AnewZ Morning Brief - 15 February, 2026
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 15th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 15th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
New Zealand declared a state of emergency in Otorohanga on Saturday (14 February) after torrential rain caused severe flooding, power outages and evacuations.
Several people, including children, were reported missing in New Zealand's north island on Thursday after a landslide struck a coastal campsite amid heavy rain that caused evacuations of people to safety, road closures and widespread power outages.
The possibility of restricting social media access for children is a hot topic in the European Union and the United Kingdom, after Australia implemented a world-first ban for those under 16. Lawmakers have labelled the ban a “real-world test” of how far governments can go to protect young people.
New Zealand announced on Thursday that it would broaden sanctions against Russia’s oil sector and its so-called shadow fleet, during a meeting with the foreign ministers of the five Nordic countries in Stockholm.
More than 100,000 New Zealand teachers, nurses, doctors, firefighters and support staff went on strike Thursday, demanding higher pay and better funding for public services, a clear sign of dissatisfaction with centre-right government.
New Zealand's annual inflation accelerated in the third quarter, reaching 3.0%, which aligns with analysts' expectations and is at the upper end of the central bank's target range, according to official data released on Monday.
New Zealand is reimposing sanctions on Iran due to concerns about Iran's non-compliance with its nuclear obligations, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement on Friday.
New Zealand will not recognise a Palestinian state at this time but remains committed to a two-state solution, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.
Qantas Airways said a fire alert that triggered the pilot of a flight from Sydney to make a mayday call before landing safely at Auckland airport on Friday was likely a false alarm.
New Zealand's government has announced two new residency pathways for skilled workers, tradespeople, and technicians, aiming to fill critical workforce gaps and stimulate economic growth.
A New Zealand fugitive father shot dead by police put his children at risk with his actions and had "no regard" for their safety, authorities said on Tuesday, as police found quad bikes and ammunition at their campsite hideout.
A New Zealand father who had been on the run with his three children for nearly four years was shot dead by police on Monday after robbing a farm supply store, police said.
New Zealand’s intelligence agency has warned the country is facing its toughest security challenges in decades, with foreign interference and espionage from states including China, Russia, and Iran.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu had “lost the plot.” He made the comment on Wednesday (August 13) as Wellington considers whether to recognise Palestinian state.
New Zealand parliamentarian and Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick was ordered to leave Parliament on Tuesday (12 August) after refusing to apologise for remarks made during a heated debate on the government’s position regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
New Zealand researchers are using drones and satellites to protect eucalyptus forests from costly pest damage.
New Zealand has suspended NZ$18.2 million (U.S. $10.8 million) in budget funding to the Cook Islands amid growing tensions over the island nation’s deepening ties with China and concerns over a lack of transparency.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to visit China this week to strengthen trade ties and attract tourists and students, while also addressing complex security and defence issues.
New Zealand has announced a NZ$2 billion (approximately US$1.2 billion) plan to replace its aging fleet of Seasprite naval helicopters as part of a broader push to strengthen defense capabilities in response to what officials describe as “increasing global tensions.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon are set to announce a new phase of defence and security cooperation between their countries during a meeting on Tuesday, according to a statement from Starmer's office.
New Zealand’s foreign minister has reaffirmed the country’s vital partnership with the United States, citing shared Pacific interests and evolving regional security concerns.
India and New Zealand have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost defence cooperation, enhancing bilateral ties through joint exercises, training, and a roadmap for collaboration in the defence industry.
The Australian and New Zealand governments announced new sanctions against Russia on February 24, demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine. Both countries have introduced the most extensive package of sanctions since the beginning of the Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.