesh Iyer did not get an opportunity to bowl in the first two T20Is but on Sunday, captain Rohit Sharma entrusted him with the role of being the 6th bowler. The 26-year-old did well, picking up a wicket and conceding just 12 runs in 3 overs.

"That's what I am in the team for - batting and bowling. It was good to get a bowl finally. Everyone aspires to play for the country. If the team wins and that too comprehensively, it's a special feeling. I hope that this continues for a prolonged period of time," Iyer added.

Click here for IndiaToday.ins complete coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

Originally posted here:

India vs New Zealand: Ready to be flexible and bat wherever team wants me to - Venkatesh Iyer - India Today

Natural wonders, human-made monuments and cultural experiences typically serve as the headline points of interest when venturing beyond borders and hopping over oceans. For some, it's local delicacies that rise up like Michaelangelo's David and make the journey entirely worth it.

France has its fries, Belgium has its biscuits and Australia has its dark brown yeast spread, but in this series we'll be highlighting food worth travelling around New Zealand for. Stamp these culinary delights in your passport just don't expect pineapple-flavoured lumps.

Hello, chocolate lovers. A warning: what you're about to read could lead to uncontrollable drool.

If you're passionate about food, you naturally know it doesn't get much better than Wellington which is the country's foodie capital.

But, figuring out where to eat can be challenging so let me help you: head straight to one of the citys best laneways.

READ MORE:* Travel bites: Motueka, Toad Hall's real fruit ice cream is the ultimate summer treat* Travel bites: The salted caramel cookie from Leeds Street Bakery is a Wellington icon* Hannahs Laneway, Wellington: Is New Zealand home to the world's best foodie laneway?

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Lashings is brownie heaven.

With pizzas, pies, cookies, a chocolate factory, fine dining, a peanut butter caf, and a brownie bar, Hannahs Laneway (also known as Leeds Street) is a shrine to delicious treats, and those who choose to worship will be richly rewarded.

If you have a soft spot for chocolate brownies, your first stop is a place called Lashings. Hidden upstairs at the northern end of the laneway is a giant cabinet filled with brownies. But not just any brownies. Think Vegemite brownie, peanut butter and jelly brownie, and even a vegan brownie.

Pastry chef Jackie Lee Morrison created her sweet treat paradise after her brownies proved hugely popular at the local market.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The Vegemite brownie is surprisingly good.

The secret is making everything by hand, which gives a fudge-like texture, alongside using single-origin chocolate crafted in Wellington.

There's a "pimp your brownie" menu that gives you the option to add toppings like caramelised cornflakes, pretzel milk ice cream and salted toffee popcorn. It's hard to buy a brownie elsewhere after eating here they'll never be as good.

You can also get delicious treats like homemade sausage rolls, cinnamon rolls, or "life-changing" caramel slice perhaps it will change your life because you'll need dialysis afterwards. But in all seriousness, it's beyond delicious.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

There are too many sweet treats to choose from.

The next time you're feeling like a sweet treat, let your taste buds get a lashing at Lashings. It'll have you planning your next trip to Wellington in search of your next fix.

Where to eat: Brownies at Lashings start from $5. The ice cream brownie bar where you can create your own treat starts from $15.90. See: lashingsfood.com

Staying safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. For the latest travel rules, see covid19.govt.nz.

Do you have a favourite snack worth travelling for? Email us at travel@stuff.co.nz or let us know in the comments.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Lashings is open late most nights, ready for that late-night sugar rush.

Read this article:

Travel bites: On the hunt for New Zealand's best brownie - Stuff.co.nz

Liz Carlson/Stuff

krito is home to New Zealands largest unmodified wetland on the West Coast of the South Island.

Since humans arrived in New Zealand, close to all of our wetland ecosystems have disappeared, leaving around 10 per cent left. In the conservation world, wetlands are super important, for many reasons, including being home to many endangered species, including birds, fish and trees.

A key player for national health and biodiversity, wetlands capture carbon and keep water clean, among many other benefits. krito, tucked away on the South Islands West Coast, is one of the last bastions of wetland biodiversity, and arguably one of the best.

krito is the kind of place where if you blink you might miss it. Just north of Franz Josef Glacier and an hour-and-a-half south of Hokitika, its 10 kilometres off State Highway 6 on the West Coast which means heaps of road trippers just cruise on by, missing out on one of the best natural wonders in New Zealand.

