Stock markets were in a gloomy mode as China, Mexico and Canada hit back at US tariffs and fears grew that Europe could be President Donald Trump's next target in the growing global trade war. Wall Street had retreated almost 2% mid-session following steep losses the previous day while European stock markets closed down sharply and oil prices slumped. The price of Brent Crude plunged 2.4% to a five-month low of $69.94 amid worries a prolonged trade spat could knock the world economy out of kilter. European equities took a similar hit as Frankfurt lost more than 3.5% for its worst session in almost three years. London shed 1.3% and Paris gave up 1.9%. "The headlines surrounding an impending global trade war have become too loud to ignore on the once-booming trading floor of Frankfurt," noted Konstantin Oldenburger, analyst at CMC Markets.

The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, fell almost 2% to $69.04 a day after OPEC+ confirmed plans to hike oil output from April, amid pressure from Trump to lower prices. "Investors don't like tariffs, and they are deeply uncomfortable with President Trump's new world order, which is weighing on market sentiment," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB trading platform. US tariffs of 25% for Canadian and Mexican goods came into effect on Tuesday along with the doubling of levies on Chinese imports to 20%. The three countries announced retaliatory moves. "The US administration is continuing to cause even more global upheaval and overnight by far the broadest set of tariffs yet has come into effect," said Deutsche Bank analyst Jim Reid.

But Reid added: "There is still some market doubt as to whether all these tariffs will persist for a prolonged period of time." The European Union warned that the tariffs on Canada and Mexico risk "disrupting global trade", urging Washington to reverse course. "These tariffs threaten deeply integrated supply chains, investment flows, and economic stability across the Atlantic," said EU trade spokesman Olof Gill.

Discover more

Niven Winchester: How Trump's trade tariffs will hurt

Q+A: What Trump's tariffs are and how they will work

Trump, tariffs, and NZ's forestry industry Amid fears the EU will be the next target, French Economy Minister Eric Lombard insisted the bloc would be tough in negotiations. "We have negotiators who are playing hardball, we will play hardball but ... we need to reach a balanced deal to protect our economies," Lombard said. China congress and eurozone rates Bitcoin continued its recent nosedive as it dropped below $83,000 while the US dollar came under pressure. Traders have their eyes on other major economic events this week. Investors hope China will announce a huge economic stimulus package at its annual parliamentary meeting, the National People's Congress. On Thursday, the European Central Bank is expected to cut interest rates again to try to boost a floundering eurozone economy. The key scheduled economic event Friday will be US jobs data.

Key figures around 05.40 NZT New York - Dow: DOWN 1.7% at 42,439.97 points New York - S&P 500: DOWN 1.7 percent at 5,799.25 New York - Nasdaq Composite: DOWN 1.5% at 18,090.25 London - FTSE 100: DOWN 1.3% at 8,759.00 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 1.9% at 8,047.92 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 3.5% at 22,326.81 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.2% at 37,331.18 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.3% at 22,941.77 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.2% at 3,324.21 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at 1.0535 from $1.0419 on Monday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2730 from $1.2612 Dollar/yen: DOWN 148.75 from 150.28 yen Euro/pound: UP at 82.76 pence from 82.62 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 1.0% at $67.67 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 1.6 percent at $70.29 per barrel Agence France-Presse

Stock markets were in a gloomy mode as China, Mexico and Canada hit back at US tariffs and fears grew that Europe could be President Donald Trump's next target in the growing global trade war. Wall Street had retreated almost 2% mid-session following steep losses the previous day while European stock markets closed down sharply and oil prices slumped. The price of Brent Crude plunged 2.4% to a five-month low of $69.94 amid worries a prolonged trade spat could knock the world economy out of kilter. European equities took a similar hit as Frankfurt lost more than 3.5% for its worst session in almost three years. London shed 1.3% and Paris gave up 1.9%. "The headlines surrounding an impending global trade war have become too loud to ignore on the once-booming trading floor of Frankfurt," noted Konstantin Oldenburger, analyst at CMC Markets. 
The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, fell almost 2% to $69.04 a day after OPEC+ confirmed plans to hike oil output from April, amid pressure from Trump to lower prices. "Investors don't like tariffs, and they are deeply uncomfortable with President Trump's new world order, which is weighing on market sentiment," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB trading platform. US tariffs of 25% for Canadian and Mexican goods came into effect on Tuesday along with the doubling of levies on Chinese imports to 20%. The three countries announced retaliatory moves. "The US administration is continuing to cause even more global upheaval and overnight by far the broadest set of tariffs yet has come into effect," said Deutsche Bank analyst Jim Reid. 
But Reid added: "There is still some market doubt as to whether all these tariffs will persist for a prolonged period of time." The European Union warned that the tariffs on Canada and Mexico risk "disrupting global trade", urging Washington to reverse course. "These tariffs threaten deeply integrated supply chains, investment flows, and economic stability across the Atlantic," said EU trade spokesman Olof Gill. 
Discover more 
Niven Winchester: How Trump's trade tariffs will hurt 
Q+A: What Trump's tariffs are and how they will work 
Trump, tariffs, and NZ's forestry industry Amid fears the EU will be the next target, French Economy Minister Eric Lombard insisted the bloc would be tough in negotiations. "We have negotiators who are playing hardball, we will play hardball but ... we need to reach a balanced deal to protect our economies," Lombard said. China congress and eurozone rates Bitcoin continued its recent nosedive as it dropped below $83,000 while the US dollar came under pressure. Traders have their eyes on other major economic events this week. Investors hope China will announce a huge economic stimulus package at its annual parliamentary meeting, the National People's Congress. On Thursday, the European Central Bank is expected to cut interest rates again to try to boost a floundering eurozone economy. The key scheduled economic event Friday will be US jobs data. 
Key figures around 05.40 NZT New York - Dow: DOWN 1.7% at 42,439.97 points New York - S&P 500: DOWN 1.7 percent at 5,799.25 New York - Nasdaq Composite: DOWN 1.5% at 18,090.25 London - FTSE 100: DOWN 1.3% at 8,759.00 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 1.9% at 8,047.92 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 3.5% at 22,326.81 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.2% at 37,331.18 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.3% at 22,941.77 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.2% at 3,324.21 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at 1.0535 from $1.0419 on Monday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2730 from $1.2612 Dollar/yen: DOWN 148.75 from 150.28 yen Euro/pound: UP at 82.76 pence from 82.62 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 1.0% at $67.67 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 1.6 percent at $70.29 per barrel Agence France-Presse

Stock markets were in a gloomy mode as China, Mexico and Canada hit back at US tariffs and fears grew that Europe could be President Donald Trump's next target in the growing global trade war. Wall Street had retreated almost 2% mid-session following s...

Stock markets, oil slide on trade war fears as US tariffs bite

By Susan Edmunds for RNZ US President Donald Trump's tariff war is likely to be "pretty ugly" for New Zealanders' KiwiSaver balances, providers are warning - but the impact may not last. Trump enacted tough tariffs on the US' largest trading partners - China, Canada and Mexico - on Wednesday (NZT), sparking retaliatory tariffs from all three countries. That prompted sharemarkets to become volatile. As of Tuesday midday in the US, the S&P 500 had erased most of its gains since Trump's reelection in November. The benchmark index on Tuesday plummeted below its 125-day moving average, signalling investors are skittish, according to CNN's Fear and Greed Index. Rupert Carlyon, founder of Koura KiwiSaver, said it could mean tough times ahead for some New Zealand investors. "In the short term, it's likely to be pretty ugly. I think when he's looking to up-end the global trading system and looking to make pretty hefty changes, equity markets are reacting badly.

The question is how much longer they react badly for." He said balances would probably start to noticeably fall for New Zealand investors by the end of this week. "In saying that, most KiwiSavers should be looking at it over the medium term. We are still very firmly of the view that he's not out to commit political suicide and still wants to protect the US economy and global economy. "Over the medium term, it will be fine but there will be very scary moments on the way through." He said KiwiSaver members would probably be better off not looking at their balances, and not reacting to the news. "You've got to take a long-term view. The problem at the moment is that no one really knows what's going on." Trump was hard to predict, he said, which created uncertainty that could change or delay people's investment decisions. "That has the potential to cause economic damage.

It would be nuts to make decisions based on what we are seeing at the moment because we have no idea what tomorrow's decision is going to be." Mike Taylor, founder of Pie Funds, said US stocks had a "bit of a rough ride" over the past week to 10 days. The broader S&P500 index had corrected about 5%. But he agreed with Carlyon that Trump would have an eye on the US economy. "Trump is a proponent of the art of the deal. One of the things he wants is strong economic growth. I would suspect that if this starts to have a more meaningful impact on economic growth or inflation, even if the stock market falls further, he might change his tune a bit." Tariffs would slow economic growth and put up prices, which was what had prompted the market to fall.

