Eva Corlett

Kurdish New Zealand rapper Baban Hussain, known as Fat Papi, achieved global recognition after his song “Freaked Out,” produced by Australian artist Owen Omen, went viral through TikTok. The track accumulated billions of views, millions of new Spotify listeners and a debut on the US Billboard Hot 100, making Hussain the first Kurdish artist to reach the chart and only the second New Zealand rapper to do so. The breakthrough has led to management and record deals, a forthcoming single and festival bookings, while the pair hope to build a lasting career from the viral success.

Wellington is described as the world’s windiest city, with its location beside Cook Strait and an exposed airport making landings especially turbulent. Meteorologists expect a particularly strong El Niño to bring stronger-than-normal, more westerly winds during the approaching spring. Passengers recount frightening or exhilarating “Welly welcome” landings, while Air New Zealand pilot Jake Snelgrove explains that pilots use wind-shear warnings, proactive decisions and go-arounds to keep flights safe. Strong ground winds can still cause cancellations by preventing airport staff from moving people or cargo.

New Zealand ultrarunner Sophie Woods completed the 2,000km Via Alpina across eight European countries in 28 days, 17 hours and 59 minutes, setting the fastest known time and surpassing records held by Jake Catterall and Tessa Caspers. She endured thunderstorms, heatwaves, injuries and exhaustion while receiving crucial support from her husband, George, and photographer Zoe Salt. The achievement revived Woods’s enthusiasm for running after years of IVF treatment and grief over infertility, strengthening her confidence in her body and inspiring thousands of women to take up running.

An Antarctic cold snap brought freezing temperatures, snow, hail and strong winds across New Zealand. Wellington experienced snowfall at sea level for the first time in 15 years, while heavy snow in Dunedin prompted school closures and led residents to snowboard and ski through the streets, including down Baldwin Street. Christchurch also saw snow and weather-related flight disruption. Authorities warned against unnecessary travel after multiple vehicles slid off icy roads, while MetService forecast another severe cold period and Transpower reported record electricity demand with a possible energy shortfall later in the week.

A notorious feral cat named Nine Lives was humanely shot on 30 July after evading conservationists on New Zealand’s Purerua Peninsula for three years. The cat killed dozens of pāteke, or brown teal—about 1% of the species’ population—along with suspected kiwi chicks, geckos and other native wildlife. Pest Free Purerua used cameras, bait and traps to capture it after observing an unusual pattern of repeated visits to a quarry. Its remains will be examined and taxidermied for conservation education. The case has renewed debate over New Zealand’s large feral-cat population and supports the government’s plan to include feral cats in the Predator-Free 2050 strategy.

New Zealand's parliament passed legislation formally recognising English as an official language alongside te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, despite advice from the Ministry of Justice that English already held that status through custom and usage. The coalition government and Labour supported the bill, while the Greens and Te Pāti Māori opposed it. Linguists and legal experts called the measure unnecessary and ideologically driven, while Green MP Tamatha Paul described it as “pathetic” and New Zealand First defended it as a practical clarification.

Two suspected meteors recently streaked across New Zealand’s skies, one over the North Island and another over the South Island. Witnesses reported vivid flashes, loud sonic booms and unusual reactions from animals. Fireballs Aotearoa director Steve Wyn-Harris said the sounds suggested the North Island meteor passed relatively close to the ground and urged residents to look for unusual black stones that could be meteorites. The organization’s network of about 200 cameras, along with growing use of security cameras and dashcams, is improving the chances of locating meteorite debris despite New Zealand’s sparse population and rugged terrain.

Dunedin is preparing for a total solar eclipse on 22 July 2028, when a 100km-wide path across southern New Zealand will experience nearly three minutes of daytime darkness. Hotels, including Dunedin Leisure Lodge, are already receiving strong demand, with one eclipse package fully booked two years ahead. About 35,000 visitors are expected, and the city is planning a night-sky festival linking the eclipse with Matariki, the Māori new year. Astronomer Ian Griffin says the event will be the first total eclipse visible from Dunedin since 1163 and the first anywhere in New Zealand since 1965.