READ MORE:* 'Accessible and comfortable': Paparoa Track showcases the best of the West Coast* West Coast: The secret spots to see before international tourists return* krito Lagoon: The West Coast's ancient and pristine wetland is at risk

Liz Carlson/Stuff

The elusive white heron/ktuku calls krito home.

In fact, it took me years to make the turn off after regularly passing by. Loosely called a town, which is somewhat of a stretch, krito is home to just a few dozen people, and over 70 species of birds. Once a gold mining town, like so many West Coast settlements, its surrounded by ocean, wetlands, cliffs, native forest and the mighty Southern Alps as a backdrop.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

The best way to experience the krito Lagoon is on an eco boat tour.

Covering an area of roughly 12 kilometres, the krito Lagoon is New Zealands largest unmodified wetland, and one of the most special. Most famously home to the mysterious, white heron/ktuku as well as our rarest kiwi, the krito or rowi, spending the early morning out on the water is an experience unlike any other.

Passionate and knowledge birders Paula and Swade run Okarito Eco Boat Tours, sharing their knowledge and stories with curious wanderers like me. Because the landscape is so unique, getting out on the water on their custom-built boat is the best way to experience krito, even with only a passing interest in the birds.

The only breeding site of the elegant ktuku was discovered on the nearby Waitangiroto River in 1865. The krito Lagoon is where they feed and where many of the population of around 100 birds call home. Gliding like a bright white kite, they are so graceful soaring above the still water.

The ktuku have always been considered special and rare, with their feathers adorning Mori chiefs in life and death. In fact, comparing someone to the ktuku is one of the highest compliments. But by valuing their features, the already rare ktuku population was quickly decimated down to just four nests before being protected in 1941.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

Royal Spoonbills resting in the treetops around the krito Lagoon.

The 90 per cent loss of wetlands across New Zealand is a tragic and astonishing figure. And while we cant bring them back, we can still work hard to protect what we still have, including around krito. One of the largest and most ambitious Predator Free 2050 projects is underway in the area.

Building on ZIPs (Zero Invasive Predators) work removing predators from the nearby Perth River Valley, the $45 million Predator Free South Westland project will work to eliminate possums, rats and stoats from over 100,000 hectares over five years, including around krito, preserving this incredible corner over New Zealand for future generations.

The writer was hosted in krito by West Coast Development.

Staying safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

The best time of day to experience the krito Lagoon is in the early morning.

See the original post here:

krito, West Coast: One of the best natural wonders in New Zealand - Stuff.co.nz

India beat New Zealand by 73 runs in the third and final T20 International to win the three-match series 3-0 here on Sunday.

After opting to bat, Rohit Sharma struck 56 off 31 balls while Ishan Kishan made 29 off 21 balls as India posted 184 for seven.

Martin Guptill's 51 off 36 balls went in vain as New Zealand could only manage 111 all out in 17.2 overs.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel was the pick of the Indian bowlers with three wickets.

Brief Scores:

India: 184 for 7 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 56; Mitchell Santner 3/27)

New Zealand: 111 all out in 17.2 overs (Martin Guptill 51; Axar Patel 3/9).

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.We, however, have a request.

As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.

Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.

Digital Editor

More here:

India beat New Zealand by 73 runs in third T20I, seal series 3-0 - Business Standard

Hundreds of tractors, 4WDs, utes and other vehicles are descending on Auckland's CBD and other town centres today - part of the nationwide Groundswell protest. Video / NZ Herald

A number of anti-vaccination protesters joined in today's Groundswell NZ's protest, but organisers were careful to ensure the rural sector's message was not hijacked.

Before tractors, utes, 4WDs and protesters took to small town New Zealand and big cities like Auckland, organisers issued a list of approved messages and excluded words like "Freedom" and MAGA (Make Ardern Go Away).

Approved slogans for banners at the "Mother of all Protests" included "Enough is Enough", "No Farmers, No Food" and "No Ute Tax".

"With our opponents attempting to smear Groundswell, we need to be extra careful not to add fuel to the fire with off-message or offensive banners that the media will highlight," said organisers Bryce McKenzie and Laurie Patterson.

In Auckland, several anti-vaccination protesters turned up, including an SUV with a cross and signage saying "I don't want my 6-year-old grandson to be injected with an experimental drug".

