New Zealand

30 April 2025
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., center, meets New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins, seventh left, at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on April 30.
The European Union has been exploring ways to expand its trade partnerships since early this year.
Trump tariffs

As Trump tariffs loom, EU and CPTPP eye closer ties

Brussels moves to promote free trade, though entry into Pacific trade bloc unlikely

17 April 2025
New Zealand's new defense plan calls for NZ$12 billion in spending over four years, with a portion going toward extending the life of aging frigates.
Defense

New Zealand eyes defense spending boost to 2% of GDP

$6.6bn military buildup plan follows Chinese exercises in Tasman Sea

8 April 2025
Tourism was a bright spot in New Zealand's late-2024 economy, data showed, with visitors arriving in destinations including the capital city of Wellington. 
Economy

New Zealand exits recession, posting Q4 GDP growth of 0.7%

'Upside surprise' performance could indicate additional rate cuts this year

20 March 2025
Elon Musk, the world's richest man and a giant force in telecoms, is also one of the most politically influential people on the planet, raising questions for small island nations like Palau, seen above, as they consider using his Starlink service to improve their connectivity. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by AP, Getty Images and Reuters)
Policy Asia

Musk's Starlink expansion across the Pacific sparks enthusiasm -- and concern

Deals get remote islanders online, but fears linger over stranded investment, data security

14 March 2025
Reserve Bank of New Zealand governor Adrian Orr's surprise exit comes amid New Zealand's worst economic downturn since 1991 outside of the pandemic.
Markets

New Zealand central bank announces surprise exit of governor

Orr's resignation comes amid economic downturn; little impact seen on kiwi

5 March 2025
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese voiced support for Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelenskyy's disastrous meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukraine war

Australia, New Zealand vow Ukraine support as Trump, Zelenskyy clash

Prime ministers both quiet on two presidents' calamitous White House meeting

1 March 2025
New Zealand and Australia officials say that China conducted live-fire exercises in international waters between the two nations, forcing commercial airlines to divert flights.
International relations

New Zealand minister to question China's naval activity in Beijing visit

Wellington says Asian nation conducted live-fire drills in Tasman Sea

24 February 2025
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has cut interest rates by 175 basis points since August 2024 to boost the economy as it emerges from a deep recession.
Economy

New Zealand central bank cuts interest rates, flags further reductions

Chops 50 basis points from benchmark rate in bid to revive economy

19 February 2025
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown visits the National Deep Sea Centre in Qingdao, China, in this picture released on Feb. 12. (Facebook via Reuters)
International relations

China, Cook Islands seabed research pact sparks environmental concerns

PM's China visit yielded cooperation deals but rankled New Zealand

17 February 2025
From left, Aoi Ito, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori. The Japanese tennis players are performing well ahead of the Australian Open.
Sports

Japanese tennis stars serve up strong week ahead of Australian Open

Rising star Ito wins in Canberra, while veterans Osaka, Nishikori make finals

6 January 2025
Cricketers from war-torn Afghanistan overcame huge odds to make the semifinals of the T20 World Cup this year.  
Tea Leaves

In South Asia, cricket is an improbable but effective leveler

Surprise success for smaller countries boosts pan-regional fan base

18 December 2024
China is Australia's largest trading partner, making reduced Chinese demand a headwind for its economy.
17 December 2024
The New Zealand All Blacks perform the haka -- a Maori ceremonial war dance -- before a Bledisloe Cup match against the Australian Wallabies in 2017 in Sydney.
Tea Leaves

All Blacks show how rituals boost sporting mojo

'It is death! It is death!' New Zealand's haka adds to the spectacle

30 October 2024
Indonesia is home to the world's second-largest geothermal energy reserves. (Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings)
Energy

Japan's TEPCO to make hydrogen in Indonesia with geothermal power

Japanese builder Obayashi to produce hydrogen in New Zealand

16 October 2024
Officials participate in the South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, which endorsed a new rapid response humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiative. 
International relations

