Memorial ceremony for Ukraines International Legion serviceman Dominic Bryce Abelen in Kyiv

Memorial ceremony for Ukraines International Legion serviceman Dominic Bryce Abelen in Kyiv

Soldiers perform a haka dance during a memorial ceremony for Dominic Bryce Abelen, a 28-year-old serviceman of Ukraines International Legion from New Zealander who died near Vuhledar, Donetsk region, on August 23, 2022, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Kirill Chubotin/Ukrinform)

Memorial ceremony for Ukraines International Legion serviceman Dominic Bryce Abelen in Kyiv

Memorial ceremony for Ukraines International Legion serviceman Dominic Bryce Abelen in Kyiv

Soldiers perform a haka dance during a memorial ceremony for Dominic Bryce Abelen, a 28-year-old serviceman of Ukraines International Legion from New Zealander who died near Vuhledar, Donetsk region, on August 23, 2022, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Kirill Chubotin/Ukrinform)

Memorial ceremony for Ukraines International Legion serviceman Dominic Bryce Abelen in Kyiv

Memorial ceremony for Ukraines International Legion serviceman Dominic Bryce Abelen in Kyiv

Soldiers perform a haka dance during a memorial ceremony for Dominic Bryce Abelen, a 28-year-old serviceman of Ukraines International Legion from New Zealander who died near Vuhledar, Donetsk region, on August 23, 2022, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Kirill Chubotin/Ukrinform)

Memorial ceremony for Ukraines International Legion serviceman Dominic Bryce Abelen in Kyiv

Memorial ceremony for Ukraines International Legion serviceman Dominic Bryce Abelen in Kyiv

Soldiers perform a haka dance during a memorial ceremony for Dominic Bryce Abelen, a 28-year-old serviceman of Ukraines International Legion from New Zealander who died near Vuhledar, Donetsk region, on August 23, 2022, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Kirill Chubotin/Ukrinform)

New Zealand: Thousands Protest In Wellington Over Maori Rights

Tens of thousands of people gathered outside Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on Tuesday, November 19, as part of a nine-day 'hikoi' protest advocating for the rights of indigenous Maori people and opposing a proposed bill to reinterpret the 19th-century Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and the Maori.

Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand

Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand

Players during the Kapa o Pango maori haka during the Autumn Nations Series XV rugby match France VS New Zealand All Blacks at Stade de France in Saint Denis near Paris, France on November 16 2024. Photo by Victor Joly/ABACAPRESS.COM

Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand

Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand

French players during the Kapa o Pango maori haka during the Autumn Nations Series XV rugby match France VS New Zealand All Blacks at Stade de France in Saint Denis near Paris, France on November 16 2024. Photo by Victor Joly/ABACAPRESS.COM

Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand

Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand

Damian McKenzie and players during the Kapa o Pango maori haka during the Autumn Nations Series XV rugby match France VS New Zealand All Blacks at Stade de France in Saint Denis near Paris, France on November 16 2024. Photo by Victor Joly/ABACAPRESS.COM

Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand

Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand

Players during the Kapa o Pango maori haka during the Autumn Nations Series XV rugby match France VS New Zealand All Blacks at Stade de France in Saint Denis near Paris, France on November 16 2024. Photo by Victor Joly/ABACAPRESS.COM

Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand

Autumn Nations Series - France v New Zealand

Damian McKenzie and players during the Kapa o Pango maori haka during the Autumn Nations Series XV rugby match France VS New Zealand All Blacks at Stade de France in Saint Denis near Paris, France on November 16 2024. Photo by Victor Joly/ABACAPRESS.COM

(Int'l Exchange)NEW ZEALAND-WELLINGTON-CHINESE CHILDREN'S CHOIR-VISITING

(Int'l Exchange)NEW ZEALAND-WELLINGTON-CHINESE CHILDREN'S CHOIR-VISITING

(240724) -- WELLINGTON, July 24, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A student of Wellington East Girls' College teaches a member of China's Guangzhou Opera House Children's Choir a Maori song in Wellington, New Zealand, July 24, 2024. Members of Guangzhou Opera House Children's Choir visited Wellington East Girls' College in New Zealand on Wednesday, and held a joint concert with the high school's choir at the opening ceremony of the new semester of the school. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Direct flights resume between Chengdu, Auckland

