Latest news with #NewZealanders
Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Legend in awe of Welsh rugby coach doing it the hard way on other side of world
Legend in awe of Welsh rugby coach doing it the hard way on other side of world The Welshman has been hailed as a 'top-notch person' as well as a 'legendary' player and coach Umaga is in awe of Jones, who has 'done it tough' since moving to New Zealand (Image:) New Zealand legend Tana Umaga says he "can't speak more highly" of former Wales captain Stephen Jones after the ex-fly-half moved across the world to join his coaching team at Moana Pasifika and came close to making history with the Super Rugby Pacific side. After leaving his role as Wales' attack coach at the end of 2022 - having been deemed surplus to requirements following Warren Gatland's return as head coach - Jones flew to New Zealand and became Umaga's assistant coach at Moana Pasifika the following year, a decision which he said was a "no-brainer". Working alongside the former All Blacks captain, Jones has helped to turn around the club's fortunes, as they came agonisingly close to sealing a historic first-ever play-off place this season, having finished rock bottom of the table for two successive campaigns before the Welshman's arrival. The 47-year-old has spoken openly about how much he is enjoying his new life in New Zealand, admitting he has been "blown away" by the beauty of the Pacific culture while also thriving in a more open coaching environment with Umaga and his staff. But the feeling is mutual, with Umaga full of praise for Jones as he spoke of their relationship and hailed him as a "top-notch person" as well as a "legendary" player and quality coach. "Oh, it's been such a pleasure with Stephen," he told UK. "I've got a lot of time and respect for him — not just as a rugby coach, but as a person. Article continues below "He's a top-notch person, and I think that's what kind of gravitated myself towards him. We just got on really well, and as usual, it was around a couple of beers that we got to know each other — and he does that well, a lot better than me. "Also, just in terms of being such a legend in the fly-half position and knowing what he does around that area, his attention to detail — that's what has impressed me. "Because it's such a big part of the game, and it's probably not a part of the game that comes natural to us. That's not just specific to our Islanders, but as New Zealanders as well. We're very much run and gun. We like the game to get going and moving, trying to keep kicking to a minimum. "But for us, he's given us ways of kicking and educated our players around that — what's a good kick, what isn't, when do we kick, and what does it look like for us to get it back as well," Umaga added. "As we've seen, the kicking game's such a messy part of rugby now because defences are so strong and get up on you so quick. Making errors inside your own half is near fatal now, and it just puts more stress on you in terms of fatigue. "When you're defending for long moments inside your own half, you're invariably going to leak points. Just around that whole area, he's very smart — not just in terms of what he knows, but what he teaches our players and how we formulate strategies in that area too, against certain teams." However, while Jones has been thriving on the other side of the world, it has certainly not been easy for him, with Umaga revealing that the former fly-half has stayed in New Zealand after his family returned to Wales for his childrens' schooling. "I can't speak more highly of Jonesy," said the former All Black, who will help coach the First Nations & Pasifika Invitational XV ahead of their clash with the British & Irish Lions later this summer. "He's done it tough too, because his family have returned to Wales for the schooling of their children. They were all here the first year, and then they made the decision to go home because their son was of age to start at the next tier of schooling. "He does it tough, but you wouldn't know — he's such an energised man. I don't know how he does it sometimes." It comes after Jones said he was enjoying the "healthy" coaching environment he now finds himself in, with collaboration and evolution key to Umaga's approach. "We've got a wonderful playing group, but the coaching environment where you can throw an idea or a concept out there and discuss and evolve it to grow [is also good]," he told New Zealand Rugby earlier this year. "It's a healthy environment to challenge ourselves. That's the part I love about this group. Article continues below "If I look at our coaching group and how we function and discuss things, there's an open willingness to share ideas. The forwards coach Tom Coventry might see an option for a back peel or an ability to get in behind them, and its great how we can evolve that. "Tana, at the helm, might say, 'Can we go this way?' and Seilala Mapusua has been amazing and might see a different picture," he added. "Between us all we can discuss that and put it to the playing group".
