Category Archives: New Zealand

Liz Carlson/Stuff

krito is home to New Zealands largest unmodified wetland on the West Coast of the South Island.

Since humans arrived in New Zealand, close to all of our wetland ecosystems have disappeared, leaving around 10 per cent left. In the conservation world, wetlands are super important, for many reasons, including being home to many endangered species, including birds, fish and trees.

A key player for national health and biodiversity, wetlands capture carbon and keep water clean, among many other benefits. krito, tucked away on the South Islands West Coast, is one of the last bastions of wetland biodiversity, and arguably one of the best.

krito is the kind of place where if you blink you might miss it. Just north of Franz Josef Glacier and an hour-and-a-half south of Hokitika, its 10 kilometres off State Highway 6 on the West Coast which means heaps of road trippers just cruise on by, missing out on one of the best natural wonders in New Zealand.

READ MORE:* 'Accessible and comfortable': Paparoa Track showcases the best of the West Coast* West Coast: The secret spots to see before international tourists return* krito Lagoon: The West Coast's ancient and pristine wetland is at risk

Liz Carlson/Stuff

The elusive white heron/ktuku calls krito home.

In fact, it took me years to make the turn off after regularly passing by. Loosely called a town, which is somewhat of a stretch, krito is home to just a few dozen people, and over 70 species of birds. Once a gold mining town, like so many West Coast settlements, its surrounded by ocean, wetlands, cliffs, native forest and the mighty Southern Alps as a backdrop.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

The best way to experience the krito Lagoon is on an eco boat tour.

Covering an area of roughly 12 kilometres, the krito Lagoon is New Zealands largest unmodified wetland, and one of the most special. Most famously home to the mysterious, white heron/ktuku as well as our rarest kiwi, the krito or rowi, spending the early morning out on the water is an experience unlike any other.

Passionate and knowledge birders Paula and Swade run Okarito Eco Boat Tours, sharing their knowledge and stories with curious wanderers like me. Because the landscape is so unique, getting out on the water on their custom-built boat is the best way to experience krito, even with only a passing interest in the birds.

The only breeding site of the elegant ktuku was discovered on the nearby Waitangiroto River in 1865. The krito Lagoon is where they feed and where many of the population of around 100 birds call home. Gliding like a bright white kite, they are so graceful soaring above the still water.

The ktuku have always been considered special and rare, with their feathers adorning Mori chiefs in life and death. In fact, comparing someone to the ktuku is one of the highest compliments. But by valuing their features, the already rare ktuku population was quickly decimated down to just four nests before being protected in 1941.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

Royal Spoonbills resting in the treetops around the krito Lagoon.

The 90 per cent loss of wetlands across New Zealand is a tragic and astonishing figure. And while we cant bring them back, we can still work hard to protect what we still have, including around krito. One of the largest and most ambitious Predator Free 2050 projects is underway in the area.

Building on ZIPs (Zero Invasive Predators) work removing predators from the nearby Perth River Valley, the $45 million Predator Free South Westland project will work to eliminate possums, rats and stoats from over 100,000 hectares over five years, including around krito, preserving this incredible corner over New Zealand for future generations.

The writer was hosted in krito by West Coast Development.

Staying safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

The best time of day to experience the krito Lagoon is in the early morning.

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krito, West Coast: One of the best natural wonders in New Zealand - Stuff.co.nz

India beat New Zealand by 73 runs in the third and final T20 International to win the three-match series 3-0 here on Sunday.

After opting to bat, Rohit Sharma struck 56 off 31 balls while Ishan Kishan made 29 off 21 balls as India posted 184 for seven.

Martin Guptill's 51 off 36 balls went in vain as New Zealand could only manage 111 all out in 17.2 overs.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel was the pick of the Indian bowlers with three wickets.

Brief Scores:

India: 184 for 7 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 56; Mitchell Santner 3/27)

New Zealand: 111 all out in 17.2 overs (Martin Guptill 51; Axar Patel 3/9).

