Latest Oceania News
New Zealand sets 90% vaccination target to end lockdowns
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand's government on Friday set an ambitious target of fully vaccinating 90% of all eligible people to end coronavirus lockdowns. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had been under pressure to provide a pathway to freedom for people...
CDC sending team to Guam to study COVID-19 deaths
HAGATNA, Guam (AP) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will send a team to Guam to investigate why so many COVID-19 patients arrive at the island's hospitals dead. Last month, the U.S. territory's Department of Public Health and Social Services...
Australia, UK defend AUKUS pact, say fears overhyped
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Australia and Britain on Thursday defended their nuclear submarine deal with the U.S. amid concerns it could escalate tensions in the region and spark an arms race. U.K. Minister for Armed Forces James Heappey said there “has been a lot...
Australian police offer reward after 4-year-old disappears
PERTH, Australia (AP) — Australian police posted a 1 million Australian dollar ($750,000) reward on Thursday for information about a 4-year-old girl who officials suspect was snatched from a tent at a remote coastal location five days earlier. Cleo Smith was reportedly...
Australian town overwhelmed by response to free land offer
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The Australian Outback town of Quilpie hoped its offer of free residential land to anyone who would make it their home might attract five new families to the remote community of 800. But authorities have been overwhelmed by more than 250 inquires in less than two...
New Zealand governor-general favors outreach to marginalized
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand's new governor-general said Thursday she plans to reach out to people marginalized by issues like homelessness, addiction and discrimination. Cindy Kiro is the first Indigenous woman appointed to the role as the representative...
UK, New Zealand approve trade deal; hope it opens more doors
LONDON (AP) — Britain and New Zealand have agreed on a trade deal that eliminates tariffs on a wide range of goods as the U.K. expands economic links around the world following its exit from the European Union. The deal was cemented late Wednesday in a conference call...
UK, New Zealand approve trade deal; hope it opens more doors
LONDON (AP) — Britain agreed to a trade deal with New Zealand on Wednesday, eliminating tariffs on a wide range of goods as the U.K. seeks to expand economic links around the world following its exit from the European Union. The deal was cemented in a conference call...
Australia branded worst climate performer ahead of UN summit
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia was the worst climate performer among comparable developed countries since nations pledged in the 2015 Paris agreement to take action to limit global warming, a think tank said Thursday ahead of a key climate conference in Scotland later this month. ...
NZ police answer 4-year-old's call, confirm toys are cool
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — An emergency call made by a 4-year-old New Zealand boy asking for police to come over and check out his toys prompted a real-life callout and confirmation from an officer that the toys were, indeed, pretty cool. Police shared audio of the...
