New Zealand

New Zealand decimate Pakistan in final ODI to sweep three-match series
New Zealand swept Pakistan 3-0 in the ODI series, winning the final match by 43 runs. The match was reduced to 42 overs per side due to rain. Ben Sears led with a five-wicket haul. Pakistan struggled against New Zealand's seam bowling. Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 50 runs. New Zealand batsman Rhys Mariu scored his first half-century.

Super Rugby: Blues upbeat for clash against Hurricanes with key players back in team
The Blues will face the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby Pacific match at Auckland's Eden Park on April 5. Several key players including Beauden Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu have returned from injury, boosting the team. Barrett will start at fly-half. The Blues aim to improve their standing, currently sitting 10th with one win this season.

Moana Pasifika come from behind to rout NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby showdown
Moana Pasifika defeated the NSW Waratahs 45-28 at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland. This is their second consecutive win and third straight victory against the Waratahs. Despite a 14-point halftime deficit, Moana Pasifika dominated the second half. The Waratahs remain winless away from home this season. Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea expressed pride in the team's resilience.

Japanese Grand Prix: Jack Doohan crashes, McLaren's Oscar Piastri takes top spot in second practice session
Practice sessions for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka faced disruptions from crashes and track fires. McLaren's Oscar Piastri led the timesheets. Jack Doohan and Fernando Alonso faced accidents. Red flags due to grass fires caused further delays. Racing conditions were challenging due to weather. Liam Lawson outperformed Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda.

Earthquake shakes Papua New Guinea, triggers brief tsunami warning
A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of New Britain, Papua New Guinea. There was a brief tsunami warning, but it was lifted shortly after. The quake's depth varied between 10km and 49km. No immediate damage was reported. This event highlights the region's geological vulnerability and the importance of early warning systems.

Ford Ranger Super Duty: The toughest pickup truck for Australia
Ford will release the 2026 Ranger Super Duty in Australia. The truck was tested with autonomous robots due to extreme conditions. It has a 4500kg towing capacity and a 130-litre fuel tank. The Ranger Super Duty will be available in multiple variants and trims. It will cater to mining and remote jobs.

Sacked envoy Phil Goff defends questioning Donald Trump's historical understanding
Phil Goff, former New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK, was dismissed for his comments on Donald Trump's understanding of history. He criticized Trump's actions towards Ukraine and Russia, leading to his removal by Foreign Minister Winston Peters. Despite his dismissal, Goff stands by his actions, believing they are justifiable and will be seen in a positive light in the future.

Parliament's Justice Committee recommends scrapping controversial Treaty Principles Bill amidst public opposition
New Zealand's Justice Committee recommends scrapping the Treaty Principles Bill after receiving nearly 300,000 submissions, mostly opposing it. Critics argue it misinterprets the treaty, posing risks to social cohesion and legal implications. Supporters cite clarity and equality as benefits. The bill's second reading sees National and New Zealand First MPs against it, with further debate expected.

Robert Irwin stirs controversy with underwear campaign featuring reptiles
Robert Irwin has teamed up with Australian underwear brand Bonds for a campaign in the US. The photos show Irwin posing with snakes and lizards. The campaign marks a shift from his previous work in wildlife conservation. The images have sparked mixed reactions online, with surprises about seeing him as an adult model.

One dead as car collides with train at level crossing in Auckland
A car attempting to cross a railway crossing in Auckland's Penrose suburb while the barriers were down was hit by a train, leading to the driver's death. The incident occurred at Maurice Road around 2pm, and authorities confirmed the barrier was functioning properly at the time. Police are investigating the crash.
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Japanese Grand Prix: Lando Norris leads first practice session, Tsunoda impresses with Red Bull debut
Lando Norris of McLaren topped the first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix. George Russell and Charles Leclerc were second and third, respectively. Yuki Tsunoda impressed in his debut for Red Bull Racing, running close to Max Verstappen. The session took place at the iconic Suzuka Circuit amid pleasant weather and cherry blossoms.

Heavy rainfall batters many regions of New Zealand; flooding, power outages throw life out of gear
Heavy rain in New Zealand on April 4, 2025, led to flooding, power outages, and transport disruptions, especially in Auckland and Northland. Weather warnings were issued, and emergency operations started in some areas. Despite disruptions, main roads remained open. The rain provided needed relief to drought-affected Tasman District. Authorities advised caution on the roads.

Google names Josh Woodward as new Gemini team leader after Sissie Hsiao steps down
Google has announced that Sissie Hsiao is stepping down as leader of the Gemini team. Josh Woodward, currently head of Google Labs, will replace Hsiao. He will continue his role at Google Labs while taking on this new responsibility. This change aims to enhance the development and integration of the Gemini AI model into Google products.

New Zealand says won't retaliate to US tariff war, media fact checks Donald Trump
New Zealand will not impose retaliatory tariffs on the US after President Trump levied a 10% tariff on New Zealand exports. Trade Minister Todd McClay highlighted the negative impact of tariffs on consumers and inflation. The US incorrectly stated New Zealand imposes a 20% tariff on US goods, but the actual average tariff rate is 1.9%.

Auckland man jailed for four years for secretly filming 22 women and girls
Micah Te Ahu Fala from Auckland has been sentenced to four years in prison for secretly filming 22 women and girls over nine-and-a-half years. He used hidden spy cameras to capture his victims undressing, showering, and using the toilet. His offenses were discovered through a police investigation, leading to his guilty plea and sentencing.

Queenstown, Wellington airports ranked high on world’s most beautiful landings list
Queenstown and Wellington airports in New Zealand are among the world's most beautiful landing approaches, according to a survey by AllClear. Australia's Lord Howe Island Airport ranks first, Switzerland's Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport joins Wellington at 15th place. The picturesque landscapes make these airports standout, capturing travelers' attention with their stunning scenery.