"But Trump being Trump, he won't want to see the market fall, that's bad for his ego." Dean Anderson, founder of Koura Wealth, said there had been a silver lining for New Zealand investors - "the strengthening USD has provided a buffer against US market volatility. Those with unhedged USD exposure have seen better returns in NZD terms - a timely reminder of currency dynamics as we mark 40 years since floating the NZ dollar. "This period serves as a powerful reminder about diversification's value. While recent years have spotlighted the Magnificent 7 tech stocks, and Elon Musk continues to generate headlines with Doge, flowing through to Tesla volatility, broadly diversified portfolios are proving their worth. Many major indices remain positive this calendar year, highlighting how diversification can protect investors from individual stock movements.

"For KiwiSaver investors, this reinforces a key principle: if you're in a well-diversified portfolio that matches your investment horizon and risk profile, and your personal circumstances haven't changed, stay the course."

Discover more

Niven Winchester: How Trump's trade tariffs will hurt

Q+A: What Trump's tariffs are and how they will work

Trump, tariffs, and NZ's forestry industry He said it was also a reminder that asset class diversification was crucial. "Those closer to needing their investment typically have higher allocat...

By Susan Edmunds for RNZ US President Donald Trump's tariff war is likely to be "pretty ugly" for New Zealanders' KiwiSaver balances, providers are warning - but the impact may not last. Trump enacted tough tariffs on the US' largest trading partners - China, Canada and Mexico - on Wednesday (NZT), sparking retaliatory tariffs from all three countries. That prompted sharemarkets to become volatile. As of Tuesday midday in the US, the S&P 500 had erased most of its gains since Trump's reelection in November. The benchmark index on Tuesday plummeted below its 125-day moving average, signalling investors are skittish, according to CNN's Fear and Greed Index. Rupert Carlyon, founder of Koura KiwiSaver, said it could mean tough times ahead for some New Zealand investors. "In the short term, it's likely to be pretty ugly. I think when he's looking to up-end the global trading system and looking to make pretty hefty changes, equity markets are reacting badly. 
The question is how much longer they react badly for." He said balances would probably start to noticeably fall for New Zealand investors by the end of this week. "In saying that, most KiwiSavers should be looking at it over the medium term. We are still very firmly of the view that he's not out to commit political suicide and still wants to protect the US economy and global economy. "Over the medium term, it will be fine but there will be very scary moments on the way through." He said KiwiSaver members would probably be better off not looking at their balances, and not reacting to the news. "You've got to take a long-term view. The problem at the moment is that no one really knows what's going on." Trump was hard to predict, he said, which created uncertainty that could change or delay people's investment decisions. "That has the potential to cause economic damage. 
It would be nuts to make decisions based on what we are seeing at the moment because we have no idea what tomorrow's decision is going to be." Mike Taylor, founder of Pie Funds, said US stocks had a "bit of a rough ride" over the past week to 10 days. The broader S&P500 index had corrected about 5%. But he agreed with Carlyon that Trump would have an eye on the US economy. "Trump is a proponent of the art of the deal. One of the things he wants is strong economic growth. I would suspect that if this starts to have a more meaningful impact on economic growth or inflation, even if the stock market falls further, he might change his tune a bit." Tariffs would slow economic growth and put up prices, which was what had prompted the market to fall. 
"But Trump being Trump, he won't want to see the market fall, that's bad for his ego." Dean Anderson, founder of Koura Wealth, said there had been a silver lining for New Zealand investors - "the strengthening USD has provided a buffer against US market volatility. Those with unhedged USD exposure have seen better returns in NZD terms - a timely reminder of currency dynamics as we mark 40 years since floating the NZ dollar. "This period serves as a powerful reminder about diversification's value. While recent years have spotlighted the Magnificent 7 tech stocks, and Elon Musk continues to generate headlines with Doge, flowing through to Tesla volatility, broadly diversified portfolios are proving their worth. Many major indices remain positive this calendar year, highlighting how diversification can protect investors from individual stock movements. 
"For KiwiSaver investors, this reinforces a key principle: if you're in a well-diversified portfolio that matches your investment horizon and risk profile, and your personal circumstances haven't changed, stay the course." 
Discover more 
Niven Winchester: How Trump's trade tariffs will hurt 
Q+A: What Trump's tariffs are and how they will work 
Trump, tariffs, and NZ's forestry industry He said it was also a reminder that asset class diversification was crucial. "Those closer to needing their investment typically have higher allocat...

By Susan Edmunds for RNZ US President Donald Trump's tariff war is likely to be "pretty ugly" for New Zealanders' KiwiSaver balances, providers are warning - but the impact may not last. Trump enacted tough tariffs on the US' largest trading partners -...

Donald Trump's tariffs will be 'pretty ugly' for KiwiSavers, providers warn

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is approaching Queensland, bringing high winds and heavy rain, putting 20,000 homes at risk.

New Zealanders in Queensland are changing flights to avoid the cyclone's impact, as events are cancelled.

Authorities warn of destructive winds and extensive flooding and urge residents to relocate before conditions worsen. By Kate Green of RNZ New Zealanders in Queensland are battening down the hatches or changing their flights home to make a hasty getaway from the state as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches. One man who flew to Brisbane for the now-cancelled Green Day concert said, like most fans, he was disappointed but completely understood the reasons behind the cancellation. Cyclone Alfred is set to bring high winds and heavy rain later today. Modelling shows 20,000 homes in Brisbane are at risk from storm surges and flooding. The category 2 cyclone made an abrupt westerly turn on Tuesday and began tracking towards the Australian mainland. It is expected to make landfall early on Friday morning.

"Tropical Cyclone Alfred is already bringing gale to storm-force winds, damaging surf and abnormally high tides to the southern Queensland and northern New South Wales coasts; however, areas further inland will begin to experience the onset of damaging to destructive winds and heavy to locally intense rain later today and on Thursday," Australia's Bureau of Meteorology posted on social media. The areas most at risk are Brighton, Windsor, Ashgrove, Morningside, Rocklea, Coopers Plains, Carina, Sandgate, Hemmant, Lota, Tingalpa, Indooroopilly, Albion, Bardon and Wynnum West. Ryan Allen, a Wellingtonian who flew to Brisbane on Tuesday for the concert, said luckily his mum lived in Wynnum, so it hadn't been a wasted trip. "Although expensive, [the trip] was definitely worth it to see Mum," Allen said.

"Had a chicken parm at the pub last night, and that kind of helped the sorrows a little bit." He said he heard about the concert cancellation on social media, and that was quickly followed by an email from the ticketing company and a social media story from the band. "[It's] incredibly fair enough, for the safety of all the people working, as well as the audience." He said he quickly jumped on the Air New Zealand app and moved his flight forward by a day, as it seemed unlikely his original Thursday flight would go ahead. The turbulence on the flight over had been intense for the last hour of the journey, which the captain informed passengers was because of the weather system, and Allen hoped the return journey was less bumpy. On a visit to the supermarket on Tuesday, he said the shelves resembled Covid-19 times. Bottled water and bread shelves were bare, which was "quite an eerie feeling, actually".

RNZ employee Simon Dickinson, who was in Noosa on a week-long holiday, said he had also shifted flights forward to Wednesday morning, fearing not being able to leave on the original flight on Saturday. "We thought, well we're going to be stuck there for a few days, with a high probability of not being able to get to Brisbane airport because it's a very flood-prone zone around that area there." He said he spoke to a couple of people on the way through customs, who were doing the same. He said it wasn't all bad outside, along the Noosa coastline, the weather system was creating ideal surfing conditions. "The surfies were just going mad," Dickinson said. "It was just beautiful surfing. There were many, many people there." Jane Golding, from the Bureau of Meteorology, said gale-force winds were recorded near Cape Byron this morning. Golding said the bureau expects the wind to pick up on Wednesday and increase over the next three days, causing large waves.

She said that will be followed by heavy rainfall that could cause extensive flooding. "The key message is that we can expect from this system, along with destructive wind and extensive flooding, most likely major flooding as well as the potential for some dangerous and life-th...

