Zelenskyy on Putin: ‘He may see himself as a tsar, but in reality, he is a slave to war’
Of Putin, who launched the war in February 2022, Zelenskyy said: “He may see himself as a tsar, but in reality, he is a slave to war.”Russia and Ukraine will hold United States-brokered talks next week, and Zelenskyy said Kyiv was doing “everything” to end the war. Security guaranteesZelenskyy also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Munich conference. “With Russia, you cannot leave a single loophole Russians can use to start a war,” he said. Zelenskyy again argued that there would be more chance of ending the war if European countries had a seat at the negotiating table - something Russia has opposed. Returning to the question of elections in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said they would be held once Kyiv received security guarantees and a ceasefire had been agreed.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 09:15 UTC
Australia unveils initial $4.5b for new nuclear submarines facility near Adelaide
The Australian Collins-class submarines will be replaced by nuclear-powered subs with technology provided by the US under Aukus. Photo / Australian Defence ForceThe Australian Collins-class submarines will be replaced by nuclear-powered subs with technology provided by the US under Aukus. Photo / Australian Defence ForceAustralia unveiled A$3.9 billion ($4.5b) in spending today as a “down payment” on a new facility to build nuclear submarines under the tripartite Aukus security pact with Britain and the United States. The Aukus pact aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge submarines from the US and would provide for co-operation in developing an array of warfare technologies. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the facility in Osborne, near Adelaide, would be at the heart of that.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 09:01 UTC
A doctor shares his 6 simple rules for healthy living
In Ezekiel Emanuel’s “Eat Your Ice Cream,” the health policy expert and oncologist talks about his “six simple rules” for living longer and better. You write that “ice cream improves people’s health.” Say what? I still like ice cream — gelatos, specialty ice creams — and they’re dairy products, which are quite good for you. If you eat ice cream once a week, twice a week, it can be fantastic. My wife’s grandmother, who lived to 101, used to have a scoop of ice cream every day.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 08:41 UTC
NZ needs to debate what resilience means for our economic survival
These questions are often bundled together under what has become known as industry policy. Around the world, governments are openly discussing where and how they should intervene to support long-term national resilience. It might involve direct subsidies, regulatory change, targeted public investment, procurement preferences, or support for research and development. At other times, industry policy is far less defensible – subsidising unproductive incumbents is a familiar and costly mistake. But over time, it is difficult to imagine any public investment that offers greater long-term benefit.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 08:02 UTC
Big Gay Out protester removed after storming stage towards MPs in Auckland
In a release ahead of the festival, Rainbow Action Tāmaki criticised organiser The Burnett Foundation’s decision to invite Government MPs. “Rainbow Action Tāmaki unequivocally condemns the decision by Big Gay Out to platform right-wing transphobic, racist and Genocide enabling polititions [sic],” the group said on Instagram. Rainbow Action Tāmaki member Mia Crossan (left) said the group stands by protesters' actions today. “Big Gay Out is a wonderful event and I was still happy to be in attendance despite my grievances with the foundation. “I think Pride is for the community, by the community, about the community.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 07:04 UTC
Climber airlifted to hospital after falling on Mount Brewster in Mount Aspiring National Park
NZ Herald Morning News Update | Wellington Water board chairman steps down, one dead in crash, more serious weather on way for eastern North Island. Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Climber airlifted to hospital after falling on Mount Brewster in Mount Aspiring National ParkA climber has been airlifted to hospital after injuring themselves in Mt Aspiring National Park. The Maritime New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCCNZ) said a personal locator beacon was activated at 3.25pm on Mt Brewster. “Our team established that two climbers had fallen, with one climber unable to walk due to their injuries.”A Lakes District Air Rescue Trust helicopter based in Queenstown was sent, along with a helicopter from Aspiring Helicopter with the Wānaka Alpine Cliff Rescue (ACR) team on board in case of a technical rescue.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 07:01 UTC
North Island flooding: A death, a state of emergency and a heavier deluge tomorrow
⚠️ A deepening low is bringing heavy rain, strong winds & large waves, creating hazardous conditions across parts of the North Island🌧️💨🌊@MetService has issued multiple watches & warnings, incl. Along with Waipā District, it was put into a state of emergency because of the severe weather impacts. Attention is turning now to the North Island’s East Coast, which is blanketed in weather warnings and watches from MetService. Heavy rain and wind warnings cover much of the North Island's east coast for this evening and tomorrow. Photo / MetServiceGisborne, south of Poverty Bay, and Hawke’s Bay about and east of Wairoa has a heavy rain warning starting at 7am tomorrow and lasting for 22 hours.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 06:04 UTC
Black Caps: Lockie Ferguson to miss final T20 World Cup group match ahead of birth of first child