Groundswell Wairarapa cancelled their protest last week to avoid being hijacked by anti-vaxxers.

In Feedback to the Herald on the protest, there was support for the farmers, but concern about the message getting muddled and signs of redneckism like Trump flags, communist signs and Mori-bashing.

"The focus should be on farmers and their issues. And last time I passed the whole protest on the motorway. There were some disgusting signs. Keep it serious. No one will take notice," said one man.

The Groundswell protest is focused on a slew of Government regulations.

About 100 vehicles, including a large number of utes and about seven tractors, arrived in Queen St, tooting their horns and waving New Zealand flags just after midday.

19 Nov, 2021 02:06 AMQuick Read

20 Nov, 2021 07:40 PMQuick Read

They travelled down Queen St, turned right into Customs St and doubled back. There were about 30 to 40 protesters, some waving flags, on Queen St and in Te Komititanga Square outside the Britomart train station.

"It's a great protest but it shows what New Zealand thinks of this precious Government at the moment and all the things they are doing. (It's) absolutely terrible," said one man in a vehicle.

In Christchurch up to 300 vehicles gathered in Memorial Ave.

Christchurch organiser Aaron Stark said it was too early for a full count yet, but they're expecting more people than last time.

"We're coming in from Rolleston now and we've got about 2km of traffic behind us."

"I'm blown away with the amount of cars driving past down the motorway tooting and waving. Just people in general are turning out to support."

"Up to 80 vehicles, including some big rigs, gathered at Whanganui racecourse ready to drive around town and show their opposition to the Government's newest regulations affecting farming.

"Let everybody know we are here and we are not happy with what's going on in this country," speaker Dougal Pidwell told the crowds.

Protesters were also active in many other parts of the country, including Wellington, Nelson, Taupo, Greymouth and Ashburton.

Standing in for Minister of Rural Communities Damien O'Connor in Parliament on Thursday, Stuart Nash said - when asked by Act rural spokesman Mark Cameron whether O'Connor had met with Groundswell NZ leaders - he wasn't sure "what Groundswell stands for these days".

Based on what he'd read on their website it was "a mixture of racism, anti-vax etcetera, etcetera", Nash said, before going on to say the Government would continue to meet with farming leaders and engage with rural communities.

In a statement broadcast on Newstalk ZB during yesterday's protest, the Groundswell organisation said Covid-19 had been tough enough on both rural and urban, with unworkable regulations adding to people's worries and frustrations.

"We, the people of New Zealand want an end to these regulations until genuine consultation takes place that treats all New Zealand citizens in a fair and equal manner resolving in acceptable resolutions for all.

"If the Government is not forthcoming in addressing these issues, I call on all New Zealanders to join our protest in Wellington in February next year. We say 'enough is enough', " the statement said.

Act leader David Seymour said the party stands with rural New Zealand against unworkable, counterproductive red tape on farmers.

The rest is here:

Groundswell NZ's 'Mother of all Protests' takes steps to avoid being hijacked by anti-vaxxers - New Zealand Herald

While leprosy might seem like a disease in far-off places from a time long ago, it continues to be diagnosed in New Zealand, with the number of Canterbury cases surging this year.

Over the last 10 years, a total of 38 cases of leprosy had been diagnosed in New Zealand, almost all in the North Island, Environmental Science and Research data shows.

In the 10 years to 2020, there had been only one case of leprosy in Canterbury. However, in the first half of this year alone, two people in the region were diagnosed with the disease, out of a total of four cases nationwide so far this year.

Research published in 2015 found that most cases involved people who had lived overseas in the decade before diagnosis, either in Pacific countries including Samoa and Kiribati, south and southeast Asia, or Africa.

READ MORE:* Young Aucklanders join global fight to curb leprosy discrimination* 1907: The leprosy colony * Covid-19: 12 new cases, 10 from the same flight, but none from community transmission

Leprosy is caused by bacteria that attack the nerves in people's hands and feet.

If left untreated, the disease will spread into the nerves connecting to the brain and spinal cord, leading to hands and feet "clawing" inwards, blindness, disfigurement and the loss of whole limbs.

The disease was once thought incorrectly to be highly infectious. The first cure was discovered in the 1940s, and it is now treated using a combination of drugs, though these need to be taken over a period of months or years for the person to be leprosy-free.