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is approaching Queensland, bringing high winds and heavy rain, putting 20,000 homes at risk. 
New Zealanders in Queensland are changing flights to avoid the cyclone's impact, as events are cancelled. 
Authorities warn of destructive winds and extensive flooding and urge residents to relocate before conditions worsen. By Kate Green of RNZ New Zealanders in Queensland are battening down the hatches or changing their flights home to make a hasty getaway from the state as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches. One man who flew to Brisbane for the now-cancelled Green Day concert said, like most fans, he was disappointed but completely understood the reasons behind the cancellation. Cyclone Alfred is set to bring high winds and heavy rain later today. Modelling shows 20,000 homes in Brisbane are at risk from storm surges and flooding. The category 2 cyclone made an abrupt westerly turn on Tuesday and began tracking towards the Australian mainland. It is expected to make landfall early on Friday morning. 
"Tropical Cyclone Alfred is already bringing gale to storm-force winds, damaging surf and abnormally high tides to the southern Queensland and northern New South Wales coasts; however, areas further inland will begin to experience the onset of damaging to destructive winds and heavy to locally intense rain later today and on Thursday," Australia's Bureau of Meteorology posted on social media. The areas most at risk are Brighton, Windsor, Ashgrove, Morningside, Rocklea, Coopers Plains, Carina, Sandgate, Hemmant, Lota, Tingalpa, Indooroopilly, Albion, Bardon and Wynnum West. Ryan Allen, a Wellingtonian who flew to Brisbane on Tuesday for the concert, said luckily his mum lived in Wynnum, so it hadn't been a wasted trip. "Although expensive, [the trip] was definitely worth it to see Mum," Allen said. 
"Had a chicken parm at the pub last night, and that kind of helped the sorrows a little bit." He said he heard about the concert cancellation on social media, and that was quickly followed by an email from the ticketing company and a social media story from the band. "[It's] incredibly fair enough, for the safety of all the people working, as well as the audience." He said he quickly jumped on the Air New Zealand app and moved his flight forward by a day, as it seemed unlikely his original Thursday flight would go ahead. The turbulence on the flight over had been intense for the last hour of the journey, which the captain informed passengers was because of the weather system, and Allen hoped the return journey was less bumpy. On a visit to the supermarket on Tuesday, he said the shelves resembled Covid-19 times. Bottled water and bread shelves were bare, which was "quite an eerie feeling, actually". 
RNZ employee Simon Dickinson, who was in Noosa on a week-long holiday, said he had also shifted flights forward to Wednesday morning, fearing not being able to leave on the original flight on Saturday. "We thought, well we're going to be stuck there for a few days, with a high probability of not being able to get to Brisbane airport because it's a very flood-prone zone around that area there." He said he spoke to a couple of people on the way through customs, who were doing the same. He said it wasn't all bad outside, along the Noosa coastline, the weather system was creating ideal surfing conditions. "The surfies were just going mad," Dickinson said. "It was just beautiful surfing. There were many, many people there." Jane Golding, from the Bureau of Meteorology, said gale-force winds were recorded near Cape Byron this morning. Golding said the bureau expects the wind to pick up on Wednesday and increase over the next three days, causing large waves. 
She said that will be followed by heavy rainfall that could cause extensive flooding. "The key message is that we can expect from this system, along with destructive wind and extensive flooding, most likely major flooding as well as the potential for some dangerous and life-th...

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is approaching Queensland, bringing high winds and heavy rain, putting 20,000 homes at risk. 
New Zealanders in Queensland are changing flights to avoid the cyclone's impact, as events are cancelled. 
Authorities warn of destructi...

Cyclone Alfred nears Queensland, NZ travellers change plans

Donald Trump declared "America is back" in his first address to Congress since returning to power.

He praised Elon Musk and received loud applause from Republicans, while Democrats protested and heckled.

Trump's speech focused on radical policies, including ending the Ukraine war and opposing diversity programmes. Donald Trump declared "America is back" in his first address to Congress since returning to power, facing instant Democratic hostility as he touted radical social and economic policies, while hailing his billionaire adviser Elon Musk. With Musk, the world's richest person, among those attending the prime-time televised speech, the 78-year-old Republican said after less than two months back in power he was "just getting started". The "American dream is unstoppable," he declared. Almost every line got loud applause from Republican Party members, including on two occasions when Trump singled out Musk, who stood up to salute the Congress. Protests during the speech But protests also began within minutes.

One Democratic congressman, Al Green, was ordered ejected because he refused to stop heckling, claiming Trump has no mandate to dismantle healthcare programmes, and shaking his walking stick at the president. Other Democrats silently held up placards including "False" and "Musk steals" and "That's a lie!" And at one moment, numerous Democrats yelled "January 6!" at Trump, referring to his supporters' violent attack on the Capitol in 2021 after he refused to concede his election loss. The Republican president was undeterred, hailing his first six weeks and vowing to press on with his polarising bid to reshape the US Government and end the Ukraine war - whatever the cost. Reality TV style Trump reverted to his tried-and-tested reality TV instincts. At one point, he called attention to a boy with brain cancer who dreamed of becoming a policeman and - in front of Congress - was handed an official ID by the head of the Secret Service.

But in what mostly sounded like a campaign speech rather than an address to the nation, Trump made no attempt to reach out to opponents. He got big cheers from supporters on pronouncing that his culture war on diversity programmes and transgender rights meant "our country will be woke no longer". He claimed he was trying to resolve an "economic catastrophe," despite actually inheriting the strongest developed economy in the world from his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump: Tariffs to bring 'a little disturbance' to US economy He defended his disruptive economic moves - even as the trade war he launched against Canada, China and Mexico is prompting jitters on world markets.

After a torrent of warnings that tariffs will badly hurt US exporters, including politically powerful farmers, he conceded they would bring "a little disturbance." "Have a lot of fun," Trump said to farmers, whom he said "I love." And after enumerating a series of murders committed by migrants, Trump got big applause when he vowed to "wage war" on Mexican drug cartels. Well before he had finished, dozens of Democrats had already walked out. Quest for power Trump is pushing to extend presidential power to its limits, with the popular vote behind him and a Republican-controlled House and Senate doing his bidding. Aided by tech tycoon Musk, Trump has cracked down on the federal bureaucracy, firing thousands of workers, shuttering entire agencies and decimating foreign aid. But there are early signs in the polls that Trump's sweeping cuts and his failure to tackle inflation are hitting his popularity.

Trump is also upending US foreign policy with his pivot to Moscow over the Ukraine war, which has stunned Kyiv and allies alike. Days after a televised row in the Oval Office with Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump reiterated it was time to end the "senseless war" but did not address growing accusations that he is following the Kremlin's lead, while ignoring ally Ukraine. He said he had just received a letter from Z...

Donald Trump declared "America is back" in his first address to Congress since returning to power. 
He praised Elon Musk and received loud applause from Republicans, while Democrats protested and heckled. 
Trump's speech focused on radical policies, including ending the Ukraine war and opposing diversity programmes. Donald Trump declared "America is back" in his first address to Congress since returning to power, facing instant Democratic hostility as he touted radical social and economic policies, while hailing his billionaire adviser Elon Musk. With Musk, the world's richest person, among those attending the prime-time televised speech, the 78-year-old Republican said after less than two months back in power he was "just getting started". The "American dream is unstoppable," he declared. Almost every line got loud applause from Republican Party members, including on two occasions when Trump singled out Musk, who stood up to salute the Congress. Protests during the speech But protests also began within minutes. 
One Democratic congressman, Al Green, was ordered ejected because he refused to stop heckling, claiming Trump has no mandate to dismantle healthcare programmes, and shaking his walking stick at the president. Other Democrats silently held up placards including "False" and "Musk steals" and "That's a lie!" And at one moment, numerous Democrats yelled "January 6!" at Trump, referring to his supporters' violent attack on the Capitol in 2021 after he refused to concede his election loss. The Republican president was undeterred, hailing his first six weeks and vowing to press on with his polarising bid to reshape the US Government and end the Ukraine war - whatever the cost. Reality TV style Trump reverted to his tried-and-tested reality TV instincts. At one point, he called attention to a boy with brain cancer who dreamed of becoming a policeman and - in front of Congress - was handed an official ID by the head of the Secret Service. 
But in what mostly sounded like a campaign speech rather than an address to the nation, Trump made no attempt to reach out to opponents. He got big cheers from supporters on pronouncing that his culture war on diversity programmes and transgender rights meant "our country will be woke no longer". He claimed he was trying to resolve an "economic catastrophe," despite actually inheriting the strongest developed economy in the world from his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump: Tariffs to bring 'a little disturbance' to US economy He defended his disruptive economic moves - even as the trade war he launched against Canada, China and Mexico is prompting jitters on world markets. 
After a torrent of warnings that tariffs will badly hurt US exporters, including politically powerful farmers, he conceded they would bring "a little disturbance." "Have a lot of fun," Trump said to farmers, whom he said "I love." And after enumerating a series of murders committed by migrants, Trump got big applause when he vowed to "wage war" on Mexican drug cartels. Well before he had finished, dozens of Democrats had already walked out. Quest for power Trump is pushing to extend presidential power to its limits, with the popular vote behind him and a Republican-controlled House and Senate doing his bidding. Aided by tech tycoon Musk, Trump has cracked down on the federal bureaucracy, firing thousands of workers, shuttering entire agencies and decimating foreign aid. But there are early signs in the polls that Trump's sweeping cuts and his failure to tackle inflation are hitting his popularity. 
Trump is also upending US foreign policy with his pivot to Moscow over the Ukraine war, which has stunned Kyiv and allies alike. Days after a televised row in the Oval Office with Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump reiterated it was time to end the "senseless war" but did not address growing accusations that he is following the Kremlin's lead, while ignoring ally Ukraine. He said he had just received a letter from Z...