Fans have driven a surge in sales of Sam Neill’s Two Paddocks wines and boosted donations to causes he supported following his death. Retailers reported dramatic increases in demand, while environmental group Sustainable Tarras and Dunstan Hospital Foundation received significant contributions accompanied by messages honouring his legacy. Supporters pledged to continue Neill’s advocacy against a proposed goldmine near his vineyard, reflecting widespread affection for the actor and his values.

New Zealand confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a brown skua found in Wellington, raising fears for endangered native bird species already under significant ecological pressure. Authorities emphasized existing surveillance and vaccination programs, while experts warned that highly susceptible species, especially those in large colonies, could face severe impacts. The public has been urged to report groups of sick or dead birds as officials work to contain risks to vulnerable birds and marine mammals.

Residents of New Zealand’s Central Otago region mourn the death of actor Sam Neill, remembered locally as a humble and generous community member despite his global fame. Neill supported local institutions including Central Cinema and Dunstan Hospital, contributed to charity events, and regularly interacted with residents in Clyde and Alexandra. Locals shared stories highlighting his kindness, involvement in community life, and strong personal connections, describing his death as a profound loss for the region and the country.

Residents near the proposed Datagrid AI datacentre in Makarewa raise concerns over its heavy electricity and water use, potential noise pollution and perceived lack of transparency. The NZ$3.5bn facility is set to become one of New Zealand’s largest electricity users, prompting apprehension about its environmental impact and limited long‑term economic benefits. Local advocates argue that broader community consultation was insufficient. The project aligns with government efforts to attract major datacentre investment, supported by claims of substantial economic potential. Critics highlight uncertainty around environmental risks, oversight and uneven distribution of benefits, calling for greater transparency and accountability.

China’s short‑notice long‑range missile test over the Pacific triggered strong criticism from the US, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific leaders concerned about regional stability and Beijing’s expanding nuclear capabilities. China described the launch as a routine, lawful military exercise and said countries had been notified, but regional governments said the information was insufficient. Experts suggested the test was intended to signal China’s growing strategic power to the US, Taiwan and potentially Nato, highlighting a shift toward a more coercive nuclear posture. The missile, likely the JL‑3 submarine‑launched ballistic missile, demonstrated extended range capable of reaching the central US. The launch’s timing coincided with new Australia–Fiji defence cooperation and the opening of a Nato summit, though some analysts argued the timing was coincidental due to long‑term planning requirements.

China’s test launch of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine in the Pacific prompted strong criticism from Australia, Pacific leaders, the US and Taiwan, who warned it destabilises regional security and violates international norms. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands leader Matthew Wale raised concerns about proliferation risks and insufficient advance notice, while Australian ministers challenged China’s claims of compliance with international law. China defended the launch as routine training and urged critics not to over-interpret it. Regional officials highlighted the test as evidence of China’s expanding military capabilities and the need for stronger security cooperation across the Pacific.

A new Google Maps voice for New Zealand now correctly pronounces Māori placenames, the result of a long-term collaboration between Google and the Māori language commission. Advances in AI text‑to‑speech enabled the project, which includes a New Zealand-accented voice trained on Māori sounds with data overseen by the commission. The feature supports the growing resurgence of te reo Māori and aims to expand pronunciation coverage across more regions. More than 60,000 earlier public submissions identified mispronunciations, and the initiative is seen as an important step in normalising the language despite government moves to limit its public-service use.

Les Mills, New Zealand Olympian, former Auckland mayor and founder of the global Les Mills gym chain, has died at 91. Celebrated for his athletic achievements, community leadership and contributions to the fitness industry, he and his family expanded their Auckland gym into a worldwide brand best known for its group workout programs. Tributes from family and sports officials emphasized his lasting influence on athletics, public service and global fitness culture.

At least 188 people were killed and more than 1,500 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast, with 157 people still missing. La Guaira suffered the greatest destruction, including more than 100 collapsed buildings, while Caracas and several other states also sustained damage. Authorities declared a state of emergency and intensified rescue operations as survivors described widespread structural collapse, blocked roads, power outages and panic. The 7.5-magnitude quake was the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900, following a 7.2-magnitude tremor 39 seconds earlier in an unusual doublet event. Venezuela’s pre-existing humanitarian crisis is expected to worsen, with Oxfam estimating that 7.9 million people already needed assistance. The United States pledged $150 million in aid, while Mexico, Canada, the UK, the UN and other international actors offered support.

The National Press Club referred a banner stunt during Pauline Hanson’s speech to the Australian Federal Police, saying unauthorized individuals installed equipment and that David Sharaz was seen filming the incident. Hanson used her first National Press Club address to attack multiculturalism, immigration, transgender rights, the ABC and SBS, and childcare spending, prompting strong criticism from Sarah Hanson-Young and housing advocates. Other major developments included the deaths of two children struck by a vehicle in Cabramatta, the refusal of bail for Zeinab Ahmad over alleged links to Islamic State, reduced exemplary damages for former Don Dale detainees, and the High Court’s rejection of a challenge to welfare-debt recalculation. The live blog also covered protests against the Waterloo public-housing demolition, Australia’s updated Middle East travel advice, support for shark-attack survivor Leah Stewart, tax and income statistics, and strong Australian retail demand for SpaceX shares after its IPO.

New Zealand’s predator eradication efforts rely on rapid responses to sightings of rats, stoats, and possums, with specialised teams in Wellington and other regions deploying dogs, traps, and monitoring tools to prevent re-establishment of invasive species. Predator Free Wellington has removed rats from Miramar peninsula and continues expanding its operation, supported by extensive community reporting and volunteer networks. Successful eradication has led to major increases in native bird populations, while teams remain vigilant due to the rapid breeding of invasive predators.

England have lost Tino Livramento to a training injury and called up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as his replacement. Ghana is pursuing legal action in Canada to overturn the refusal of a World Cup visa for Thomas Partey, who faces rape and sexual-assault charges in Britain and denies the allegations. Iran has accused US and FIFA authorities of oppressive travel arrangements, while the US Department of Homeland Security says the team agreed to the conditions. South Korea players have boycotted media duties after alleged mocking of Son Heung-min’s military service. The live coverage also previews France v Senegal and reports on Tunisia appointing Hervé Renard, player form, squad-selection debates and other developments around the tournament.

Fans from New Zealand and Iran gathered in Wellington to watch their national teams draw 2-2 in an intense World Cup match, sharing a largely positive sporting atmosphere despite political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation. Iranian supporters expressed mixed feelings due to the ongoing war and restrictions on political expression, while New Zealand supporters celebrated their team’s strong performance. The match featured key moments from Eli Just and Mohammad Mohebis, with both fan bases acknowledging the emotional and competitive nature of the game.

The live blog covered forecasts from ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and NAB that Australian interest rates will stay on hold before falling in 2027, while Westpac continued to predict further rises and financial markets still priced in a likely hike. A One Nation fundraiser was moved after its Melbourne venue cancelled amid planned protests. New South Wales referred the proposed Hunter Valley Operations coal-mine expansion to the Independent Planning Commission despite climate concerns from the Net Zero Commission and environmental groups. Defence minister Pat Conroy said the resignation of Britain’s defence secretary would not threaten AUKUS. Other updates included scrutiny of KPMG government contracts, ABC managing director Hugh Marks’s defence of media transparency, rising Australian travel to Indonesia, severe-weather forecasts, and approval of a representative discrimination case challenging Queensland’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender young people.