Doctors at a leprosy hospital in Pakistan are vowing to continue their work until the disease is wiped out completely. (First published in August 2020.)

Because of this, the once-feared condition is generally believed to be present only in the developing world, mainly in communities with restricted access to public healthcare.

But the authors of a paper published in 2015 warned New Zealand doctors, especially those in Wellington and Auckland, to brush up on the symptoms of leprosy, which remained a problem elsewhere in the world.

According to World Health Organisation data, there were 202,162 new leprosy cases registered globally in 2019.

About 4000 people develop leprosy every year in the Western Pacific region, according to the Ministry of Health.

ROBERT KITCHIN/Stuff

Director of public health Dr Caroline McElnay says the stigma around leprosy creates barriers to diagnosis and treatment.

Director of public health Dr Caroline McElnay said in January that the stigmatisation of infectious diseases, including leprosy, creates barriers when it comes to testing and engaging in care.

She said we should all do our part in breaking down the stigma which surrounds infectious diseases in New Zealand as it only adds to isolation, fear and misinformation.

Near the Canterburys port of Lyttleton, tamahua (Quail Island) was used as a leprosy colony between 1906 and 1925.

Supplied

Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour could have a future as an MIQ facility, suggests architect Michael O'Sullivan.

Among those shipped to the island was Sam Te Iringa, who'd been ostracised in his community.

Historian Benjamin Kingsbury, writing in The Dark Island: Leprosy in New Zealand and the Quail Island Colony, said Te Iringa found himself in a "run-down colony without a nurse".

Te Iringa went on "strike" but since patients did little work, it wasn't a very effective strike, Kingsbury wrote.

PIERS FULLER/STUFF

Matiu Somes Island was once a quarantine location for lepers.

Te Iringa died on the island in 1922 and was buried there, but his burial site was a mystery.

About 16,000 people now visit the island annually, and a local architect this year suggested it should be used as an MIQ facility.

Wellington's most notorious case of suspected leprosy was that of Kim Lee, a fruit-shop owner, who was diagnosed with the condition in the early 1900s.

He was sent to Matiu-Somes Island to be quarantined. But after his fellows on the island protested, he was exiled to Mokopuna Island, a rock about 200 metres long and 80m wide and separated from the main island by a 50m channel.

Lee lived there in a cave for several months, before dying alone in March 1904. It is now believed he was suffering from tuberculosis or an autoimmune disease, though Mokopuna's nickname of "Leper Island" has stuck despite this.

Number of leprosy cases in NZ from 2011 to date:

Excerpt from:

Leprosy still exists in New Zealand, with new cases in Canterbury - Stuff.co.nz

The supporters of the New Zealand cricket team around the world, including a large chunk present in India, were left disappointed by the team's T20 World Cup 2021 final's loss to Australia. Not just the result but the nature of the contest was also hurtful to see for the fan. One of them is former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who supported New Zealand as his second team in the event like thousands of other Indians.

Gambhir stated that he is completely unimpressed with the way the Black Caps, led by Kane Williamson, carried themselves in the second half of the mega clash. After posting 172/4 in the first innings, courtesy of Williamson's 48-ball 85, the Men in Black were handed an eight-wicket loss. Mitchell Marsh (77*) and David Warner (53) hit brilliant half-centuries to take the side over the line with 1.1 overs to spare.

My favourite side after India (for the T20 World Cup) was New Zealand. Seeing them bullied around like an apprentice wasnt a pleasant experience, wrote Gambhir in his column for TOI.

They batted very well to score 172 for four. More often than not this kind of score isnt that tough to defend, especially with a balanced attack like that of New Zealand. But clearly the occasion got to them as they didnt look the same team that beat India or England in the semis. he said.

He then added that he would have demanded a refund seeing my team all over the place in second half.

New Zealand is one team that prides itself on meticulous planning, clear role definitions, precise execution and all this without any fanfareIf I was a New Zealand supporter, I would have demanded a refund seeing my team all over the place in second half. It wasnt a performance worthy of a final, opined Gambhir.

Get our Daily News Capsule

Thank you for subscribing to our Daily News Capsulenewsletter.