STORY: Direct flights resume between Chengdu, Auckland SHOOTING TIME: April 17, 2024 DATELINE: April 17, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:14 LOCATION: AUCKLAND, New Zealand CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Sichuan Airlines' aircraft arriving in Auckland 2. various of welcoming ceremony STORYLINE: The direct flights between China's Chengdu and Auckland of New Zealand officially resumed on Wednesday as a Sichuan Airlines' aircraft carrying over 200 Chinese tourists landed at the Auckland International Airport. The services had been suspended for more than four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions. The Chinese tourists were welcome by a special ceremony featured with traditional Maori dance and singing at the airport on Wednesday afternoon. Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong said there are now six airlines in operation of direct flights between the two countries, involving seven Chinese cities. Rachel Maidment, the director of the Auckland office of the New Zealand Ministry of

NEW ZEALAND-AUCKLAND-BEIJING FLIGHTS-RESTART

NEW ZEALAND-AUCKLAND-BEIJING FLIGHTS-RESTART

(230502) -- AUCKLAND, May 2, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken with a mobile phone shows a welcoming ceremony featured with traditional Maori dance and singing at the Auckland International Airport in Auckland, New Zealand, May 2, 2023. The direct flights between Beijing and Auckland in New Zealand officially resumed on Tuesday as an Air China aircraft carrying over 200 Chinese tourists landed at the Auckland International Airport. (Xinhua/Lu Huaiqian)

Chinese designer Guo Pei's art couture exhibition enchants Auckland

STORY: Chinese designer Guo Pei's art couture exhibition enchants Auckland SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 8, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:59 LOCATION: AUCKLAND, New Zealand CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Guo Pei's exhibition "Fashion, Art, Fantasy" STORYLINE: As the sun dipped below the Auckland skyline, the Auckland Art Gallery sparkled with the presence of celebrities and dignitaries, who came to celebrate the exquisite symphony of art, fashion and heritage as the Chinese couturier Guo Pei unveiled her exhibition "Fashion, Art, Fantasy." The six-month exhibition starting from Saturday showcases over 60 striking garments from Guo Pei's two-decade-long career, inviting New Zealanders to immerse themselves in the grandeur of her art couture. The opening ceremony commenced with the soul-stirring resonance of Maori Karanga, a ceremonial call of welcome to the artist and her family, followed by traditional blessings and songs. The exclusive exhibition not only displays Guo Pei's repre

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-CONCERT-TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSIC

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-CONCERT-TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSIC

(230927) -- CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 27, 2023 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand singer Deborah Wai Kapohe (front) performs "Maori Love Song" (Pokarekare Ana) at a concert of traditional Chinese music in Christchurch, New Zealand, Sept. 26, 2023. A concert of traditional Chinese music was staged on Tuesday night in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, attracting over 300 people. The concert was jointly sponsored by the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch, China's Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and the China Cultural Center in Wellington, to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua)

Rugby World Cup - Fan Zone And Rugby Village

Rugby World Cup - Fan Zone And Rugby Village

New Zealand traditional group Maori Te Matatani at Concorde Rugby Village during the broadcast of the opening match of the France-New Zealand Rugby World Cup in Paris, France on September 8, 2023. Photo by Karim Ait Adjedjou/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Fan Zone And Rugby Village

Rugby World Cup - Fan Zone And Rugby Village

New Zealand traditional group Maori Te Matatani at Concorde Rugby Village during the broadcast of the opening match of the France-New Zealand Rugby World Cup in Paris, France on September 8, 2023. Photo by Karim Ait Adjedjou/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Fan Zone And Rugby Village

