New Zealand

New Zealand has declared war on tobacco with a remarkable new law. The indigenous Māori population, with the country's highest smoking rate, has a lot to gain. But they have a bone of contention.

Police said there were also multiple injuries during the incident, which took place near the hotel where Team Norway has been staying.

The nation has banned the bags that typically hold vegetables and fruit. Recyclable, biodegradable or plant-based plastic bag are also included in the ban.

A fire ripped through a hostel in New Zealand's capital overnight, killing at least six people and forcing others to flee the four-story building in their pajamas.

The competition withdrew its new category after pushback from animal rights groups. The controversy highlights a broader debate over how to manage the invasive species.

New Zealand lawmakers and other workers inside the nation's Parliament will be banned from having the TikTok app on their government phones, officials said Friday.

The race to Nome began Sunday for 33 mushers in this year's Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Competitors will travel travel nearly 1,000 miles and the winner is expected to take about 10 days.

Cyclone Gabrielle struck the country's north on Monday and has brought more destruction to the country than any weather event in years.

Political experts say that other global leaders can learn from Ardern's moment of gracefully bowing out while keeping reputations largely intact.

Asked whether she met with her Finnish counterpart "just because" of their similarities in age and gender, New Zealand's leader questioned whether reporters would ask the same of her male predecessor.