Read the original post:

'If I was New Zealand supporter, I would have demanded a refund': Gambhir lashes out on NZ's T20 WC final's performance - Hindustan Times

Some aspects of New Zealand's Covid response haven't been in line with New Zealand's progressive reputation. Photo / Getty Images

OPINION:

You need a rock-solid reason to ask your children to leave their puppy behind.

Convincing my wife Alice and my three kids Juliette, Flix and Gaspard to move to New Zealand as I embarked on a new role, was not initially a difficult sell. New Zealand's gloriously preserved nature, its relaxed, chilled people united behind the mighty All Blacks, brilliant education facilities, sporting prowess, and opportunities for all kinds of adventure were among the many features that contributed to my family feeling excited and (almost) comfortable leaving behind their well-established Belgian home, family and friends and of course their beloved Luchon, our 6-year-old Pyrenean Shepard.*

For me personally, additional motivators were the chance to step into a role with people and clients I have admired for many years, for a company I truly respect in a country that is a "Team of Five Million", and the chance to create a positive impact for New Zealand through the work we create.

New Zealand as a country has always enjoyed the reputation of being super progressive, inclusive and united. The first country to give women the vote, the first country to elect an openly transgender Member of Parliament a country boasting many per capita stats that I dream of for my beloved Belgium.

And then, Delta.

We landed in Auckland a week after the first community case was detected. They say life is all about timing: in this case, I'm not sure we got it right.

Arriving at the end of August, into a country that had just started what has turned out to be a long confinement, has of course been an extremely big challenge for my family and me, having had our fair share of lockdowns back in Europe. The inability to get the kids to school, generally the easiest way for them to make new friends and settle into their new home, has added to that challenge.

For me, however, the most challenging part of the last three months has been witnessing what I can only assume is a temporary blight on New Zealand's well-deserved reputation.

Let me explain.

There are many global indexes that rank New Zealand highly, from ease of doing business to political freedom, to the Global Peace Index. While this "timeless" brand positioning is clearly representative of New Zealand's values, the last few months have brought with them some "timely" decisions, made in the face of an impossible situation, which have contributed to polarising debate on sensitive topics. The debate raging around vaccinations has seen us slowly begin to move away from the celebration of diversity, a value so integral to this country. This narrative has not been helped as it has been difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and occasionally frameworks have been unclear. Eighteen months ago, who would have imagined headlines referring to a two-tier society in New Zealand, or family unable to reunite over the passing of their father given MIQ restrictions?

These "timely" decisions, contrary to some of the country's brand values, have been the drivers for the slippage of NZ's timeless strong perception and ranking over recent months. In the world of brands, it would be hard to imagine Patagonia undertaking initiatives that are not protecting nature, or Nike not championing diversity. In doing so, they would expose themselves to short-term reputation damage that could adversely affect sales performance.

Just as brands need to live by their values, New Zealand - a brand which champions inclusiveness, progression and diversity including diversity of opinions - has recently been put under pressure. We need to stay true to our values, regardless of the difficulty of the situation or the size of the ambition.

With 90 per cent vaccination rates achieved, at the end of this month, New Zealand will be the country with the fastest and highest vaccination rate among 12+ population worldwide, which is an incredible public health outcome. But could it have been done by respecting people's individuality and points of view, with less fear and more perspective?

As a new leader of an organisation like FCB NZ, I am aware of the importance of perspective and calm, and I give it all to live by the strong values of the company I now have responsibility for - integrity, championing diversity by all means, inclusivity and progressiveness are all part of this ethos. Surrounded with good people in my colleagues and our clients, I trust them to help me remain mindful of these values.

Just as we, experts in moving brands and businesses forward, sometimes make mistakes and learn from them, I am confident that as we draw closer to relative freedom, our leaders have learned that nothing is taken for granted and that we need to remobilise this team of six million (including the 1 million living overseas). We will be reminded of this amazing country's brand purpose, and most importantly, live by its values. I am excited about the future and my family and I cannot wait to start creating our true Kiwi experience.

This is testament to a special place, and the love we have for 100% Pure New Zealand. And we look forward to the day when we can visit our beloved Luchon in Belgium, able to return to our Aotearoa - easily.

*Luchon is living in the beautiful Belgian countryside at a neighbour's farm, happily chasing tennis balls.

- Sbastien Descle is the chief executive of advertising agency FCB New Zealand.