1News
8 hours ago
- Politics
- 1News
Matariki celebrated across NZ with ceremony and reflection
New Zealanders right around the country have been celebrating Matariki, with many of them up well before dawn to watch the rising of the star cluster which heralds the start of the Māori New Year. It became an official public holiday only in 2022, but it's already become one of our most meaningful days and the first holiday to recognise Te Ao Māori. It was the first new public holiday since Waitangi Day became a public holiday in 1974. The date of Matariki changes from year to year, but it will always fall in June or July. A public holiday is held for Matariki on June 20, 2025. (Source: Ngāti Rangi hosted this year's national Matariki ceremony at Tirorangi Marae at the base of Mount Ruapehu. ADVERTISEMENT Iwi spokesperson Che Wilson told 1News it was a "huge honour" to be the first marae to host the national holiday ceremony. "It's truly a privilege to welcome everyone here," he said. "It means a great deal to us." Wilson explained that the Matariki celebrations would include offering karakia to specific stars in alignment with their Puanga traditions. "In our Puanga narrative, we'll offer them to four atua – Tāne, Rongo, Tangaroa, and Maru [the gods of forest, cultivated food, the sea, and war]." The Māori Queen, politicians, and dignitaries attended the national ceremony. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said having events across the country was a "real kotahitanga moment". "To bring it to national presence and international presence is something that connects us to the universe, and that's really important for us, that we see our tikanga as a way of life, as a daily platform for kotahitanga. And for me, it also connects to many, many other people from throughout the world." ADVERTISEMENT It was also a poignant moment for European Union ambassador to New Zealand Lawrence Meredith, who lost his father when he was young. "This whole transition for the ancestors is a really powerful message, the idea that ancestors become stars," he said. Hautapu ceremony at Auckland's Bastion Point this morning. (Source: 1News) Hundreds gathered at Auckland's Bastion Point to ring in the Māori New Year this morning with a hautapu ceremony. Food and steam were offered to the stars of Matariki as an offering of thanks from the umu or hāngī. The kai that is prepared for the hautapu connects to four different whetū (stars) in the Matariki cluster: Seafood with the star Waitā; freshwater kai with the star Waitī; kai from above the ground with the star Tupuārangi; and kai from the earth with the star Tupuānuku. Many were up well before dawn to watch the rising of the star cluster. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT Kingi Makoare (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) said it was awesome to see the eagerness from people to learn about Māori culture. "It's heartwarming to see people really interested in us." Fiona Smith (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) added that it was a "great reflection of what New Zealand really should be". "Together, collaborative right from the beginning, standing shoulder to shoulder, doing things together, holding hands together." A maumaharatanga ceremony on Mauao/Mount Maunganui. (Source: 1News) In Tauranga, people of all ages summitted Mauao / Mount Maunganui before dawn for a remembrance of loved ones who had died in the past year. Te Puna I Rangiriri trust chairman Jack Thatcher led the maumaharatanga ceremony and said it was a "very emotional" morning. ADVERTISEMENT Maumaharatanga translates to memorial, memory or recollection. Grieving families and friends were invited to place their hands on the monument Te Tapuātea o Mauao and call out the names of their loved ones. "We have people bringing a lot of hurt. To call out the names of the loved ones that they're missing gives them a chance to heal and carry on," Thatcher said.
