New Zealand

The budget was revealed yesterday in Wellington, and Labour's spokesperson for Pacific people, Aupito Su'a William Sio, said it will increase inequality.

Aupito said that rather than tax cuts, Pacific people needed a budget that improved education, health and housing.

"The home ownership rates for Pacific are at its lowest," he said.

"The overcrowdedness that I see in my electorate and parts of South Auckland - it's just tearful."

The result saw the Tigers claim their first triumph over the Black Caps outside of Bangladesh and also served as a dose of revenge for last week's four-wicket loss against the same side. 

Fittingly, Mahmudullah (46) struck the winning runs in a contest that saw him surpass 3,000 runs in one-day internationals, as Bangladesh enjoyed a pre-ICC Champions Trophy morale boost.

After the early loss of Luke Ronchi (2), New Zealand upped the run rate as captain Tom Latham (84) and Neil Broom (63) compiled a 133-run partnership.

The Pacific group will rise from 8 percent of the population in 2013 to 10 percent by 2038.

The broad Asian group will jump from 12 percent to 22 percent.

Maori will grow from 16 percent to 18 percent.

Due to lower birth rates the 'European or other' group will drop from 75 percent to 66 percent.

Modelling of smaller ethnic groups indicate the Chinese and Indian share of the population, about 4.5 percent and 4 percent respectively, will double.

Overall New Zealand's population is predicted to grow by about 1 million by 2038.

Douglas Ross of Otahuhu, New Zealand and Stella Teha Pia are standing trial on the charge of aggravate rape, a charge under section 347 of the Criminal Code Act.

They appeared before Justice Panuel Mogish this morning where the allegations against them were read in court.

Both Ross and Pia pleaded not guilty to the allegations which saw the trial commence.

It is the State’s allegation that they sexually assaulted a Joselyn Pakure between  August  1 and 2, 2015 at their home at Boroko after they invited her and other friends over for a gathering that night.  

The legendary former Ireland centre was Lions captain in the last tour to New Zealand in 2005, but his series was ended in the opening minute of the first Test after suffering a dislocated shoulder following a spear tackle from Keven Mealamu and Tana Umaga.

This year's Lions face six tour matches before the opening Test against the All Blacks on June 24, and O'Driscoll knows from experience that those games will be far from gentle warm-up affairs.

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei met with Prime Minister Bill English this week to discuss the company's expansion across New Zealand, with Ren saying Huawei is interested by the country's attitudes towards trade, as well as the opportunities for Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity

"New Zealand's open and fair trade environment, and its emphasis on developing new technology, facilitates our ongoing commitment," Ren said.

The staffer was allegedly involved in an incident on 12 March, but police were unable to question him after the embassy declined their request.

New Zealand then asked the US to remove the man, who American officials confirmed had left on Saturday.

Police have refused to give further details of the allegations.

However, New Zealand Radio reported the man - who has not been named - had left the country with a broken nose and a black eye.

The Whanganui River, which flows 145 kilometres from the central North Island to the sea, was given legal personhood by the country's parliament on Wednesday.

The river is a sacred and revered waterway to New Zealand's Maori Iwi people and its interests will now be represented by an Indigenous group.

It will be jointly represented by a member appointed by the Maori community, and one appointed by the government.

The country's Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Christopher Finlayson said the passing of the Te Awa Tupua Bill was a battle hard fought for.

The Dwellers will stop over in Fiji for two friendly matches against Suva FC and the Fiji national team before heading up to New Zealand for the OFC Champions League.

Dominated by upcoming players, the side will also be bolstered with the presence of their experienced campaigners, Raymond Gunemba, Troy Gunemba, Valentine Nelson, Ronald Warisan, Japhet Tiampo and Emmanuel Simon.

Head coach Peter Gunemba said the side expected tough competition in their pool.

The passenger was escorted by police to immigration officials to be interviewed.

An Immigration New Zealand spokesperson said the passenger was denied entry on grounds of character.

They could not reveal what those character grounds were.