Donald Trump declared "America is back" in his first address to Congress since returning to power. 
He praised Elon Musk and received loud applause from Republicans, while Democrats protested and heckled. 
Trump's speech focused on radical policies, incl...

Donald Trump addresses Congress amid Ukraine and trade tensions

TTS Test 1

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli airstrikes on Sunday killed more than 40 Palestinians, including at a market and a water distribution point, as talks for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas stalled.

Delegations from Israel and the Palestinian militant group have now spent a week trying to agree on a temporary truce to halt 21 months of devastating fighting in the Gaza Strip.

But on Saturday, each side accused the other of blocking attempts to secure an agreement at the indirect talks in the Qatari capital, Doha.

On the ground, civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said at least 43 people were killed in the latest Israeli strikes, including 11 when a market in Gaza City was hit.

Elsewhere, eight children were among the 10 victims of a drone strike at a water point in the Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza, Bassal said.

Israel's military said it had been targeting a member of Hamas ally Islamic Jihad, but "as a result of a technical error with the munition, the munition fell dozens of metres from the target", a statement read.

"The incident is under review", and reports of casualties were being examined, it added.

Khaled Rayyan told AFP he was woken by the sound of two large explosions after a house was hit in Nuseirat.

"Our neighbour and his children were under the rubble," he said.

Another resident, Mahmud al-Shami, called on the negotiators to secure a deal.

"What happened to us has never happened in the entire history of humanity," he said. "Enough."

150 targets in 24 hours

The Israeli military, which has recently intensified operations across Gaza, said that in the past 24 hours, the air force "struck more than 150 terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip".

It released aerial footage of what it said were fighter jet strikes attacking Hamas targets around Beit Hanoun, in northern Gaza, showing explosions on the ground and thick smoke in the sky.

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency and other parties.

The war was sparked by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which led to 1219 deaths, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Of the 251 people taken hostage by militants that day, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.

Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry says that at least 58,026 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed in Israel's retaliatory campaign. The UN considers those figures reliable.

UN agencies on Saturday warned that fuel shortages had reached "critical levels", threatening to worsen conditions for Gaza's more than two million people.

"Only 150,000 litres of fuel have been allowed in over the past few days - an amount that covers less than one day's needs," the head of the Palestinian NGOs Network in Gaza, Amjad Shawa, told AFP on Sunday.

"We require 275,000 litres of fuel per day to meet basic needs."

The Handala - a former Norwegian trawler loaded with medical supplies, food and children's equipment - left Italy, with the pro-Palestinian activists on board hoping to reach Gaza, despite Israel having recently detained and deported people aboard a previous vessel.

Forced displacement fears

Talks to seal a 60-day ceasefire and hostage release were in the balance on Saturday after Israel and Hamas accused each other of trying to block a deal.

Hamas wants the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, but a Palestinian source with knowledge of the talks said Israel had presented plans to maintain troops in more than 40% of the territory.

The source said Israel wanted to force hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into the south of Gaza "in preparation for forcibly displacing them to Egypt or other countries".

A senior Israeli official said Israel had demonstrated an openness "to flexibility in the negotiations, while Hamas remains intransigent, clinging to positions that prevent...

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli airstrikes on Sunday killed more than 40 Palestinians, including at a market and a water distribution point, as talks for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas stalled. 
Delegations from Israel and the Palestinian militant group have now spent a week trying to agree on a temporary truce to halt 21 months of devastating fighting in the Gaza Strip. 
But on Saturday, each side accused the other of blocking attempts to secure an agreement at the indirect talks in the Qatari capital, Doha. 
On the ground, civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said at least 43 people were killed in the latest Israeli strikes, including 11 when a market in Gaza City was hit. 
Elsewhere, eight children were among the 10 victims of a drone strike at a water point in the Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza, Bassal said. 
Israel's military said it had been targeting a member of Hamas ally Islamic Jihad, but "as a result of a technical error with the munition, the munition fell dozens of metres from the target", a statement read. 
"The incident is under review", and reports of casualties were being examined, it added. 
Khaled Rayyan told AFP he was woken by the sound of two large explosions after a house was hit in Nuseirat. 
"Our neighbour and his children were under the rubble," he said. 
Another resident, Mahmud al-Shami, called on the negotiators to secure a deal. 
"What happened to us has never happened in the entire history of humanity," he said. "Enough." 
150 targets in 24 hours 
The Israeli military, which has recently intensified operations across Gaza, said that in the past 24 hours, the air force "struck more than 150 terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip". 
It released aerial footage of what it said were fighter jet strikes attacking Hamas targets around Beit Hanoun, in northern Gaza, showing explosions on the ground and thick smoke in the sky. 
Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency and other parties. 
The war was sparked by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which led to 1219 deaths, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. 
Of the 251 people taken hostage by militants that day, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. 
Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry says that at least 58,026 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed in Israel's retaliatory campaign. The UN considers those figures reliable. 
UN agencies on Saturday warned that fuel shortages had reached "critical levels", threatening to worsen conditions for Gaza's more than two million people. 
"Only 150,000 litres of fuel have been allowed in over the past few days - an amount that covers less than one day's needs," the head of the Palestinian NGOs Network in Gaza, Amjad Shawa, told AFP on Sunday. 
"We require 275,000 litres of fuel per day to meet basic needs." 
The Handala - a former Norwegian trawler loaded with medical supplies, food and children's equipment - left Italy, with the pro-Palestinian activists on board hoping to reach Gaza, despite Israel having recently detained and deported people aboard a previous vessel. 
Forced displacement fears 
Talks to seal a 60-day ceasefire and hostage release were in the balance on Saturday after Israel and Hamas accused each other of trying to block a deal. 
Hamas wants the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, but a Palestinian source with knowledge of the talks said Israel had presented plans to maintain troops in more than 40% of the territory. 
The source said Israel wanted to force hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into the south of Gaza "in preparation for forcibly displacing them to Egypt or other countries". 
A senior Israeli official said Israel had demonstrated an openness "to flexibility in the negotiations, while Hamas remains intransigent, clinging to positions that prevent...

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli airstrikes on Sunday killed more than 40 Palestinians, including at a market and a water distribution point, as talks for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas stalled. 
Delegations from Israel and the Palestinian...

Gaza civil defence says Israeli strikes kill 43 as truce talks deadlocked

Each week in Travel, we check out some of the latest happenings from Aotearoa and beyond to inspire your next adventure.

Meet superstar tortoises

Five radiated tortoises - Yoshi, Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong and Toad - have arrived at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's new Tortoise Village, and they're stealing hearts fast. Rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, these critically endangered creatures have found a forever home on Australia's Gold Coast, and just in time for the July school holidays, guests can now meet them in person.

The new tortoise encounters give visitors a rare chance to get up close with the slow-moving superstars, feed them and learn about their incredible journey to safety. For Kiwi families heading across the ditch this winter, bookings are now open at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. currumbinsanctuary.com.au/visit/see-and-do/animals/radiated-tortoise

Celebrate Bastille Day in Auckland

Bastille Day, France's national holiday on July 14, is best known for fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, street parades, live music and picnic baskets filled with wine and cheese. While most Kiwis can only dream of spending it in Paris, one local travel company offers a delightful alternative right here in New Zealand.

Boutique Tours France hosts four-day French language immersion ateliers in Akaroa and West Auckland. Limited to eight guests, each retreat includes conversational French lessons and classic experiences like pétanque, live French music, long-table dining, and plenty of good wine. Created during the pandemic to bring a taste of France closer to home, the ateliers have since become a go-to for New Zealand's Francophiles. boutiquetoursfrance.co.nz

Party with artists at the Gold Coast

Bleach* Festival returns to the Gold Coast in 2025 with its most ambitious programme yet, running from July 31 to August 10. Under the creative direction of guest artistic director Michael Zavros, the 11-day event features more than 100 performances across iconic locations like Hota, Kurrawa Beach, and Emerald Lakes. The lineup includes three world premieres and spotlights everything from live music and bold installations to culinary delights. Whether you are chasing festival energy, creative conversations, or beachside performances, this is one of Australia's most unique contemporary arts experiences. Full programme and ticket info available at hota.com.au/bleach.