Canada News.Net
12 hours ago
- Business
- Canada News.Net
New Zealand aims to attract Chinese tourists and students
BEIJING/WELLINGTON: New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon commenced his visit to China on June 17, seeking to strengthen trade relations and attract tourists and students while also addressing sensitive topics related to security and defense in discussions with key leaders. This marks Luxon's first trip to China since taking office in November 2023. He began in Shanghai before traveling to Beijing, where, as his office announced, he is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on June 20. "It's all part of our strategy to boost our economy—creating more jobs, increasing wages, and ensuring more money is in your pocket," Luxon shared on Instagram as he departed. This visit occurs against the backdrop of rising Chinese influence in the Pacific, which has raised concerns among many Western countries, whose previous more substantial security presence is being tested. "There are numerous issues and challenges in the relationship," noted Jason Young, director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University, who mentioned that both nations recognize their significant mutual interests. In February, New Zealand expressed worries when the Cook Islands, under its constitutional umbrella, signed several agreements with China regarding cooperation in areas such as economy, infrastructure, and seabed mining without prior consultation. Additionally, Young added that the presence of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy task force in the Tasman Sea and other Chinese activities in the Pacific present further obstacles to the relationship. Despite these challenges, trade and travel represent less contentious areas between the two nations. New Zealand was the first developed country to establish a free trade agreement with China in 2008, exporting significant amounts of dairy, meat, and wood products. The tourism and educational sectors are also substantial. According to the foreign ministry, New Zealand's exports to China in 2024 reached NZ$20.85 billion (US$12.64 billion), comprising NZ$17.75 billion in goods and NZ$3.1 billion in services. Chinese tourists make up the third-largest group of international visitors to New Zealand, although their numbers remain almost 20 percent lower than in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the weekend, New Zealand announced it would introduce a 12-month trial of visa waivers for Chinese passport holders arriving from Australia with valid visas starting in November. This move reciprocates China's policy of offering visa-free entry to New Zealanders implemented last year. Luxon has referred to China as "an essential part" of his country's economic narrative and indicated that discussions during his four-day visit will touch on security and defense matters. He has noted the importance of engaging with China on significant issues, given the challenging global landscape. Previously, leaders from both countries met during November's APEC summit in Peru, and Li visited New Zealand in June 2022. Historically, Wellington has adopted a more accommodating stance towards China compared to Australia and its fellow members of the Five Eyes security alliance. However, in recent years, it has become more assertive on topics such as human rights, international law, and potential militarization in the Pacific. In June 2023, former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins visited Beijing ahead of Luxon's trip.
NZ Autocar
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
SADD Marks 40 Years of Empowering Kiwi Youth for Road Safety
Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) is celebrating 40 years of helping young New Zealanders make safer choices on the road. A news item about SADD from The Dominion, 1991. Originally founded in the United States in 1981, the movement arrived in New Zealand in 1985. It started here thanks to an American exchange student at Mahurangi College. Initially known as Students Against Driving Drunk and supported by Rotary and the AA, SADD grew into a national organisation by the late 1980s. Today, it involves over 200 schools and stands as Australasia's only student-led road safety education programme. In 2014, SADD expanded its focus to become Students Against Dangerous Driving. That reflects a broader commitment to tackling a wider range of road risks, including speeding, seatbelt use, driver fatigue, and mobile phone distractions. The group has shifted away from using scare tactics towards peer-to-peer education, recognising the effectiveness of youth influence in promoting safer behaviour. SADD conference. General Manager Donna Govorko says SADD's strength lies in its ability to evolve with young people's needs, supporting students not only with safety messaging but also on securing their driver licence. A recent AA Research Foundation survey of 1000 young drivers highlighted the importance of this work. Two-thirds admitted to speeding, and over one-fifth had driven without a seatbelt or had used social media while driving. One-third had been involved in a crash in the past five years. SADD's approach includes leadership development, evidence-based programmes, and national conferences to foster a youth-led safety culture. Its 'Kaitiaki o Ara' branding, incorporating te reo Māori, reinforces its mission as guardians of the road journey. Ex-students involved in SADD like Sterling Maxwell and Tayla Hill exemplify the long-term impact of the movement. Maxwell became SADD's first youth board trustee and formed a Māori advisory group, receiving a national road safety award for her efforts. Hill, another former group leader, has represented SADD at national forums, further advancing youth-led safety initiatives. SADD continues to call for every secondary school to participate, helping foster a generation of responsible, informed road users.
