New Zealand

$1 billion for Pacific energy projects

“The $635 million committed at the 2013 Pacific Energy Summit has translated into over $900 million of investments across 70 projects,” New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully says.

“In the same way, I hope to see the $1 billion of commitments announced today increase as opportunities for leverage become apparent, and as the ambition of partners grows.

“With the growing role for the private sector and the prospect of access to the UN Green Climate Fund there should be significant potential to further expand our efforts in this area.

Tanoa Hotel Group: New brand

This coincides with the upcoming opening of its new 4 star Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga. 

Tanoa is a major hospitality player in the Pacific with 10 hotels in Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand and soon, Tonga. 

This makeover for Tanoa Hotels, which was founded over 50 years ago, is designed to bring the brand in line with their growing portfolio and position in the market.

Tietjens proud of Hong Kong effort

RNZI reports Pita Ahki's try gave New Zealand an early 7-nil lead but Fiji struck back before half-time to level the ledger at the break before scoring two second half tries to seal victory.

New Zealand had beaten South Africa in the second period of extra time in the semi-finals and coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said he was pleased with his side's performance.

NZ Government announces Zika aid for Pacific Islands

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says $250,000 (US$167,000) of that money will go to the World Health Organisation's Pacific Zika Action Plan while the rest will be given to “enable countries in the region to respond rapidly if required”.

“With the Zika virus now confirmed in a number of Pacific countries, New Zealand is committed to helping limit the impact and spread of the virus in the region,” says McCully.

“Our package of support is targeted at prevention and detection measures and builds on our existing support for improving health outcomes in the region.

Silver fern tops New Zealand flag referendum

The design beat four other contenders in a nation-wide referendum, according to preliminary results released by the New Zealand Electoral Commission.

Simply titled “Silver Fern (Black, White and Blue)”, the design will go head-to-head with the existing flag in a second referendum in March next year.

“While this is a preliminary result, New Zealanders can now turn their attention to deciding whether to keep the current flag, or replace it,” Deputy Prime Minister Bill English said.

Taylor Swift is definitely in New Zealand

Universal Music today confirmed that Swift, who is rumoured to be shooting a new music video here, is indeed in New Zealand.

The news was also confirmed by Shortland Street star Ido Drent, who shared an Air New Zealand flight with the pop star.

He told TVNZ he talked to Swift outside one of the plane's toilets.

"Yeah, had a good chat to her on the plane outside the lavatory," he told TVNZ. "She's definitely here."

Swift was yesterday rumoured to be on her way here, with fans spotting her at Bethells Beach.

Evacuations in Wellington, Palmerston North

Hundreds of people had to vacate their offices after this morning's threat at the court, with a police cordon put around the block.

The police searched the building with bomb squad dogs looking for a suspect bag until an all-clear was given. No suspicious items were found, they said.

New Zealand beat Australia to retain Rugby World Cup

Wonderful tries from Nehe Milner-Skudder and Ma'a Nonu had given the All Blacks a 21-3 lead early in the second half before David Pocock and Tevita Kuridrani struck back.

With 15 minutes to go there were just four points in it, but a nerveless long-distance drop-goal and penalty from Dan Carter snatched back control.

And when replacement Beauden Barrett sprinted away on to Ben Smith's clearing kick at the death history was made, with New Zealand also becoming the first three-time champions of the world.

Party time for the All Blacks leaving the team behind

Some very, very big names are playing their last games in All Black jerseys and they'll leave a a sizeable hole.

Here's a quick rundown of who's heading off and where they're going:

-Dan Carter (111 caps) is going to Racing 92, a Parisian club known for their outrageous wealth and commitment to aristocratic exclusivity.

-Ma'a Nonu (101 caps) is headed to Toulon, whose owner Mourad Boudjellal courted controversy by comparing some debatable refereeing decisions to being sodomised.

All Blacks keep nerve to beat Springboks

The All Blacks were five points behind at half-time with a man in the sin-bin as four penalties from Handre Pollard cancelled out Jerome Kaino's early try.

A Dan Carter drop-goal and a Beauden Barrett try put the champions ahead.

South Africa replied with two penalties but a Carter effort in between secured victory despite ferocious Bok defence.

It was seldom pretty but once again in this World Cup there was a gripping finale, the All Blacks holding that two-point lead for the last 12 minutes as their opponents finally tired.