Crocheted wharenui

It's not every day you see a wharenui made entirely of neon crochet. Wharenui Harikoa, created by artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, is a joyful and immersive art experience now on show at The Civic in Tāmaki Makaurau. Crafted from vivid yarn and inspired by Māori tradition, the large-scale installation blends ancestral storytelling with light, sound and colour. Visitors step barefoot into a glowing world of tukutuku panels, sensory touch walls and a shifting soundscape led by taonga puoro and karanga. Inspired by Matariki and the celestial family, this is the first time the wharenui will stand while Matariki is visible in the night sky. Guided tours with the artists are free but limited, so book ahead. Entry is free and open daily. Walk-ups welcome. Visit aucklandlive.co.nz to plan your experience.

Each week in Travel, we check out some of the latest happenings from Aotearoa and beyond to inspire your next adventure. 
Meet superstar tortoises 
Five radiated tortoises - Yoshi, Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong and Toad - have arrived at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's new Tortoise Village, and they're stealing hearts fast. Rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, these critically endangered creatures have found a forever home on Australia's Gold Coast, and just in time for the July school holidays, guests can now meet them in person. 
The new tortoise encounters give visitors a rare chance to get up close with the slow-moving superstars, feed them and learn about their incredible journey to safety. For Kiwi families heading across the ditch this winter, bookings are now open at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. currumbinsanctuary.com.au/visit/see-and-do/animals/radiated-tortoise 
Celebrate Bastille Day in Auckland 
Bastille Day, France's national holiday on July 14, is best known for fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, street parades, live music and picnic baskets filled with wine and cheese. While most Kiwis can only dream of spending it in Paris, one local travel company offers a delightful alternative right here in New Zealand. 
Boutique Tours France hosts four-day French language immersion ateliers in Akaroa and West Auckland. Limited to eight guests, each retreat includes conversational French lessons and classic experiences like pétanque, live French music, long-table dining, and plenty of good wine. Created during the pandemic to bring a taste of France closer to home, the ateliers have since become a go-to for New Zealand's Francophiles. boutiquetoursfrance.co.nz 
Party with artists at the Gold Coast 
Bleach* Festival returns to the Gold Coast in 2025 with its most ambitious programme yet, running from July 31 to August 10. Under the creative direction of guest artistic director Michael Zavros, the 11-day event features more than 100 performances across iconic locations like Hota, Kurrawa Beach, and Emerald Lakes. The lineup includes three world premieres and spotlights everything from live music and bold installations to culinary delights. Whether you are chasing festival energy, creative conversations, or beachside performances, this is one of Australia's most unique contemporary arts experiences. Full programme and ticket info available at hota.com.au/bleach. 
Crocheted wharenui 
It's not every day you see a wharenui made entirely of neon crochet. Wharenui Harikoa, created by artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, is a joyful and immersive art experience now on show at The Civic in Tāmaki Makaurau. Crafted from vivid yarn and inspired by Māori tradition, the large-scale installation blends ancestral storytelling with light, sound and colour. Visitors step barefoot into a glowing world of tukutuku panels, sensory touch walls and a shifting soundscape led by taonga puoro and karanga. Inspired by Matariki and the celestial family, this is the first time the wharenui will stand while Matariki is visible in the night sky. Guided tours with the artists are free but limited, so book ahead. Entry is free and open daily. Walk-ups welcome. Visit aucklandlive.co.nz to plan your experience.

Each week in Travel, we check out some of the latest happenings from Aotearoa and beyond to inspire your next adventure. 
Meet superstar tortoises 
Five radiated tortoises - Yoshi, Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong and Toad - have arrived at Currumbin Wildlife ...

Travel Alerts: Tortoise encounters, french feasts, and a crocheted wharenui

THE FACTS

The All Blacks face a decision on continuing with Tupou Vaa'i at blindside and Billy Proctor in the midfield.

Vaa'i's role is complicated by Scott Barrett's injury, with options to keep him at blindside or move him back to lock.

Proctor's potential requires more test experience, despite some inexperience showing against France, to develop his skills.

Having not necessarily obtained conclusive answers as to whether Tupou Vaa'i is a genuine option at blindside and whether Billy Proctor can deliver his all-court game in the higher intensity world of test rugby, the All Blacks face a stick-or-twist scenario this week in selecting their team.

Will the coaching panel double down on the two, first-test selections that arguably created the most dramatic sense yet about what type of rugby Scott Robertson's All Blacks want to play?

Or will they pause the Vaa'i and Proctor projects in pursuit of answers about other possible experiments they may be pondering?

The picture with Vaa'i is slightly changed due to the injury to captain Scott Barrett, which, as assistant Scott Hansen confirmed, has left the coaches working through their replacement plans.

For the second test in Wellington, there is a relatively simple option of elevating Patrick Tuipulotu to the starting team at lock alongside Fabian Holland and retaining Vaa'i at blindside.

The alternative would be to restore Vaa'i to his usual position of lock, pick Samipeni Finau at No 6 and have one of Tuipolutu or Holland start and the other on the bench.

The first option appeals as less disruptive and more productive.

Tuipulotu has the experience and maturity to guide the one-cap Holland through another test, and if the All Blacks coaches are serious about Vaa'i becoming a hybrid tight-loose forward, then the commitment to get him to that point has to be greater than one test.

Throughout the past 20 years, the All Blacks have dabbled in what could be called lock-conversion therapy - periodically they have been taken with the athleticism, mobility and size of various players and tried to develop them into dual options in both the second and back rows of the scrum.

The list includes Troy Flavell, Jackson Hemopo, Scott Barrett and now Vaa'i - while so too at various times were the likes of Reuben Thorne, Steven Luatua, Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read considered loose forwards with the capacity to cover lock.

It's been an ongoing theme, but the success rate would be considered low, primarily because coaches have only ever dabbled and never properly committed to the concept.

And if Vaa'i is to become what this coaching panel wants him to be, then he needs to play more than one test at blindside to develop greater affinity for and understanding of the role.

His performance in Dunedin was good enough to suggest he's worth another look, but not so good as to say he can now be ticked off as a blindside option and put back into cold storage, as it were, by being returned to his first home in the locks.

Presumably the long-term plan is to build Vaa'i to the point where he comes under consideration to start against South Africa later this year as the antidote to the supremely influential Pieter-Steph du Toit.

Ideally, he would then develop through to the World Cup where his versatility could be hugely advantageous in how it would enable the All Blacks to vary their selections and adapt their bench to face different opponents.

Proctor currently finds himself in a group of six midfielders and a desire within the coaching group to give everyone in the squad game time against France.

His selection fate is also perhaps further compromised by the fact his inexperience at test level was exposed at times in Dunedin, nowhere more noticeable than midway through the first half when French fullback Théo Attissogbe beat him on the outside.

It was a classic case of a player used to Super Rugby Pacific being surprised by the pace of the international game. While some will have interpreted that incident as ...

THE FACTS 
The All Blacks face a decision on continuing with Tupou Vaa'i at blindside and Billy Proctor in the midfield. 
Vaa'i's role is complicated by Scott Barrett's injury, with options to keep him at blindside or move him back to lock. 
Proctor's potential requires more test experience, despite some inexperience showing against France, to develop his skills. 
Having not necessarily obtained conclusive answers as to whether Tupou Vaa'i is a genuine option at blindside and whether Billy Proctor can deliver his all-court game in the higher intensity world of test rugby, the All Blacks face a stick-or-twist scenario this week in selecting their team. 
Will the coaching panel double down on the two, first-test selections that arguably created the most dramatic sense yet about what type of rugby Scott Robertson's All Blacks want to play? 
Or will they pause the Vaa'i and Proctor projects in pursuit of answers about other possible experiments they may be pondering? 
The picture with Vaa'i is slightly changed due to the injury to captain Scott Barrett, which, as assistant Scott Hansen confirmed, has left the coaches working through their replacement plans. 
For the second test in Wellington, there is a relatively simple option of elevating Patrick Tuipulotu to the starting team at lock alongside Fabian Holland and retaining Vaa'i at blindside. 
The alternative would be to restore Vaa'i to his usual position of lock, pick Samipeni Finau at No 6 and have one of Tuipolutu or Holland start and the other on the bench. 
The first option appeals as less disruptive and more productive. 
Tuipulotu has the experience and maturity to guide the one-cap Holland through another test, and if the All Blacks coaches are serious about Vaa'i becoming a hybrid tight-loose forward, then the commitment to get him to that point has to be greater than one test. 
Throughout the past 20 years, the All Blacks have dabbled in what could be called lock-conversion therapy - periodically they have been taken with the athleticism, mobility and size of various players and tried to develop them into dual options in both the second and back rows of the scrum. 
The list includes Troy Flavell, Jackson Hemopo, Scott Barrett and now Vaa'i - while so too at various times were the likes of Reuben Thorne, Steven Luatua, Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read considered loose forwards with the capacity to cover lock. 
It's been an ongoing theme, but the success rate would be considered low, primarily because coaches have only ever dabbled and never properly committed to the concept. 
And if Vaa'i is to become what this coaching panel wants him to be, then he needs to play more than one test at blindside to develop greater affinity for and understanding of the role. 
His performance in Dunedin was good enough to suggest he's worth another look, but not so good as to say he can now be ticked off as a blindside option and put back into cold storage, as it were, by being returned to his first home in the locks. 
Presumably the long-term plan is to build Vaa'i to the point where he comes under consideration to start against South Africa later this year as the antidote to the supremely influential Pieter-Steph du Toit. 
Ideally, he would then develop through to the World Cup where his versatility could be hugely advantageous in how it would enable the All Blacks to vary their selections and adapt their bench to face different opponents. 
Proctor currently finds himself in a group of six midfielders and a desire within the coaching group to give everyone in the squad game time against France. 
His selection fate is also perhaps further compromised by the fact his inexperience at test level was exposed at times in Dunedin, nowhere more noticeable than midway through the first half when French fullback Théo Attissogbe beat him on the outside. 
It was a classic case of a player used to Super Rugby Pacific being surprised by the pace of the international game. While some will have interpreted that incident as ...