Lockie Ferguson is returning home ahead of the birth of his first child. Photo / AFPLockie Ferguson is returning home ahead of the birth of his first child. Photo / AFPThe Black Caps lose star bowler Lockie Ferguson for their final group D World Cup match against Canada on Tuesday after he departed the squad on paternity leave. The 34-year-old is returning home for the birth of his and wife Emma Ferguson’s first child. Black Caps head coach Rob Walter was supportive of Ferguson’s leave.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 05:58 UTC
Retail crime advisory group rented expensive Symonds Street space against advice
The Symonds St office was one of the three, but not the one officials initially favoured. “This option was originally our recommendation, however, the chairman has advised this doesn’t meet his requirements due to the privacy concerns.”The Symonds St office was recommended instead. ‘This isn’t the SIS’This week, the ministry confirmed the Symonds St lease would now end in May, rather than September. Ministry deputy secretary, policy Caroline Greaney said as at December 31, the 389sq m Symonds St office was the usual place of work for three staff members and Kaushal. The documents obtained by the Taxpayers’ Union show the total cost for the Symonds St office in 2025/26 was $131,000, when other expenses such as power were factored in.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 05:22 UTC
Labour sets its price for supporting India trade deal, chides Luxon for keeping party in the dark
Hipkins also pointed out discrepancies between what the Government was saying about the deal, and what the deal actually said. McClay later clarified the deal does not prohibit New Zealand from creating a cap on all student visas issued to people from all countries, including India. That explanation did not wash with Hipkins who wrote that “any cap on international students would, in practice, breach this provision”. The deal requires New Zealand firms to invest US$20 billion ($33b) in India over 15 years. Hipkins said he wanted key Labour MPs to see unredacted advice from MFAT before agreeing to support the deal.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 05:15 UTC
Fire Dragon Chillies founder Clint Meyer dies after cancer battle
A lifelong gourmand of chillies and spicy food, Meyer founded Fire Dragon Chillies in 2008 after spotting a gap in the New Zealand market for hot sauces. Meyer also ran the New Zealand Chilli Eating Champs, with its 10th instalment planned to take place in Auckland this May. “When speaking of passion, loyalty and unwavering belief in competitive chilli-eating, few names command the respect and admiration of Clint Meyer,” it said in its commendation. “Your dedication has shaped a region and your passion has strengthened our global community ... your legacy will never be forgotten and shall now be forever immortalised in the League of Fire Hall of Fame.”Northland businessman Clint Meyer, owner of Fire Dragon Chillies, has died after a battle with cancer. Rest easy, Chilli King,” Auckland chilli company Wicked Hots commented on the post announcing Meyer’s death.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 04:57 UTC
Over the past month, French authorities have seized nearly 12 tonnes of cocaine around Polynesia
One of the French Navy cocaine seizures this year in the South Pacific. The Navy says another load of cocaine has been seized this week. Photo / Handout, Marine Nationale via AFPOver the past month, French authorities have seized nearly 12 tonnes of cocaine around PolynesiaOne of the French Navy cocaine seizures this year in the South Pacific. The Navy says another load of cocaine has been seized this week. Photo / Handout, Marine Nationale via AFPFrench authorities said they had seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine from a vessel in the Pacific during a joint operation with the United States, as officials step up interceptions in Polynesian waters.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 04:17 UTC
Obama breaks silence after racist video shared by Trump account
AdvertisementWorldNorth AmericaUS politics Obama breaks silence after racist video shared by Trump account February 15, 2026 — 3:02pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Cohen noted White House officials’ description of two people shot by immigration agents in Minneapolis as “domestic terrorists”, as well as the post on Trump’s account. Related Article AnalysisTrump's White House Trump’s Obama video was horrifically racist. Republican senator from South Carolina Tim Scott – the only black Republican senator – called the post “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House”. An Obama spokeswoman at the time said the former president had no response when asked about the video.
Source:Stuff
February 15, 2026 04:07 UTC
Inside the secret prison unit built to contain the Christchurch terrorist
To contain him – and later others deemed too dangerous for mainstream units – the Department of Corrections created the Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit (Peru). Images from inside the Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit (Peru) in Auckland Prison during a 2023 Inspectorate inspection. Each cell is nine square metres and has a 10-square-metre yard accessible by a sliding door that is controlled remotely by Corrections staff. Soon after the terrorist was moved into the Peru, Corrections revealed he had “18 guards rostered to monitor him”. Corrections: Peru ever-evolvingThe unit remains operating, and Corrections has made assurances about how inmates are being treated.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 04:00 UTC
SailGP Auckland: Sir Russell Coutts explains split-fleet change after crash
The league has long planned to move to a split-fleet format once they get 14 boats in the fleet, which will happen in 2027. SailGP trialled the format in Auckland last year for practice but chose not to race in it. “It really doesn’t really affect that situation that happened yesterday because they were sailing in a straight line and that could happen with two boats. He also said a sailor was trapped in a compartment of the boat in the immediate aftermath of the crash. The reigning SailGP champions said they compete in a high-performance league and were aware of the risks that came with it.
Source:New Zealand Herald
February 15, 2026 03:49 UTC