Pacific disaster response group aims to streamline preparedness

Australia seen consolidating role as region's primary security partner

11 October 2024
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks during an interview with Nikkei Asia in Kuala Lumpur on Sept. 3. (Photo by Fumika Sato)
Interview

New Zealand aims to double exports to ASEAN, Indo-Pacific

PM Luxon says trade agenda to focus on green economy and renewables

4 September 2024
A thermometer shows a temperature of 44C in Athens, Greece, on July 18.
Opinion

World should take note of a new trade and climate change deal

ACCTS agreement between 4 small nations is a practical model for all economies

31 July 2024
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters (Photo by Takuya Fujiwara) 
Indo-Pacific

New Zealand foreign minister calls for 'more compromise' on New Caledonia

Comments on territory in Japan speech spark response from French envoy

19 July 2024
NATO is forming a closer relationship with four key Indo-Pacific nations to counter perceived security threats from China and Russia.  
Indo-Pacific

NATO to up security links with Japan, South Korea, Australia, NZ

Atlantic military alliance will issue joint cooperation document next week

4 July 2024
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon tells Nikkei Asia that the country wants to be more engaged in defense and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. (Photo by Yuki Kohara)
Interview

New Zealand 'resets' foreign policy on Indo-Pacific security: PM

Wellington keen to boost exports but wary of China encroachment

20 June 2024
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, center, is welcomed by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, left, and New Zealand Gov. General Dame Cindy Kiro in Wellington on June 13.
International relations

China's premier in New Zealand: Differences should not become 'chasm'

Leaders' talk of trade and cooperation comes amid cooler Beijing-Wellington ties

13 June 2024
Winston Peters, New Zealand's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, calls the situation in the Gaza Strip "an absolute humanitarian catastrophe." He was speaking in Kuala Lumpur on June 7. (Photo by Hakimie Amrie)
Interview

New Zealand seeks closer ties with ASEAN on climate change

Deputy PM Winston Peters calls regional cooperation critical in 'complicated' world

11 June 2024
Joanne Ou previously served as spokesperson for Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being transferred to New Zealand as chief representative. (Photo by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand)
Taiwan tensions

Taipei sees New Zealand in sync with like-minded democracies, envoy says

China puts Wellington on guard as it increases its clout among Pacific islands

28 May 2024
A woman tries to cool down in the Philippines in April 2024. People around Asia should expect more scorching weather as the year unfolds. 
Climate Change

Asia braces for more extreme weather like 2023, world's hottest year

Health fallout set to worsen as severe heat, dryness and rain have already hit region

6 May 2024
New Zealand has accused China of "state-backed malicious cyber activity." (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Reuters and AP)
International relations

New Zealand joins U.K. and U.S. in condemning China-linked hacks

PM Luxon says calling out Beijing is a 'big step' for his country

26 March 2024
Christopher Luxon, now New Zealand's prime minister, speaks to National Party supporters after winning the general election on Oct. 14, 2023.
Politics

New Zealand's conservatives gut Ardern's progressive policies

PM Luxon's government repeals green car rebates and world-first tobacco ban

16 March 2024
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney in December: Luxon's government may deepen alignment with like-minded partners.
Opinion

New Zealand's new PM isn't going back to old ways on China

Luxon's pro-business instincts tempered by coalition partners

15 January 2024
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, right, and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hold a joint press conference at the Commonwealth Parliament Offices in Sydney on Dec. 20.
Defense

New Zealand 'interested in exploring' AUKUS opportunities

PM Luxon meets Australia's Albanese on first official trip overseas

20 December 2023
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa lifts The Webb Ellis Cup as South Africa celebrate winning the world cup final
Sports

South Africa beat New Zealand to claim record fourth Rugby World Cup title

Siya Kolis became only the second captain after All Black McCaw to lift the trophy twice

29 October 2023