THE FACTS 
The All Blacks face a decision on continuing with Tupou Vaa'i at blindside and Billy Proctor in the midfield. 
Vaa'i's role is complicated by Scott Barrett's injury, with options to keep him at blindside or move him back to lock. 
Proctor's pot...

All Blacks v France: Why Scott Robertson must stick with Vaa'i and Proctor projects - Gregor Paul

A premier international travel magazine has named the South Island's tourist capital in its annual World's Best Awards, making it the sole New Zealand city to make the cut.

As part of this year's awards, Travel + Leisure readers chose Queenstown as the fourth best city in Oceania - despite the alpine town not even being classed as a city in NZ.

The ranking, which is reviewed annually and based on reader surveys, puts Queenstown ahead of Adelaide but behind Melbourne (first), Hobart (second) and Sydney (third).

Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards are highly trusted in the travel industry, given the magazine's extensive global reach and rich expertise of its readers.

Authors of the Oceania category said Queenstown outshone both Auckland and Christchurch for its picturesque landscape and abundance of activities.

One reader praised Queenstown for being "active and outdoor-oriented", while another said the resort town is "the most beautiful location I've ever laid my eyes on".

The magazine cited its access to hiking trails, adventure sports and Lake Wakatipu as examples of what makes Queenstown so special, although it noted the views alone "are reason enough to visit".

Air NZ also received an accolade in Travel + Leisure's round-up of the world's best airlines.

Readers put NZ's national carrier at 7th on the list with a reader score of 85.3 out of 100.

It came ahead of Fiji Airways, which was ranked as Oceania's best airline at the 2024 Skytrax Awards, but could not topple the more established premium airlines like Singapore Airlines (first) and Emirates (third).

New Zealand may have found success in this year's Worlds Best Awards, but some of its entries actually slipped in place from where they were last year.

In 2024, Travel + Leisure ranked Queenstown as the third-best city in Oceania, behind Sydney and Melbourne.

But it wasn't the only NZ city to be recognised with Auckland coming in fourth place, beating Hobart in fifth.

Yet Auckland met its demise on this year's list of Oceania's best cities, entirely dropping off the rankings.

Going global, the 10 cities ranked the world's best can all be found in two regions: Asia and Latin America.

Mexico's San Miguel de Allende was voted the world's best city for the second year in a row by Travel + Leisure readers, who praised the city's "distinctive cultural milieu and affordability".

Chiang Mai in northern Thailand came in second, with Tokyo following closely behind.

Travel + Leisure's World's Best Cities:

1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

3. Tokyo, Japan

4. Bangkok, Thailand

5. Jaipur, India

6. Hoi An, Vietnam

7. Mexico City, Mexico

8. Kyoto, Japan

9. Ubud (Bali), Indonesia

10. Cuzco, Peru

Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

A premier international travel magazine has named the South Island's tourist capital in its annual World's Best Awards, making it the sole New Zealand city to make the cut. 
As part of this year's awards, Travel + Leisure readers chose Queenstown as the fourth best city in Oceania - despite the alpine town not even being classed as a city in NZ. 
The ranking, which is reviewed annually and based on reader surveys, puts Queenstown ahead of Adelaide but behind Melbourne (first), Hobart (second) and Sydney (third). 
Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards are highly trusted in the travel industry, given the magazine's extensive global reach and rich expertise of its readers. 
Authors of the Oceania category said Queenstown outshone both Auckland and Christchurch for its picturesque landscape and abundance of activities. 
One reader praised Queenstown for being "active and outdoor-oriented", while another said the resort town is "the most beautiful location I've ever laid my eyes on". 
The magazine cited its access to hiking trails, adventure sports and Lake Wakatipu as examples of what makes Queenstown so special, although it noted the views alone "are reason enough to visit". 
Air NZ also received an accolade in Travel + Leisure's round-up of the world's best airlines. 
Readers put NZ's national carrier at 7th on the list with a reader score of 85.3 out of 100. 
It came ahead of Fiji Airways, which was ranked as Oceania's best airline at the 2024 Skytrax Awards, but could not topple the more established premium airlines like Singapore Airlines (first) and Emirates (third). 
New Zealand may have found success in this year's Worlds Best Awards, but some of its entries actually slipped in place from where they were last year. 
In 2024, Travel + Leisure ranked Queenstown as the third-best city in Oceania, behind Sydney and Melbourne. 
But it wasn't the only NZ city to be recognised with Auckland coming in fourth place, beating Hobart in fifth. 
Yet Auckland met its demise on this year's list of Oceania's best cities, entirely dropping off the rankings. 
Going global, the 10 cities ranked the world's best can all be found in two regions: Asia and Latin America. 
Mexico's San Miguel de Allende was voted the world's best city for the second year in a row by Travel + Leisure readers, who praised the city's "distinctive cultural milieu and affordability". 
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand came in second, with Tokyo following closely behind. 
Travel + Leisure's World's Best Cities: 
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand 
3. Tokyo, Japan 
4. Bangkok, Thailand 
5. Jaipur, India 
6. Hoi An, Vietnam 
7. Mexico City, Mexico 
8. Kyoto, Japan 
9. Ubud (Bali), Indonesia 
10. Cuzco, Peru 
Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

A premier international travel magazine has named the South Island's tourist capital in its annual World's Best Awards, making it the sole New Zealand city to make the cut. 
As part of this year's awards, Travel + Leisure readers chose Queenstown as the...

Queenstown, Air NZ shine in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards

One of Dame Jacinda Ardern's favourite Auckland cafes has permanently closed its doors, citing spiralling costs and excessive rent as the reasons for its demise.

The eatery was popular with Morningside locals and is named after a quote from the former Prime Minister.

KIND Cafe & Eatery's name was inspired by Ardern's assertion that "you can be strong and you can be kind".

Ardern even took US late-night television host Stephen Colbert to the cafe when he was filming in New Zealand in late 2019.

In a post to Instagram yesterday, owners Cathie and Nigel Cottle announced the permanent closure of the business.

"We are closing the doors for good tonight.

"Economic conditions, spiralling costs, and excessive rent are all factors in our decision to close. We have been going backwards for too long, hoping things will change but they haven't, they aren't."

KIND was founded as a social enterprise to make the Morningside neighbourhood a greener and healthier place to live. It had been operating for seven years.

The cafe's post thanked its regulars, neighbours and customers for their support.

"We wish we could have kept going, but it was not to be."

Ardern's love for KIND

The owners of KIND are also behind the Crave cafe in Morningside.

Journalist and author David Williams, on behalf of the Under the Hood series for Crave, interviewed Ardern in 2021.

The pair chatted about her choice to bring Colbert to the cafe.

"You brought Stephen Colbert to KIND last October. Was that because it's called Kind?" Williams said.

"It's because it's my local," Ardern said.

"Literally, it is the place on a Saturday where, if I've got a morning off, we'll put Neve in the pram and we'll walk around and grab a coffee and then walk home.

"It's just a part of our little routine when we're here. I literally took him to my local.

"I do love the philosophy of KIND and Crave. My local is my local because of its philosophy as well."

Ardern and Colbert were spotted together filming at the eatery in October 2019.

A customer who was there at the same time told Stuff she realised something was going on when she saw a large security presence converge on the cafe.

The pair walked up and down a ramp outside the cafe a few times before ordering coffee.

KIND's business model was designed to give back to the community, with 80% of the profits reinvested in enriching the Morningside community.

KIND was a mostly vegan cafe that specialised in healthy food options catering to a variety of dietary requirements.

