New Zealand Financial News

Rajnath Singh and the US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard met and held bilateral talks in the national capital on Monday. On Saturday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a meeting with Gabbard, and according to sources, they discussed several facets of the India-US relationship in detail. Gabbard is visiting India as a part of her multi-nation visit. The Asia leg of Gabbard's trip will culminate in an address on March 18 at the Raisina Dialogue, a multinational gathering of security officials in Delhi, to which Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited her. The US intel chief Gabbard will hold bilateral meetings with Indian officials and officials from other countries, The New York Times reported, citing a Trump administration official. Her visit to India follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in February this year.

New Zealand media reported large groups of students moving around the streets near Dunedin University early Monday (March 17) morning with many indulging in a challenge known as “six before six”, which is about consuming six alcoholic beverages before 6am. Many students admitted that it was a popular way of celebration among them. As the day progressed, the number of students increased manifold and there was loud music too. Streets were littered with broken glasses and at least one also had a burnt couch. According to police officers, at least four such fires were reported from the area with the The Otago Daily Times reporting that a wallaby was found burned on one of the couches. Police have confirmed that they are investigating the alleged incident of a wallaby being burnt.

Global leaders are arriving in New Delhi to participate in the Raisina Dialogue 2025, a key conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics. The foreign Ministers of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blanar; the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo; and Antigua and Barbuda, EP Chet Greene, have already arrived in the capital. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X, «Welcoming FM Mr. Juraj Blanar of Slovak Republic, FM Enrique A. Manalo of Philippines & FM E.P. Chet Greene of Antigua & Barbuda, as they arrive in New Delhi for the Raisina Dialogue 2025.» The Raisina Dialogue, India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, will be held in New Delhi from March 17 to 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 10th edition of the event today, with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as the chief guest and delivering the keynote address. Representatives from about 125 countries, including ministers, former Heads of State and heads of government, military commanders, captains of industry, technology leaders, academics, journalists, scholars on strategic affairs, experts from leading think tanks, and youth will participate in the Raisina Dialogue.

free trade agreement, after it was stalled in 2015 following their failure to narrow differences in sensitive areas including dairy and agriculture. India and New Zealand began negotiating the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in April 2010 to boost trade in goods, services, and investment but the talks stalled after nine rounds of discussions. The ninth round of negotiation was held in 2013. The two nations announced the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the eve of the bilateral meeting between the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand. Luxon is here on a four-day visit from March 16.

India and New Zealand on Sunday announced resumption of negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement to boost economic ties. India and New Zealand began negotiating the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in April 2010 to boost trade in goods, services, and investment. However, after nine rounds of discussions, the talks stalled in 2015. «The two nations are pleased to announce the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations,» the commerce ministry said. The announcement was made after the meeting of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment. Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon is here on a four-day visit from March 16. «The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access,» it said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Sunday began a five-day visit to India with a focus on deepening the bilateral trade and economic ties. On Monday, Luxon will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will attend the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue as the chief guest. Days ahead of the trip, the New Zealand prime minister said he will push for a comprehensive economic partnership with India and explore ways to strengthen bilateral security ties. Luxon is visiting India from March 16 to 20 in his first trip to the country as the prime minister. He is accompanied by one of the largest delegations a New Zealand prime minister has ever travelled with. The visiting leader was received at the Delhi airport by Union Minister SP Singh Baghel. «What I'm looking for is just a much more comprehensive economic partnership and how we'd move that forward, Luxon said last week, adding, „I am determined that we are going to change the trading relationships with India big time.“

Raisina Dialogue on Monday, marking India's premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. The Raisina Dialogue is organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). According to the MEA, the conference will host representatives from around 125 countries, encompassing foreign ministers, former heads of state, military leaders, industry executives, technology innovators, academics, journalists, and experts in strategic affairs. Notably, foreign ministers from 20 nations are confirmed to attend. The Ukrainian foreign minister's visit coincides with intensified US efforts to broker a temporary ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia amidst ongoing hostilities. Here's all you need to know

The Pakistan batting crumbled against the New Zealand pace attack and the tourists were all out for 91 in 18.4 overs, its fifth-lowest total in T20 internationals. New Zealand easily ran down that total, reaching 92-1 from 10.1 overs with Tim Seifert making 44 from 29 balls and Finn Allen 29 from 17. Tim Robinson was 18 not out and took two runs from the first ball of the 11th over to complete the win. «It was obviously difficult and we weren't up to the mark,» Ali Agha said. «They bowled really well. They were bowling in the right areas and there was swing and seam for them as well. »But out batting wasn't up to the mark. We have won day before the next game and we will try to gather ourselves and be better in the next game."