Rugby World Cup - Fan Zone And Rugby Village

New Zealand traditional group Maori Te Matatani at Concorde Rugby Village during the broadcast of the opening match of the France-New Zealand Rugby World Cup in Paris, France on September 8, 2023. Photo by Karim Ait Adjedjou/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Fan Zone And Rugby Village

Rugby World Cup - Fan Zone And Rugby Village

New Zealand traditional group Maori Te Matatani at Concorde Rugby Village during the broadcast of the opening match of the France-New Zealand Rugby World Cup in Paris, France on September 8, 2023. Photo by Karim Ait Adjedjou/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Fan Zone And Rugby Village

Rugby World Cup - Fan Zone And Rugby Village

New Zealand traditional group Maori Te Matatani at Concorde Rugby Village during the broadcast of the opening match of the France-New Zealand Rugby World Cup in Paris, France on September 8, 2023. Photo by Karim Ait Adjedjou/ABACAPRESS.COM

Light festival held in New Zealand to celebrate Maori New Year

STORY: Light festival held in New Zealand to celebrate Maori New Year DATELINE: July 8, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:04 LOCATION: Wellington CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the festival STORYLINE: Tirama Mai light festival kicked off on Friday in Christchurch, New Zealand. This annual winter festival of light celebrates the Maori New Year and the winter season. Around 20 different lighting displays, artworks and interactive installations light up the city. Residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this event in the coming week as the lighting festival is being held from July 7 to July 15. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Wellington. (XHTV)

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

(230707) -- CHRISTCHURCH, July 7, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People visit a light show with Maori cultural characteristics in Chrischurch, New Zealand, July 7, 2023. The nine-day light show is held to celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, which falls on July 14. (Photo by Walter/Xinhua)

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

(230707) -- CHRISTCHURCH, July 7, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People visit a light show with Maori cultural characteristics in Chrischurch, New Zealand, July 7, 2023. The nine-day light show is held to celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, which falls on July 14. (Photo by Walter/Xinhua)

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

(230707) -- CHRISTCHURCH, July 7, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People visit a light show with Maori cultural characteristics in Chrischurch, New Zealand, July 7, 2023. The nine-day light show is held to celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, which falls on July 14. (Photo by Walter/Xinhua)

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

(230707) -- CHRISTCHURCH, July 7, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People visit a light show with Maori cultural characteristics in Chrischurch, New Zealand, July 7, 2023. The nine-day light show is held to celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, which falls on July 14. (Photo by Walter/Xinhua)

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

(230707) -- CHRISTCHURCH, July 7, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People visit a light show with Maori cultural characteristics in Chrischurch, New Zealand, July 7, 2023. The nine-day light show is held to celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, which falls on July 14. (Photo by Walter/Xinhua)

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

NEW ZEALAND-CHRISTCHURCH-LIGHT SHOW

(230707) -- CHRISTCHURCH, July 7, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People visit a light show with Maori cultural characteristics in Chrischurch, New Zealand, July 7, 2023. The nine-day light show is held to celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, which falls on July 14. (Photo by Walter/Xinhua)

New Zealand 2023 Rotorua Marathon held in rain

STORY: New Zealand 2023 Rotorua Marathon held in rain DATELINE: May 6, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:02 LOCATION: ROTORUA, New Zealand CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of New Zealand's 2023 Rotorua Marathon STORYLINE: More than 4,000 runners pounded the picturesque tracks around Rotorua Lake in rain on Saturday in the 59th edition of Rotorua Marathon, one of the oldest sporting events in New Zealand. Tokyo Olympian Auckland-based Malcolm Hicks won the men's full marathon in two hours 21 minutes and 49 seconds. Tauranga-based Alice Mason earned a record-equalling fourth victory in the women's race in 2:54:30, just nine months after giving birth to her baby. Earlier in the day, around 4,000 participants set out in a light drizzle to take on either the full marathon, half-marathon, 10km or 5.5km distances. Rotorua, one of North Island's top visitor destinations, is well-known for its fascinating geothermal activity, Maori culture, hot springs and mud pools. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporti

Direct flights resume between Beijing and Auckland, New Zealand

STORY: Direct flights resume between Beijing and Auckland, New Zealand DATELINE: May 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:37 LOCATION: Auckland CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Chinese tourists arriving at the Auckland International Airport. STORYLINE: The direct flights between Beijing and Auckland in New Zealand officially resumed on Tuesday as an Air China aircraft carrying over 200 Chinese tourists landed at the Auckland International Airport. The services had been suspended for more than three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions. The Chinese tourists were welcomed by a special ceremony featured with traditional Maori dance and singing at the airport on Tuesday afternoon. Currently, direct flights are conducted between Beijing and Auckland four times every week, according to Air China. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Auckland. (XHTV)

NEW ZEALAND-AUCKLAND-BEIJING FLIGHTS-RESTART

NEW ZEALAND-AUCKLAND-BEIJING FLIGHTS-RESTART

(230502) -- AUCKLAND, May 2, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken with a mobile phone shows a welcoming ceremony featured with traditional Maori dance and singing at the Auckland International Airport in Auckland, New Zealand, May 2, 2023. The direct flights between Beijing and Auckland in New Zealand officially resumed on Tuesday as an Air China aircraft carrying over 200 Chinese tourists landed at the Auckland International Airport. (Xinhua/Lu Huaiqian)

Waitangi Day ceremony held in Wellington to mark foundation treaty

STORY: Waitangi Day ceremony held in Wellington to mark foundation treaty DATELINE: Feb. 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:29 LOCATION: Wellington CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the waka ceremony to celebrate New Zealand's Waitangi Day STORYLINE: The Wellington City Council held a waka (canoe) ceremony on Monday to celebrate New Zealand's Waitangi Day. The waka is the highest type of Maori canoe, always of large size, and adorned with carved designs, paint, and feathers in an elaborate manner. It has become a symbol of Maori unity and pride in "Waitangi Day" remembrances. In the morning, 20 Maori "warriors" dressing in traditional festive costumes rowed a large waka through the waters of Wellington city center, attracting many citizens to stop and watch. The Treaty of Waitangi takes its name from the place in the Bay of Islands where it was first signed on Feb. 6, 1840, by representatives of the British Crown and Maori chiefs, which allowed the then British government to gain the sole right to purchase l

Gala night connects Happy Chinese New Year celebration with New Zealand residents

STORY: Gala night connects Happy Chinese New Year celebration with New Zealand residents DATELINE: Jan. 30, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:05 LOCATION: AUCKLAND, New Zealand CATEGORY: CULTURE/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the performances and the audience STORYLINE: A Chinese New Year gala night on Sunday has connected thousands of Auckland residents with unique experiences of the Chinese culture and performances. The 2023 Happy Chinese New Year Glories of Huaxing Gala Night, co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Auckland and the New Zealand Huaxing Arts Troupe, was unveiled by New Zealand Maori Haka and traditional welcome ritual. Traditional and contemporary Chinese dances and songs, Chinese cross-talk, magic show, Peking opera, Qipao display, violin solo and chorus have featured the event, which won thundering applauses from several thousand local audiences. Jason Sun from the audience was amazed by the performances. "I was born in (China's) Hubei Province. Today's gala night brings back those familiar

Abe in NZ

Abe in NZ

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (3rd from L, front) and his wife Akie (2nd from L, front) watch a ceremony welcoming them to New Zealand by members of the Maori indigenous people in Auckland on July 7, 2014. (Pool photo)

Abe in NZ

Abe in NZ

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2nd from R) exchanges a traditional Maori greeting of rubbing noses with an elder of New Zealand's indigenous Maori people, while his wife Akie (2nd from L) looks on, in Auckland on July 7, 2014. (Pool photo)

Maori woman refused entry to public bath

Maori woman refused entry to public bath

SAPPORO, Japan - Photo shows Erana Brewerton, a Maori woman from New Zealand. A public bath in Eniwa, Hokkaido, refused entry to the 60-year-old Maori language teacher due to her facial tattoos, an official of the facility said Sept. 12, 2013.