One of Dame Jacinda Ardern's favourite Auckland cafes has permanently closed its doors, citing spiralling costs and excessive rent as the reasons for its demise. 
The eatery was popular with Morningside locals and is named after a quote from the former Prime Minister. 
KIND Cafe & Eatery's name was inspired by Ardern's assertion that "you can be strong and you can be kind". 
Ardern even took US late-night television host Stephen Colbert to the cafe when he was filming in New Zealand in late 2019. 
In a post to Instagram yesterday, owners Cathie and Nigel Cottle announced the permanent closure of the business. 
"We are closing the doors for good tonight. 
"Economic conditions, spiralling costs, and excessive rent are all factors in our decision to close. We have been going backwards for too long, hoping things will change but they haven't, they aren't." 
KIND was founded as a social enterprise to make the Morningside neighbourhood a greener and healthier place to live. It had been operating for seven years. 
The cafe's post thanked its regulars, neighbours and customers for their support. 
"We wish we could have kept going, but it was not to be." 
Ardern's love for KIND 
The owners of KIND are also behind the Crave cafe in Morningside. 
Journalist and author David Williams, on behalf of the Under the Hood series for Crave, interviewed Ardern in 2021. 
The pair chatted about her choice to bring Colbert to the cafe. 
"You brought Stephen Colbert to KIND last October. Was that because it's called Kind?" Williams said. 
"It's because it's my local," Ardern said. 
"Literally, it is the place on a Saturday where, if I've got a morning off, we'll put Neve in the pram and we'll walk around and grab a coffee and then walk home. 
"It's just a part of our little routine when we're here. I literally took him to my local. 
"I do love the philosophy of KIND and Crave. My local is my local because of its philosophy as well." 
Ardern and Colbert were spotted together filming at the eatery in October 2019. 
A customer who was there at the same time told Stuff she realised something was going on when she saw a large security presence converge on the cafe. 
The pair walked up and down a ramp outside the cafe a few times before ordering coffee. 
KIND's business model was designed to give back to the community, with 80% of the profits reinvested in enriching the Morningside community. 
KIND was a mostly vegan cafe that specialised in healthy food options catering to a variety of dietary requirements.

One of Dame Jacinda Ardern's favourite Auckland cafes has permanently closed its doors, citing spiralling costs and excessive rent as the reasons for its demise. 
The eatery was popular with Morningside locals and is named after a quote from the former ...

Auckland cafe KIND, favoured by Jacinda Ardern and named for her motto, closes

The Colombian Navy has announced its first seizure of an unmanned narco-submarine equipped with a Starlink antenna off its Caribbean coast.

The vessel was not carrying drugs, but the Colombian Navy and Western security sources based in the region told AFP they believed it was a trial run by a cocaine trafficking cartel.

"It was being tested and was empty," a naval spokeswoman confirmed to AFP.

Manned semi-submersibles built in clandestine jungle shipyards have been used for decades to ferry cocaine north from Colombia, the world's biggest cocaine producer, to Central America or Mexico.

But in recent years, they have been sailing much further afield, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The latest find, announced by Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo at a press conference, is the first reported discovery in South American waters of a drone narco submarine.

Asked if it was operated using Elon Musk's Starlink, the spokeswoman confirmed that the semi-submersible "had that technology" but said the Navy "was still studying how exactly it operated".

A video released by the Navy showed a small grey vessel with a satellite antenna on the bow.

The Navy said it had the capacity to transport 1.5 tonnes of cocaine.

This is not the first time a Starlink antenna has been used at sea by suspected drug traffickers.

In November, Indian police seized a giant consignment of meth worth US$4.25 billion in a vessel steered remotely by Starlink tech near the remote Andaman and Nicobar islands.

It was the first known discovery of a narco-submarine operated by Starlink tech.

Going further afield

Rozo said the use of the satellite technology reflected the traffickers' "migration toward more sophisticated unmanned systems", which are hard to detect at sea, "difficult to track by radar and even allow criminal networks to operate with partial autonomy".

Juana Cabezas, a researcher at Colombia's Institute for Development and Peace Studies, told AFP that powerful Mexican drug cartels, who operate in Colombia, "hired technology experts and engineers to develop an unmanned submarine" as far back as 2017.

"Their idea was that it could ... pass through the Pacific and then automatically unload the drugs so that people could collect them and put them on other unmanned submarines," she said.

She also pointed out that drone vessels made it harder for the authorities to pinpoint the drug lords behind the shipments.

A near-record number of narco subs were intercepted in the Atlantic and Pacific in 2024, according to the US-based Insight Crime think-tank.

In November last year, 5 tonnes of Colombian cocaine were found on a semi-submersible en route to Australia.

Colombian law punishes the use, construction, marketing, possession, and transportation of semi-submersibles with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

Insight Crime quoted crew members as describing narco subs as "coffins" and said two crew members were found dead from inhaling engine fumes aboard a vessel found crossing the Pacific by Colombian authorities in 2023.

Agence France-Presse

The Colombian Navy has announced its first seizure of an unmanned narco-submarine equipped with a Starlink antenna off its Caribbean coast. 
The vessel was not carrying drugs, but the Colombian Navy and Western security sources based in the region told AFP they believed it was a trial run by a cocaine trafficking cartel. 
"It was being tested and was empty," a naval spokeswoman confirmed to AFP. 
Manned semi-submersibles built in clandestine jungle shipyards have been used for decades to ferry cocaine north from Colombia, the world's biggest cocaine producer, to Central America or Mexico. 
But in recent years, they have been sailing much further afield, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. 
The latest find, announced by Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo at a press conference, is the first reported discovery in South American waters of a drone narco submarine. 
Asked if it was operated using Elon Musk's Starlink, the spokeswoman confirmed that the semi-submersible "had that technology" but said the Navy "was still studying how exactly it operated". 
A video released by the Navy showed a small grey vessel with a satellite antenna on the bow. 
The Navy said it had the capacity to transport 1.5 tonnes of cocaine. 
This is not the first time a Starlink antenna has been used at sea by suspected drug traffickers. 
In November, Indian police seized a giant consignment of meth worth US$4.25 billion in a vessel steered remotely by Starlink tech near the remote Andaman and Nicobar islands. 
It was the first known discovery of a narco-submarine operated by Starlink tech. 
Going further afield 
Rozo said the use of the satellite technology reflected the traffickers' "migration toward more sophisticated unmanned systems", which are hard to detect at sea, "difficult to track by radar and even allow criminal networks to operate with partial autonomy". 
Juana Cabezas, a researcher at Colombia's Institute for Development and Peace Studies, told AFP that powerful Mexican drug cartels, who operate in Colombia, "hired technology experts and engineers to develop an unmanned submarine" as far back as 2017. 
"Their idea was that it could ... pass through the Pacific and then automatically unload the drugs so that people could collect them and put them on other unmanned submarines," she said. 
She also pointed out that drone vessels made it harder for the authorities to pinpoint the drug lords behind the shipments. 
A near-record number of narco subs were intercepted in the Atlantic and Pacific in 2024, according to the US-based Insight Crime think-tank. 
In November last year, 5 tonnes of Colombian cocaine were found on a semi-submersible en route to Australia. 
Colombian law punishes the use, construction, marketing, possession, and transportation of semi-submersibles with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. 
Insight Crime quoted crew members as describing narco subs as "coffins" and said two crew members were found dead from inhaling engine fumes aboard a vessel found crossing the Pacific by Colombian authorities in 2023. 
Agence France-Presse

The Colombian Navy has announced its first seizure of an unmanned narco-submarine equipped with a Starlink antenna off its Caribbean coast. 
The vessel was not carrying drugs, but the Colombian Navy and Western security sources based in the region told ...

Colombian Navy finds unmanned narco-sub with Starlink tech - the first such seizure in South American waters

Taylor Swift has successfully regained control of her music catalog after a lengthy battle, acquiring it for over 300 million dollars.

This achievement not only marks a significant financial victory for Swift but also serves as a potential turning point for other musicians, encouraging them to be more business-savvy in an industry that often exploits them.

Swift's struggle began when her former label, Big Machine Records, was sold without her consent, leading to a series of challenges in reclaiming her master recordings.

Unlike other artists who have sold their catalogs for substantial sums, Swift did not benefit from the initial sale of her music, highlighting the inequities faced by many musicians in the industry.

Her victory underscores the importance of negotiating fair deals and the power of fan support, reminding both artists and labels of the value of strong artist-fan connections.

Taylor Swift has successfully regained control of her music catalog after a lengthy battle, acquiring it for over 300 million dollars.

This achievement not only marks a significant financial victory for Swift but also serves as a potential turning point for other musicians, encouraging them to be more business-savvy in an industry that often exploits them.

Swift's struggle began when her former label, Big Machine Records, was sold without her consent, leading to a series of challenges in reclaiming her master recordings.

Unlike other artists who have sold their catalogs for substantial sums, Swift did not benefit from the initial sale of her music, highlighting the inequities faced by many musicians in the industry.

