Natural Disasters November 13 Tourists stranded in Bali for days after Indonesia's volcanic eruption grounds international flights Thousands of people were stranded at airports in Indonesia and Australia due to the eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano. media reports say.
Asia September 21 New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens released by Indonesian rebels after being abducted more than 19 months ago New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been freed from captivity after more than 19 months following his abduction by Indonesian rebels early last year.
New Zealand September 6 New Zealand queen ascends to Māori throne at age 27 New Zealand’s Māori king, Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, 69, has died. His daughter, Ngā wai hono i te po, 27, is the new queen and the second woman to become Māori monarch.
New Zealand August 15 Charity accidentally distributes drug-laced candy to around 400 people: 'Funny tasting' The charity only accepts commercial food products that have been sealed properly, leading authorities to suspect that the candy was part of a smuggling operation gone wrong.
Crime August 14 New Zealand food bank mistakenly distributes 'potentially lethal' amount of meth disguised as candy Auckland City Mission, a charity in New Zealand, unknowingly distributed solid blocks of methamphetamine enclosed in candy wrappers, according to authorities.
China August 3 Vital Western alliance countries' heavy dependence on China is a major problem: 'dangerously exposed' A new report highlights how the U.S. and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance are dangerously overreliant on China for rare earth elements, essential components for producing everyday high-tech devices.
New Zealand July 24 New Zealand inquiry reveals 'unimaginable' abuse in care institutions over 5 decades Nearly a third of the children and vulnerable adults in state, foster and faith-based care in New Zealand between 1950 and 1999 were reportedly abused, a new report claims.
LIFESTYLE July 10 Husband goes diving for fresh sea urchin for pregnant wife as health expert warns about raw fish A man dives into the ocean to retrieve fresh sea urchin to fulfill his pregnant wife's food craving. A health professional warned of potential health risks of eating raw fish amid pregnancy.
Crime July 3 Tourist fatally mowed down in armed robbery at California fashion mall, sparking wild police chase A New Zealand tourist was fatally killed during a gunpoint robbery outside a California fashion mall Tuesday, sparking a wild police chase.
Rugby June 18 Rising New Zealand rugby star dead at 25 after 'medical event' Rising New Zealand rugby star Connor Garden-Bachop died on Monday following a "medical event" at a relative's home, officials said. He was 25.