Venue : Hagley Oval, Christchurch New Zealand Women squad - Emma McLeod, Georgia Plimmer, Maddy Green, Suzie Bates, Brooke Halliday, Flora Devonshire, Jess Kerr, Izzy Sharp, Polly Inglis, Bree Illing, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas, Rosemary Mair Sri Lanka Women squad - Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Vishmi Gunarathne, Chamari Athapaththu, Chethana Vimukthi, Kavisha Dilhari, Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmika Sewwandi, Anushka Sanjeewani, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Malki Madara, Sachini Nisansala, Sugandika Kumari New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: Sri Lanka Women Nilakshika Silva 5 (6) Manudi Nanayakkara 7 (14) New Zealand Women Suzie Bates 0/7 (3) New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: Sri Lanka Women Manudi Nanayakkara 6 (11) Nilakshika Silva 3 (3) New Zealand Women Flora Devonshire 1/12 (2) New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: Sri Lanka Women Manudi Nanayakkara 2 (7) Nilakshika Silva 1 (1) New Zealand Women Suzie Bates 0/3 (2) New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: Four! That is pulled through the on side. The ball races to the fence in no time.

'I actually don't know what I will be doing post retirement, recently I asked a teammate the same question, and got the same reply. Yeah but may be a lot of traveling," said Virat Kohli. Recently, the peerless Virat Kohli said his job is not just to win ICC trophies but also ensure that Indian cricket is at a better place when he walks into the sunset, as the team won a third Champions Trophy title with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand here. India completed a chase of 252 with six balls to spare. «When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place, I feel we've a squad that's ready to take on the world for the next eight years,» an ecstatic Kohli said after the end of the final. «It's been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australian tour, and wanted to win a big tournament, so to win the Champions Trophy is amazing,» Kohli told broadcasters 'JioHotstar' with Shubman Gill by his side.

A Japanese rock band opened for a German post-punk trio followed by an alternative group from New Zealand. And that was just day one at the New Colossus Festival, held last week. The six-day event takes its name from the poem cast on the Statue of Liberty, viewed as a welcome message for new immigrants: «Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses....»

New Zealand Women Innings Highlights : New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: New Zealand Women Emma McLeod 41 (40) Polly Inglis 2 (2) Sri Lanka Women Malki Madara 1/13 (3) New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: New Zealand Women Polly Inglis 2 (2) Emma McLeod 38 (34) Sri Lanka Women Inoshi Priyadharshani 2/25 (3) New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: OUT! st Anushka Sanjeewani b Inoshi Priyadharshani. New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: New Zealand Women Emma McLeod 37 (33) Jess Kerr 7 (11) Sri Lanka Women Sugandika Kumari 0/16 (3) New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: New Zealand Women Emma McLeod 33 (28) Jess Kerr 6 (10) Sri Lanka Women Kavisha Dilhari 2/11 (3) New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: New Zealand Women Emma McLeod 32 (26) Jess Kerr 4 (6) Sri Lanka Women Chamari Athapaththu 0/7 (2) New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: New Zealand Women Jess Kerr 2 (3) Emma McLeod 29 (23) Sri Lanka Women Kavisha Dilhari 2/8 (2) New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Score: OUT! run out (Achini Kulasuriya / Kavisha Dilhari).

The Hundred draft. Big names like Imad Wasim, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali and Naseem Shah, who was the highest priced, all found no bidders. Among women Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Yusra Amir, Iram Javed, and Jaweria Rauf did not find any takers. Meanwhile, Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad and New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell got the best deal. Ahmad joined Manchester Originals, while Bracewell was picked by Southern Brave. Former Australia cricketer David Warner was picked by London Spirit.

JioHotstar has set new records in India’s live sports streaming with the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, drawing 540+ crore views and nearly 11,000 crore minutes of watch time, cementing its dominance in digital sports. The India vs. New Zealand final captivated audiences nationwide, drawing 124.2 crore views and reaching a peak concurrency of 6.12 crores. Hindi-speaking regions contributed over 38% of total viewership, with Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Goa, Punjab, and Haryana leading consumption. Large-screen viewing also saw a surge, with JioHotstar achieving over 80% penetration in WiFi-enabled CTV households, and Maharashtra recording the highest viewership. Kiran Mani, CEO – Digital, JioStar, highlighted the platform’s scale and accessibility: «The overwhelming response to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 marks a leap toward the billion-screen opportunity, where seamless access and immersive engagement are now the expectation, not the exception. The tournament also saw the highest-ever single-day subscriptions since launch, during the India vs Australia match, further underscoring the scale at which audiences are embracing digital streaming. This moment is a testament to our commitment to making high-quality experiences accessible to all and transforming digital consumption in India, as we continue to deliver unparalleled, seamless, and inclusive experiences built for the future.»