Go here to see the original:

Opinion: We need to remember what New Zealand represents to the world - New Zealand Herald

Cycling New Zealand chief executive Jacques Landry has resigned after three years in the job.

His resignation comes amid an inquiry into the sport and three months after the suspected suicide of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore, who posted on social media about the pressures of high performance sport before her death.

Cycling NZ board chair Phil Holden said Landry has made a major contribution to cycling.

Landry first arrived at the organisation in 2019, after 10 years as the high performance director at Cycling Canada. He will leave for his native Canada at the end of the year.

Christel Yardley/Stuff

Cycling NZ chief executive Jacques Landry has resigned.

His arrival followed the 2018 Heron review that found a lack of accountability and sub-optimal leadership, instances of bullying and a dysfunctional culture in cycling. Within the 83-page 2018 review, Heron made 11 recommendations, including several pertaining to athlete welfare.

READ MORE:* Cycling NZ add management support in the wake of death of Olivia Podmore* Olivia Podmore's family and friends ask: How did Cycling NZ end up here all over again?* Sports bosses say cyclists can engage with new inquiry panel without fear * High-profile women dominate Cycling New Zealand independent inquiry panel

Landry was brought in to implement its recommendations and to oversee the establishment of the Athletes voice committee, and new code of conduct. The implementation of the Heron review is the basis of the independent inquiry currently being undertaken by a panel appointed by Cycling New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand.

The panel includes Heron, leading women in sport academic Sarah Leberman, former Silver Fern Lesley Nicol and Rio Olympic Games rowing silver medallist Genevieve Macky.

The inquiry is set to miss its first major deadline, with panellists unable to meet athletes face to face because of Covid restrictions in Waikato, where the NZ Cycling centralised programme is based. A draft of the findings from the inquiry is now due in February 2022.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore died in August

Following the death of Podmore in August, Landry said Cycling NZ would be questioning this for a long time.

There will be a time for us to review and look at if and where we had missteps, or if we didnt act properly, he said.

Landry also facilitated the Cycling NZ Athlete Voice committee, which includes past and present riders. In a meeting in August, before the death of Podmore, concerns were raised about a lack of transparent communication around selection criteria, and the wording of athlete agreements.

The August meeting also addressed the lack of gender equity in selection panels and possible media training to strengthening the image of cycling within NZ.

Phil Holden said Landry had role-modelled the values we aspire to.

He is highly regarded within Cycling New Zealand and the wider cycling community, and has deepened the relationship with our four member organisations, sponsors and funding partners, Holden said.

Under his watch Cycling New Zealand has also completed its 2021-28 High Performance Strategic Plan, put in place an overarching strategic plan and initiated other major changes including the integration of Para cycling into the organisation.

Holden said that Landry indicated his departure in June, but has stayed on until now to help set up the independent inquiry.

CHRISTEL YARDLEY/STUFF/Waikato Times

Jacques Landry, (right) with High Performance Sport NZ chief executive Raelene Castle at a press conference following the death of Olivia Podmore.

He has been unable to leave the country and visit his family overseas for over two years because of ongoing delays in assessing his residency application, and there is no certainty at all over when the situation might be resolved. For his own personal wellbeing and that of his family, Mr Landry has made the difficult decision to leave, and we fully support him in that.

Landry will continue to make himself available to the inquiry panel after his departure from the organisation, Holden said. He also said that the board had worked closely with Mr Landry on the transition period.

A search is now underway to find a replacement, and the organisations chief operating officer will manage the day-to-day operations in the meantime.

Sport New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle said it was disappointing to learn of Landrys resignation, but understands the reasons behind it.

The difficulties and challenges of being separated from family and friends for such a long period of time, due to the pandemic, cannot be underestimated, she said.

Sport NZ would like to thank Jacques for his contribution and his commitment to the sport of cycling over the last three years, and we wish him all the best for his return home and for the future.

In October, Cycling NZ appointed Dr Monica Robbers to the newly created position of chief operating officer, to allow Landry to concentrate on all the work related to the inquiry, as well as the parallel coronial inquiry, a statement on the Cycling NZ website said.

Stuff understands Cycling NZ and High Performance Sport NZ have also engaged Wellington crisis management communications company BRG following Podmores death.

Continued here:

Cycling NZ CEO Jacques Landry quits after three years in job - Stuff.co.nz