All Blacks perform 'haka'

All Blacks perform 'haka'

TOKYO, Japan - The New Zealand All Blacks perform the traditional Maori 'haka' challenge before a Bledisloe Cup rugby match against the Qantas Wallabies of Australia at Japan's National Stadium in Tokyo on Oct. 31, 2009.

Emperor welcomes Maori king at his residence

Emperor welcomes Maori king at his residence

TOKYO, Japan - Emperor Akihito (2nd from R) and Empress Michiko (R) welcomes Maori King Tuheitia and his wife at their residence in the Imperial Palace on Jan. 22. (Pool photo)

N.Z. in need of Pied Piper to resolve rat dilemma

N.Z. in need of Pied Piper to resolve rat dilemma

SYDNEY, Australia - Resembling something out of the German folktale Pied Piper, New Zealand's government may be forced to find new home for an island population of Polynesian rats if indigenous Maori people want the rodents moved rather than killed. The Polynesian rat, or Kiore, were bought to New Zealand from Polynesia by early Maori settlers more than 1,000 years ago as a food source.

(3)Crown prince, princess arrive in N.Z.

(3)Crown prince, princess arrive in N.Z.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako accepts the challenge from a Maori warrior during a welcome ceremony at Government House shortly after their arrival in Wellington on Dec. 12 to begin a five-day official visit to New Zealand.(Pool photo)

(5)Crown prince, princess arrive in N.Z.

(5)Crown prince, princess arrive in N.Z.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Japanese Crown Princess Masako receives a traditional greeting from a Maori lady during a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Wellington on Dec. 12. (Pool photo)

(4)Crown prince, princess arrive in N.Z.

(4)Crown prince, princess arrive in N.Z.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito receives a traditional greeting from a Maori lady during a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Wellington on Dec. 12. (Pool photo)

Olympic torch arrives in Cook Islands

Olympic torch arrives in Cook Islands

AVARUA, Rarotonga - The Olympic torch goes around the Rarotonga Island in the Cook Islands, the easternmost point of the torch relay route, held by a man aboard a traditional Maori-style dais May 31.

Asia-Pacific leaders see Maori rites

Asia-Pacific leaders see Maori rites

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Asia-Pacific leaders are welcomed Sept. 12 at an Auckland hotel by a New Zealand 'powhiri,' a traditional challenge by a group of indigenous Maori warriors and chiefs.

Obuchi receives traditional Maori greeting

Obuchi receives traditional Maori greeting

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - A Maori leader (L) welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi with a nose-to-nose traditional greeting at an Auckland hotel Sept. 12. Obuchi is here to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum summit. Maoris are a Polynesian people native to New Zealand.

Over 2,000 athletes race in ironman triathlon at New Zealand's Lake Taupo

STORY: Over 2,000 athletes race in ironman triathlon at New Zealand's Lake Taupo DATELINE: Dec. 10, 2022 LENGTH: 00:03:47 LOCATION: TAUPO, New Zealand CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the ceremonial Maori Haka war dance before the start of the Ironman New Zealand race 2. various of Ironman New Zealand race STORYLINE: More than 2,000 athletes from over 40 countries and regions competed in two ironman triathlon races in heavy rain, both held on Saturday inside and around New Zealand's Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. Ironman New Zealand sees athletes take on a 3.8km swim starting and finishing on the shores of Lake Taupo, a 180km ride taking in the rural landscape surrounding Taupo, and a 42.2km run along the lakefront. Ironman 70.3 (miles) New Zealand athletes will swim 1.9km, bike 90km, and run 21.1km. Auckland-based Dan Plews claimed the overall men's age-group title in 8:50:12, while Melbourne-based Vanessa Murray won the women's event, crossing the line in 9:41:10.