New Zealand police on Thursday (March 13, 2025) arrested two people and charged one of them in the case involving two schools which had received threat emails. Police launched an investigation to trace the threat email and zeroed in on an address in Māngere East. The officers then arrested a 20-year-old man and a woman. The man was later charged with the possession of a firearm. According to a New Zealand news portal, acting Counties Manukau District Commander Inspector Alison Brand informed that the duo taken into custody did not offer any resistance when they were confronted by the officers. «Investigation staff have been speaking with both of these individuals throughout the day. This is still very much an active investigation and we are limited in further comment at this stage,» said Brand. “Police have now charged a 20-year-old man with a firearms offence. This relates to a firearm located at a different property," she added. Police will produce the man before the Manukau District Court on Friday and may press more charges against him. The entire operation was carried out after a search warrant issued at the address on Thursday morning.

Sarie Morton, a student at Matamata College (New Zealand), died Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a train near the intersection of Firth St and College St in Waikato. Her school mourned her tragic death in a Facebook post on Thursday by Matamata College board presiding member Craig Alexander and principal Dr Angela Sharples. «It is with deep sadness that we inform our school community of the sudden passing of one of our beloved students, Sarie Morton, following an incident after school yesterday. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sarie’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,» the post read. KiwiRail is providing support to the train driver involved. Emergency services responded to the incident around 3:15 pm local time on Wednesday, but Sarie died at the scene of the accident. The school will remain open Thursday and Friday to provide support for those affected by the tragedy. Professional support services are available to anyone who needs them.

total lunar eclipse will happen this week as the Earth moves between the sun and the moon. This will block sunlight from reaching the moon, making it appear dark red, often called a "blood moon." The event will be visible across North America and other regions if the sky is clear.

Daredevil: Born Again continues its run with Episode 3 set to release on March 11, 2025. The series follows Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer with enhanced abilities, as he fights for justice while Wilson Fisk aims for political power.

SYDNEY: When Australian Dick Friend bought a Tesla in 2015, he was so impressed with its environmental credentials and performance that he and his wife bought two more of the electric vehicles, plus shares in the Elon Musk-led company. Now, however, he is selling his Tesla stock and will not replace one of his cars, wrecked in an accident last year, citing his objections to Musk's right-wing tilt and his growing role in the administration of Donald Trump. «The cars are brilliant, but we don't like the direction of the owner and we're voting with our feet,» said Friend, who splits time between homes in Hobart and Melbourne. Tesla sales in the four months since Trump's election were down 35% compared with the same time last year, according to data from Australia's Electric Vehicle Council, with a spate of vandalism in Australia and New Zealand over the last week also adding to evidence of contagion from Musk's role in the Trump administration.

Gautam Gambhir is set to accompany the India 'A' team on their tour of England ahead of the senior team's five-Test series starting June 20, TOI's Arani Basu has reported. This comes in the backdrop of Gambhir's aim to closely assess the reserve player pool during a period devoid of international fixtures for the Indian team. With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) currently lacking a designated coach for developmental teams, it remains to be seen whether Gambhir will serve solely as an observer or if VVS Laxman, the BCCI's Head Cricket, will take on a more hands-on role. This marks a significant shift as it will be the first instance of a senior team coach traveling with the India 'A' squad. Sources revealed that Gambhir has been actively developing a roadmap that spans across formats, focusing on preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, as well as the World Test Championship and the 2026 T20 World Cup. «Gambhir has been in discussions with the BCCI since he returned from Australia. He has expressed his desire to travel with the India 'A' team to get a clearer view of the reserve pool,» a BCCI source told TOI.

MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Rishabh Pant have captured the hearts of fans across the nation with a delightful video that has gone viral on social media. The trio was spotted reveling at the sangeet ceremony of Pant's sister, Sakshi, in the picturesque town of Mussoorie, where the atmosphere was electric with joy and laughter. The wedding festivities, marking Sakshi's upcoming marriage to businessman Ankit Chaudhary, have been nothing short of grand, and the cricket legends added a special touch to the occasion by swaying to the enchanting sufi melody of ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’. The video, which surfaced on Wednesday, showcases the dynamic trio dancing with infectious energy, reminding everyone of the joy that cricket brings both on and off the field.