New Zealand

2000 same sex weddings in three years

The bill legalising same-sex marriage passed its final reading in Parliament in April, 2013, and came into effect on 19 August, 2013.

$750k package to help Samoa prepare for and manage emergencies

The project is delivered by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

“There’s a longstanding relationship between MCDEM and Samoa’s National Disaster Management Office (NDMO). The $750,000 package announced tonight will support this ongoing partnership and further strengthen Samoa’s disaster risk management programme,” says Ms Kaye.

Ms Kaye made the announcement at a reception in Apia last night, attended by guests including Ministers, officials, business leaders and representatives of humanitarian assistance agencies.

Snow causes power woes and cold set to continue in parts of NZ

RNZ reports about 400 homes in the Taupo district and parts of Hawke's Bay are still without power after the weekend snowstorm brought down about 200 power poles.

Hawkes Bay was worst-hit, but freezing temperatures have created treacherous conditions on roads across the country.

And MetService says there's no reprieve from the cold yet - a high-pressure ridge coming across the country over the next few days will bring fine weather to the South Island, but more sub-zero temperatures with it.

Panama Papers: New Zealand to tighten trust laws after being named in leaks

     

New Zealand has announced it is tightening rules surrounding foreign trusts after numerous documents in the Panama Papers leak referenced the country.

Officials in Wellington said the changes would improve the disclosure and registration of foreign trusts, as well as strengthening anti-money laundering rules.

"The changes to the foreign trust rules are a matter that the Government intends to move quickly on," Finance Minister Bill English said.

PNG Kapuls loses in penalty shootout

The second half grew more tense with the rowdy crowd begging Kapuls to score at least a goal but New Zealand defended well until nil all for fulltime.

Then, came the extra time as both sides look tired and weary but continue the fight but again went off scoreless on both halves of the game.

The moment of truth than pops in when the two teams chose their best to go for the shootout.

PNG and New Zealand yet to score in first half

With an awesome crowd, it gave PNG team the boost to play with confidence against the favorites.

$1 billion for Pacific energy projects

“The $635 million committed at the 2013 Pacific Energy Summit has translated into over $900 million of investments across 70 projects,” New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully says.

“In the same way, I hope to see the $1 billion of commitments announced today increase as opportunities for leverage become apparent, and as the ambition of partners grows.

“With the growing role for the private sector and the prospect of access to the UN Green Climate Fund there should be significant potential to further expand our efforts in this area.

Tanoa Hotel Group: New brand

This coincides with the upcoming opening of its new 4 star Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga. 

Tanoa is a major hospitality player in the Pacific with 10 hotels in Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand and soon, Tonga. 

This makeover for Tanoa Hotels, which was founded over 50 years ago, is designed to bring the brand in line with their growing portfolio and position in the market.

Tietjens proud of Hong Kong effort

RNZI reports Pita Ahki's try gave New Zealand an early 7-nil lead but Fiji struck back before half-time to level the ledger at the break before scoring two second half tries to seal victory.

New Zealand had beaten South Africa in the second period of extra time in the semi-finals and coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said he was pleased with his side's performance.

NZ Government announces Zika aid for Pacific Islands

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says $250,000 (US$167,000) of that money will go to the World Health Organisation's Pacific Zika Action Plan while the rest will be given to “enable countries in the region to respond rapidly if required”.

“With the Zika virus now confirmed in a number of Pacific countries, New Zealand is committed to helping limit the impact and spread of the virus in the region,” says McCully.

“Our package of support is targeted at prevention and detection measures and builds on our existing support for improving health outcomes in the region.