"East Meets West" concert held in Wellington

STORY: "East Meets West" concert held in Wellington DATELINE: Sept. 20, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:44 LOCATION: Wellington CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the concert STORYLINE: An "East Meets West" orchestral concert was held at the Opera House in New Zealand's capital Wellington on Monday night, attracting over 1,000 people. The concert was offered by Chinese and New Zealand artists together and conducted by leading New Zealand conductor Brent Stewart. Several traditional Chinese musical works were presented, including The Torch Festival and Chinese Sights and Sounds. The musicians also presented The Drysdale Overture created by a New Zealand composer, and the traditional Maori song Pokarekare Ana. A Chinese tenor and a New Zealand soprano sang together a well-known Chinese song The Song of Yangtze River at the concert, which culminated in the piano concerto Yellow River with applause from the audience. Wang Xiaolong, Chinese ambassador to New Zealand, said in a welcome message for the

New Zealand's Rotorua Marathon brings thousands of runners into lake tracks

STORY: New Zealand's Rotorua Marathon brings thousands of runners into lake tracks DATELINE: Sept. 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:25 LOCATION: ROTORUA, New Zealand CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Rotorua Marathon STORYLINE: More than 2,400 runners stepped on the picturesque tracks around Rotorua Lake on Saturday in one of the oldest sporting events in New Zealand. Home favorite Michael Voss won by a clear margin in 2:29:21 and became the first man to win three consecutive Rotorua Marathons since the event began 58 years ago. Wellington-based athlete Mel Brandon won the women's race in 3:00:08. Earlier in the day, more than 2,400 participants set out in the sunshine to take on either the full marathon, half-marathon, 10km or 5.5km distances. Rotorua, one of North Island's top visitor destinations, is well-known for its fascinating geothermal activity, Maori culture, hot springs and mud pools. Rotorua Marathon is famous for its stunning scenery across the various race options around Lake Rotorua, the b

NEW ZEALAND-AUCKLAND-ORCHESTRAL CONCERT

NEW ZEALAND-AUCKLAND-ORCHESTRAL CONCERT

(220902) -- AUCKLAND, Sept. 2, 2022 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Soprano Christina Ellison performs the New Zealand traditional Maori song Pokarekara Ana during the "East Meets West" orchestral concert held at Auckland Town Hall in Auckland, New Zealand, Sept. 1, 2022. The "East Meets West" orchestral concert held at Auckland Town Hall on Thursday night impressed the New Zealand audience with classic Chinese musical works. The concert is part of "Image China", a cultural exchange initiative presented by China Arts and Entertainment Group, which aims to introduce traditional and contemporary Chinese performing arts to audiences worldwide. TO GO WITH "Concert held in New Zealand featuring Chinese cultural elements" (Photo by David Soh/Xinhua)

Bumper breeding season boosts New Zealand endangered flightless parrots' population

STORY: Bumper breeding season boosts New Zealand endangered flightless parrots' population DATELINE: Aug. 9, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:13 LOCATION: Wellington CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of New Zealand's critically endangered kakapo STORYLINE: The population of New Zealand's critically endangered flightless parrots, kakapo, has increased from 197 to 252 in the 2022 breeding season. "There are now more of the endangered parrots than there have been for almost 50 years," Conservation Minister Poto Williams said in a statement on Tuesday. The flightless, nocturnal parrot is a species unique to New Zealand. They breed only every two to four years when the island country's rimu trees, or "red pine", produce enough fruit. During breeding seasons, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Ngai Tahu, the principal Maori tribe of the South Island, aim to have as many kakapo chicks raised in nests as possible. They only intervene with hand-rearing when chicks are at risk. This season 49 were r

NEW ZEALAND-MATARIKI-OFFICIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY

NEW ZEALAND-MATARIKI-OFFICIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY

(220625) -- WELLINGTON, June 25, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Fireworks celebrating the Maori New Year shine the sky over Wellington, New Zealand, June 24, 2022. New Zealanders celebrated Matariki, or the Maori New Year, as an official public holiday for the first time on Friday. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua)