Trump slaps a surprise 15% tariff on New Zealand; China responds to Wellingtons new FBI office; Today's cold weather gives way to a sunny weekend.
1 Trump set to level 15% tariff on New Zealand
US President Donald Trump has slapped New Zealand with a 15% tariff on exports after signing an executive order that would impose new tariffs on a wide swath of US trading partners.
According to Stats NZ, the US was the second-largest export destination for New Zealand goods in 2024, behind China.
The tariffs will go into effect in seven days and are the next step in Trump's trade agenda that will test the global economy and alliances.
2 China hits back at FBI director's 'groundless assertions' in Wellington
China has said it strongly opposes any "groundless assertions" from America after the US Federal Bureau of Investigation announced opening an office in the capital to investigate threats and counter China's influence in the Pacific.
The Chinese Embassy hit back by saying it took note of the comments and described them as part of a "Cold War mentality".
The NZ Government has pushed back on suggestions that the FBI's new office in Wellington aimed to counter China, with Winston Peters saying China was not mentioned in his meeting with the FBI director.
3 'Really lovely weekend' for much of New Zealand - MetService
A MetService meteorologist said this morning's cold temperatures would ease into a "really lovely weekend" for many areas, with the last month of winter looking brighter.
Today's temperatures were probably going to be "the coldest morning out of the next few days" as a southerly flow swept in.
4 Around 100 roles under threat at Wētā FX, mostly in Wellington
A consultation period has started with 100 crew members at Wētā, whose jobs may be affected by proposed changes to its support departments.
The company said a number of "macro factors have led to the proposed changes, including current challenges facing the global entertainment industry".
Wētā FX has approximately 2200 staff globally, but most of the positions included in the proposal are in Wellington.
5 Three-month-old girl in critical care with 'non-accidental injuries'
An investigation has been launched to establish how a three-month-old baby from Masterton sustained "non-accidental" critical injuries on July 24.
"Someone knows what happened, and we're doing everything we can to get answers for a victim who has no way of speaking up for themselves," a police inspector said.
Police and other agencies were supporting the whānau and asking the public to come forward with any information.
Watch: Passengers describe 'scary' turbulence that left 25 injured
Anyone who wasn't buckled in was thrown into the ceiling when unexpected severe turbulence struck a Delta flight.
ONE DECAYING BUILDING
Auckland's entertainment centre, Sky World, has been slowly decaying over the last decade due to numerous businesses shutting up shop and a lack of foot traffic.
Remaining businesses are left wondering about the future of the Queen St complex and whether a new stakeholder will invest in its renovations.
One of the three architects behind the design of the building said he has "a sadness that the generation of children who enjoyed this space now, as adults, see its demise.
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