New Zealand News

New Zealand has announced a new initiative aimed at boosting its tourism sector by relaxing visa rules for digital nomads and influencers. Under the new regulations, visitors can now work remotely for foreign employers while staying in the country for up to 90 days without incurring tax liabilities. This visa can also be extended for an additional nine months, although visitors may be subject to tax during that extended period. Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis highlighted the importance of attracting global talent and tourism, stating that making it easier for digital nomads to work in New Zealand will enhance the country’s appeal as a destination. The government is specifically targeting highly skilled IT workers from the United States and East Asia in its promotional efforts. Willis emphasized that these remote workers would not compete for local jobs, as they are employed by overseas companies. She acknowledged that there may be occasional abuses of the system, but the overall economic benefits outweigh the risks. While the tourism sector is showing signs of recovery, it was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the country experiencing the most significant GDP contraction among developed nations in 2024. Opposition finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds criticized the policy, calling it inconsistent with previous government actions, which have included restrictions on remote work for public servants. Edmonds argued that more comprehensive and long-term solutions are needed for sustainable economic growth, rather than short-term incentives for foreign workers.

Every day, approximately 48.5 tonnes of space rocks enter Earth's atmosphere, sparking debates over legal ownership and the implications of meteorite hunting. In New Zealand, a recent discovery has brought this issue to the forefront. An apple-sized meteorite, weighing 810 grams, was found in the central South Island and recorded formally, prompting discussions around regulations for meteorite finds that land on public property. Historically, some notable meteorites have been recorded in New Zealand, including the 1.3 kg Ellerslie meteorite that crashed into a family's home in Auckland in 2004. The family opted to donate it to a museum rather than entertain lucrative offers from collectors. Meteorite hunting has become increasingly popular, driven by demand for these cosmic artifacts and the potential for significant financial gain. Some meteorites can sell for millions, attracting high-profile collectors like Elon Musk and Nicholas Cage. The business is particularly burgeoning in China, highlighting a global fascination with these extraterrestrial objects. New Zealand's approach to meteorite ownership is influenced by where the meteorites fall. If found on private property, the landowner has rights to the meteorite. However, for those found on public land, the "finders keepers" rule applies. Legislation surrounds the export of meteorites, requiring permits, and imposing strict penalties for non-compliance. As the market for meteorites grows, the balance between scientific study and private ownership raises questions about the future of meteorite discoveries. The ongoing dilemma of how to manage and regulate this booming industry remains to be resolved.

A Maine Coon cat named Mittens has become an unexpected traveler after being inadvertently left on a plane, resulting in three unplanned flights between New Zealand and Australia in just 24 hours. The incident occurred on January 13, when Mittens was scheduled for a one-way journey with her owner, Margo Neas, from Christchurch to Melbourne. As Neas awaited her pet’s arrival, three hours passed without any sign of Mittens. Ground staff later informed her that Mittens remained on board, as a wheelchair stowed in the cargo hold had obstructed a baggage handler’s view of her cage. The Air New Zealand pilot, made aware of the extra furry passenger, ensured conditions in the cargo area were comfortable for the cat during the flight back to New Zealand. Although the situation was distressing for Neas, who noted it was “not a great start to our new life in Melbourne,” the story concluded on a positive note. The pet moving company responsible for Mittens' travel successfully transported her back to the plane for another trip—this time directly to Melbourne. Upon reunion, Neas reported Mittens had lost some weight but was otherwise unharmed and “the cuddliest she’s ever been.” Air New Zealand has apologized for the incident and promised to reimburse all costs associated with Mittens' travel, pledging to work with ground handlers to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Neil Gaiman, the renowned comic and fantasy author, is facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct from several younger women. Reports indicate that Gaiman allegedly pressured these women into engaging in sexual acts and BDSM practices without their consent. One victim, Scarlett Pavlovich, described an unsettling encounter in which Gaiman encouraged her to take a bath in his garden while unexpectedly appearing behind her and initiating unwanted physical contact. Specific phrases used by Gaiman, such as "Call me Master" and "Be a good girl," have also been recounted by witnesses. Gaiman has faced increasing scrutiny over these accusations, which have garnered significant public attention since last year. He continues to defend himself against the claims.

Recent studies may redefine our understanding of the universe, suggesting that the mysterious force known as dark energy might not exist. Instead, researchers propose a model called timescape cosmology, which accounts for variations in the passage of time in different regions of the universe due to gravitational differences. Astronomers from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and the University of Heidelberg in Germany analyzed over 1,500 Type Ia supernovae to support this new approach. The findings indicate that areas with higher gravity experience a slower passage of time, potentially leading to misleading observations about cosmic expansion. This means that some regions of the universe could be expanding faster than others, creating the illusion of an accelerating universe. The traditional model of cosmology, known as lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM), assumes a uniform universe, which doesn't accurately reflect the cosmos' complexities. The new model suggests that as an atomic clock ticks slower in matter-rich areas, billions of years more may pass in less dense regions, contributing to different cosmic ages across the universe. Moreover, this study asserts that the appearance of accelerating expansion could result from the larger presence of voids in the universe. These voids allow for more time and thus more expansion, which might explain cosmic observations historically attributed to dark energy. Researchers propose that as voids increase in the universe, they could skew our perception of expansion rates. The implications of this research could shift fundamental cosmological theories, with potential resolutions to long-standing questions in the field anticipated by the end of the decade. The studies have been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.