New research shows the Mangatangi Fault south of Auckland is active and capable of producing a magnitude 6.8 earthquake, challenging long‑held assumptions that the city faces low seismic risk. The findings raise doubts about the government’s recent decision to exempt Auckland from earthquake‑prone building regulations. Scientists emphasize the need for more data to refine national hazard models and determine whether current policies are adequate. While officials note that one study will not immediately shift regulatory settings, the results highlight gaps in knowledge of Auckland’s seismic history and prompt calls for further investigation to avoid a Christchurch‑style disaster.

A southern right whale entangled in fishing gear near Rakiura was safely freed after a multi-day rescue by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. The operation required advanced expertise due to the species’ strength and unpredictable movements. Rescuers tracked the whale with a satellite buoy, located it near Bluff, and spent 45 minutes cutting it free. The species is rare in New Zealand waters and holds cultural significance for Ngāi Tahu. Officials urged fishers to use minimal line during whale migration seasons and emphasized the dangers of untrained disentanglement attempts.

Five teenagers from Tauranga have gained viral success as the Beat Street Drummers, performing tightly choreographed bucket drumming routines that have attracted over a million followers and more than 100 million views. Their energetic covers, including a widely viewed rendition of Sigma and Paloma Faith’s Changing, have led to festival appearances and public performances. Balancing school and practice, the group aim to expand internationally and hope to teach others their accessible drumming style.

A national cohesion report shows New Zealand facing growing disconnection driven by financial stress, declining trust in government, isolation and rising anti‑immigrant sentiment, with significant regional differences in how these pressures are experienced. Northland struggles most with cost of living but maintains positive attitudes toward migrants, while Wellington reports high belief in fair elections but dissatisfaction with how democracy functions. Rural areas face thinning social ties, and younger New Zealanders remain notably more optimistic about social cohesion than older groups. Despite widespread hardship, some communities and artists in Auckland are working to create inclusive spaces to counter rising loneliness and authoritarian tendencies.

A World Surf League event in New Zealand was halted after Australian photographer Ed Sloane was bitten on the ankle by an unidentified sea creature, believed to be either a shark or a sea lion. Sloane sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital in stable condition, prompting the WSL to activate a code red for the first time. Surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira were removed from the water, and the competition was paused pending safety assessments. Organisers planned to resume the heat later in the day, noting both surfers had been shaken by the incident, which recalled a past shark attack involving Mick Fanning. Attacks in the region remain rare.

A New Zealand woman, Everlee Wihongi, has been detained by US immigration authorities since April after a decade-old marijuana conviction flagged upon re-entry to the United States. Her mother, Betty, describes harsh conditions, multiple transfers, and difficulties accessing legal counsel. The family is pushing to have the conviction vacated, arguing ineffective representation by a former lawyer. The New Zealand consulate is offering assistance, but the government notes it cannot influence another country’s immigration decisions.

New Zealand’s braided rivers face mounting pressure from narrowing channels, agricultural encroachment, gravel extraction and pollution, resulting in degraded ecosystems, declining fish and bird populations and heightened flood risks for communities. Experts warn that historic interventions have left rivers dependent on ongoing management, while iwi such as Ngāi Tahu push for greater authority over waterways amid worsening water quality. Scientists urge reconsideration of how much space rivers need to function naturally, and government officials are reviewing laws that allow landowners to occupy retreating riverbeds. Growing concern highlights the need for public awareness and coordinated action to preserve the ecological and cultural value of these unique river systems.

A long-period comet known as C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS is visible from the southern hemisphere for the next two weeks before disappearing for about 170,000 years. Astronomer Josh Aoraki explains that although the comet is fairly bright, it requires binoculars, a telescope or a camera to view. Best visibility occurs just after sunset near the western horizon. The comet, originating from the Oort Cloud, displays a blue‑green coma and smudgy tail and may eventually break apart or be ejected from the solar system, making this viewing opportunity significant.