The Spinoff
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Spinoff
The cost of being: A political adviser finishing their master's degree
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a political adviser and master's student describes their financial situation. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female. Age: 23. Ethnicity: Pākehā. Role: I work full time as a political adviser and am a master's student. Salary/income/assets: My salary is $75,000 a year. My living location is: Urban. Rent/mortgage per week: $240 per week, not including other expenses like power and wifi. I live with two other flatmates and we split everything equally. Student loan or other debt payments per week: My student loan is pretty high because I didn't work for most of my undergrad and have also added to it with the master's degree I'm currently finishing up – I get paid monthly so it's about $550 out of each pay check. Typical weekly food costs Groceries: I would say I spend about $100 a week on supermarket trips – I'm a terrible cook and get decision paralysis in the aisles, so it tends to be on snacky stuff and a lot of beverages. My shelf in the fridge is always empty! Eating out: I eat out quite a bit on weekends (mostly at cafes) – I would estimate I spend about $30 a week on that. Takeaways: I get takeaways during the week if I feel like I need a big dinner which I usually don't have the ingredients to cook – maybe $50 a week? Workday lunches: $30 a week. Usually lunch for me is just a protein bar from the supermarket, but sometimes I branch out and go to a café or out with co-workers. Cafe coffees/snacks: $15 per week (not counting my lunchtime protein bars as a snack – that's a meal!). Other food costs: None. Savings: I put anywhere from $500 to $1000 a month into my savings account (depending on outgoings). I would love to get more adept at investing, because my savings account is starting to have what feels like a useless amount of money to just be sitting there. I worry about money: Sometimes. Three words to describe my financial situation: Growing, impulsive, fortunate. My biggest edible indulgence would be: Trying new cafes at the weekend – and smoked Havarti cheese! In a typical week my alcohol expenditure would be: Unfortunately after a few weeks of sobriety I am back on the Courtenay Place grind. $50 a week. In a typical week my transport expenditure would be: Nothing, because I walk everywhere. Even in winter. I estimate in the past year the ballpark amount I spent on my personal clothing (including sleepwear and underwear) was: I think it would be about $1500, I got a new job last year so had to get some more professional office stuff, but I like to shop vintage/ second hand so a lot of my clothes are from Depop or stores along Cuba St. My most expensive clothing in the past year was: I think it was a pair of Doc Martens I bought a few weeks back for $360. Still mustering up the courage to break them in. My last pair of shoes cost: $280 for some nicer running shoes because my old ones hurt me. My grooming/beauty expenditure in a year is about: Probably about $2000 (embarrassing!): $300 a year on hair-related activities, I replace my (very simple) skincare routine every few months which costs about $50 dollars, don't get through makeup too quickly so probably about $100 a year on that, and get my nails done monthly for about $100. My exercise expenditure in a year is about: My gym costs $7 a week (so $364 a year?) – which I really make the most of and use almost every day. My last Friday night cost: Nothing, unless you include the cost of my degree because I was working on my thesis the whole evening. Most regrettable purchase in the last 12 months was: A pair of shoes I made the mistake of buying online, which didn't fit and which I forgot to return. Most indulgent purchase (that I don't regret) in the last 12 months was: New bedding. I love my bed. One area where I'm a bit of a tightwad is: Socks. Hate buying socks. But other than that, I'm not sure I'm a tightwad at all – maybe with having people pay me back, but I feel like that's fair. Five words to describe my financial personality would be: Fun, I could die tomorrow. I grew up in a house where money was: A frequent and stressful subject because my dad owned his own business and my mum always worked hard too. I felt a lot of anxiety about it growing up because of the negative ways it was discussed, but I was always fortunate to go to great schools and never had to worry about having food on the table. The last time my Eftpos card was declined was: I don't think it has. I always know how much money is in my spending account. In five years, in financial terms, I see myself: Student loan paid off (I hope I pray!), on a higher salary, renting somewhere nicer. It's not on my radar for the next while to even think about buying a house. I would love to have more money for: International travel! I want to do Euro summer at least once. Describe your financial low: Just last year, when I was doing an unpaid internship and tutoring at uni for extra money – I never felt like I had enough, had basically no savings, wouldn't eat much, and would have about $30 to my name some weeks after rent and bills. I give money away to: The SPCA.