Her victory underscores the importance of negotiating fair deals and the power of fan support, reminding both artists and labels of the value of strong artist-fan connections.

Taylor Swift has successfully regained control of her music catalog after a lengthy battle, acquiring it for over 300 million dollars.

This achievement not only marks a significant financial victory for Swift but also serves as a potential turning point for other musicians, encouraging them to be more business-savvy in an industry that often exploits them.

Swift's struggle began when her former label, Big Machine Records, was sold without her consent, leading to a series of challenges in reclaiming her master recordings.

Unlike other artists who have sold their catalogs for substantial sums, Swift did not benefit from the initial sale of her music, highlighting the inequities faced by many musicians in the industry.

Her victory underscores the importance of negotiating fair deals and the power of fan support, reminding both artists and labels of the value of strong artist-fan connections.

Taylor Swift has successfully regained control of her music catalog after a lengthy battle, acquiring it for over 300 million dollars.

This achievement not only marks a significant financial victory for Swift but also serves as a potential turning point for other musicians, encouraging them to be more business-savvy in an industry that often exploits them.

Swift's struggle began when her former label, Big Machine Records, was sold without her consent, leading to a series of challenges in reclaiming her master recordings.

Unlike other artists who have sold their catalogs for substantial sums, Swift did not benefit from the initial sale of her music, highlighting the inequities faced by many musicians in the industry.

Her victory underscores the importance of negotiating fair deals and the power of fan support, reminding both artists and labels of the value of strong artist-fan connections.

Taylor Swift has successfully regained control of her music catalog after a lengthy battle, acquiring it for over 300 million dollars. 
This achievement not only marks a significant financial victory for Swift but also serves as a potential turning point for other musicians, encouraging them to be more business-savvy in an industry that often exploits them. 
Swift's struggle began when her former label, Big Machine Records, was sold without her consent, leading to a series of challenges in reclaiming her master recordings. 
Unlike other artists who have sold their catalogs for substantial sums, Swift did not benefit from the initial sale of her music, highlighting the inequities faced by many musicians in the industry. 
Her victory underscores the importance of negotiating fair deals and the power of fan support, reminding both artists and labels of the value of strong artist-fan connections. 
Taylor Swift has successfully regained control of her music catalog after a lengthy battle, acquiring it for over 300 million dollars. 
This achievement not only marks a significant financial victory for Swift but also serves as a potential turning point for other musicians, encouraging them to be more business-savvy in an industry that often exploits them. 
Swift's struggle began when her former label, Big Machine Records, was sold without her consent, leading to a series of challenges in reclaiming her master recordings. 
Unlike other artists who have sold their catalogs for substantial sums, Swift did not benefit from the initial sale of her music, highlighting the inequities faced by many musicians in the industry. 
Her victory underscores the importance of negotiating fair deals and the power of fan support, reminding both artists and labels of the value of strong artist-fan connections. 
Taylor Swift has successfully regained control of her music catalog after a lengthy battle, acquiring it for over 300 million dollars. 
This achievement not only marks a significant financial victory for Swift but also serves as a potential turning point for other musicians, encouraging them to be more business-savvy in an industry that often exploits them. 
Swift's struggle began when her former label, Big Machine Records, was sold without her consent, leading to a series of challenges in reclaiming her master recordings. 
Unlike other artists who have sold their catalogs for substantial sums, Swift did not benefit from the initial sale of her music, highlighting the inequities faced by many musicians in the industry. 
Her victory underscores the importance of negotiating fair deals and the power of fan support, reminding both artists and labels of the value of strong artist-fan connections. 
Taylor Swift has successfully regained control of her music catalog after a lengthy battle, acquiring it for over 300 million dollars. 
This achievement not only marks a significant financial victory for Swift but also serves as a potential turning point for other musicians, encouraging them to be more business-savvy in an industry that often exploits them. 
Swift's struggle began when her former label, Big Machine Records, was sold without her consent, leading to a series of challenges in reclaiming her master recordings. 
Unlike other artists who have sold their catalogs for substantial sums, Swift did not benefit from the initial sale of her music, highlighting the inequities faced by many musicians in the industry. 
Her victory underscores the importance of negotiating fair deals and the power of fan support, reminding both artists and labels of the value of strong artist-fan connections.

Taylor Swift has successfully regained control of her music catalog after a lengthy battle, acquiring it for over 300 million dollars. 
This achievement not only marks a significant financial victory for Swift but also serves as a potential turning poin...

test

British singer-songwriter Jessie J has been diagnosed with "early" breast cancer - and she will undergo surgery later this month.

The 37-year-old singer took to social media to reveal she received the medical news before her new single, New Secrets, dropped on April 25, and she has been "in and out of tests" since.

She said in an Instagram video: "Before No Secrets came out, I was diagnosed with early breast cancer.

"I'm highlighting the word 'early'.

"Cancer sucks in any form but I'm holding onto the word early.

"I have been in and out of tests throughout this whole period."

Jessie went "back and forth" with herself about whether she should share her news, due to there being "lots of opinions outside".

But the singer felt she should tell all, particularly because of the name of her latest single, No Secrets, which was inspired by a miscarriage she had in 2021.

She said: "To get diagnosed with this, as I'm putting out a song called No Secrets right before a song called Living My Best Life, which was all pre-planned before I found out about this, I mean, you can't make it up.

"I just wanted to be open and share it - one, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough.

"I'm not processing it because I'm working so hard.

"I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me, with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories.

"I'm an open book. It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much, similar and worse. That's the bit that kills me."

British singer-songwriter Jessie J has been diagnosed with "early" breast cancer - and she will undergo surgery later this month. 
The 37-year-old singer took to social media to reveal she received the medical news before her new single, New Secrets, dropped on April 25, and she has been "in and out of tests" since. 
She said in an Instagram video: "Before No Secrets came out, I was diagnosed with early breast cancer. 
"I'm highlighting the word 'early'. 
"Cancer sucks in any form but I'm holding onto the word early. 
"I have been in and out of tests throughout this whole period." 
Jessie went "back and forth" with herself about whether she should share her news, due to there being "lots of opinions outside". 
But the singer felt she should tell all, particularly because of the name of her latest single, No Secrets, which was inspired by a miscarriage she had in 2021. 
She said: "To get diagnosed with this, as I'm putting out a song called No Secrets right before a song called Living My Best Life, which was all pre-planned before I found out about this, I mean, you can't make it up. 
"I just wanted to be open and share it - one, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. 
"I'm not processing it because I'm working so hard. 
"I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me, with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories. 
"I'm an open book. It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much, similar and worse. That's the bit that kills me."

British singer-songwriter Jessie J has been diagnosed with "early" breast cancer - and she will undergo surgery later this month. 
The 37-year-old singer took to social media to reveal she received the medical news before her new single, New Secrets, dr...

Jessie J reveals breast cancer diagnosis

Today is Thursday May 1st.

Here are you key Business headlines for today

Westpac's online banking platform, Westpac One, experienced a technical issue, leaving customers frustrated and unable to access digital services

The outage occurred this morning and lasted for several hours

Both browser and app users, including those on iOS and Android, were affected

Customers took to social media to vent their frustration, as they were unable to pay bills or use certain services

Westpac apologised for the inconvenience and said the issue had been resolved

However, this is not the first time the bank has faced online banking issues

On March 18, March 20, and April 9, Westpac also had problems with its digital services

During the outage, card services and ATMs were unaffected, and scheduled payments continued to work as normal

One customer shared their experience of being unable to pay for petrol, causing them to be late for work

The extent of the impact can be seen with 581 people reporting the outage on Downdetector

Westpac assured customers that it was investigating the technical issue with urgency

Today is Thursday May 1st. 
Here are you key Business headlines for today 
Westpac's online banking platform, Westpac One, experienced a technical issue, leaving customers frustrated and unable to access digital services 
The outage occurred this morning and lasted for several hours 
Both browser and app users, including those on iOS and Android, were affected 
Customers took to social media to vent their frustration, as they were unable to pay bills or use certain services 
Westpac apologised for the inconvenience and said the issue had been resolved 
However, this is not the first time the bank has faced online banking issues 
On March 18, March 20, and April 9, Westpac also had problems with its digital services 
During the outage, card services and ATMs were unaffected, and scheduled payments continued to work as normal 
One customer shared their experience of being unable to pay for petrol, causing them to be late for work 
The extent of the impact can be seen with 581 people reporting the outage on Downdetector 
Westpac assured customers that it was investigating the technical issue with urgency

Today is Thursday May 1st. 
Here are you key Business headlines for today 
Westpac's online banking platform, Westpac One, experienced a technical issue, leaving customers frustrated and unable to access digital services 
The outage occurred this morning ...

TTS Test 1

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