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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India beat New Zealand by 73 runs in third T20I, seal series 3-0 - Business Standard

Hundreds of tractors, 4WDs, utes and other vehicles are descending on Auckland's CBD and other town centres today - part of the nationwide Groundswell protest. Video / NZ Herald

A number of anti-vaccination protesters joined in today's Groundswell NZ's protest, but organisers were careful to ensure the rural sector's message was not hijacked.

Before tractors, utes, 4WDs and protesters took to small town New Zealand and big cities like Auckland, organisers issued a list of approved messages and excluded words like "Freedom" and MAGA (Make Ardern Go Away).

Approved slogans for banners at the "Mother of all Protests" included "Enough is Enough", "No Farmers, No Food" and "No Ute Tax".

"With our opponents attempting to smear Groundswell, we need to be extra careful not to add fuel to the fire with off-message or offensive banners that the media will highlight," said organisers Bryce McKenzie and Laurie Patterson.

In Auckland, several anti-vaccination protesters turned up, including an SUV with a cross and signage saying "I don't want my 6-year-old grandson to be injected with an experimental drug".

Groundswell Wairarapa cancelled their protest last week to avoid being hijacked by anti-vaxxers.

In Feedback to the Herald on the protest, there was support for the farmers, but concern about the message getting muddled and signs of redneckism like Trump flags, communist signs and Mori-bashing.

"The focus should be on farmers and their issues. And last time I passed the whole protest on the motorway. There were some disgusting signs. Keep it serious. No one will take notice," said one man.

The Groundswell protest is focused on a slew of Government regulations.

About 100 vehicles, including a large number of utes and about seven tractors, arrived in Queen St, tooting their horns and waving New Zealand flags just after midday.

19 Nov, 2021 02:06 AMQuick Read

20 Nov, 2021 07:40 PMQuick Read

They travelled down Queen St, turned right into Customs St and doubled back. There were about 30 to 40 protesters, some waving flags, on Queen St and in Te Komititanga Square outside the Britomart train station.

"It's a great protest but it shows what New Zealand thinks of this precious Government at the moment and all the things they are doing. (It's) absolutely terrible," said one man in a vehicle.

In Christchurch up to 300 vehicles gathered in Memorial Ave.

Christchurch organiser Aaron Stark said it was too early for a full count yet, but they're expecting more people than last time.

"We're coming in from Rolleston now and we've got about 2km of traffic behind us."

"I'm blown away with the amount of cars driving past down the motorway tooting and waving. Just people in general are turning out to support."

"Up to 80 vehicles, including some big rigs, gathered at Whanganui racecourse ready to drive around town and show their opposition to the Government's newest regulations affecting farming.

"Let everybody know we are here and we are not happy with what's going on in this country," speaker Dougal Pidwell told the crowds.

Protesters were also active in many other parts of the country, including Wellington, Nelson, Taupo, Greymouth and Ashburton.

Standing in for Minister of Rural Communities Damien O'Connor in Parliament on Thursday, Stuart Nash said - when asked by Act rural spokesman Mark Cameron whether O'Connor had met with Groundswell NZ leaders - he wasn't sure "what Groundswell stands for these days".

Based on what he'd read on their website it was "a mixture of racism, anti-vax etcetera, etcetera", Nash said, before going on to say the Government would continue to meet with farming leaders and engage with rural communities.

In a statement broadcast on Newstalk ZB during yesterday's protest, the Groundswell organisation said Covid-19 had been tough enough on both rural and urban, with unworkable regulations adding to people's worries and frustrations.

"We, the people of New Zealand want an end to these regulations until genuine consultation takes place that treats all New Zealand citizens in a fair and equal manner resolving in acceptable resolutions for all.

"If the Government is not forthcoming in addressing these issues, I call on all New Zealanders to join our protest in Wellington in February next year. We say 'enough is enough', " the statement said.

Act leader David Seymour said the party stands with rural New Zealand against unworkable, counterproductive red tape on farmers.

The rest is here:

Groundswell NZ's 'Mother of all Protests' takes steps to avoid being hijacked by anti-vaxxers - New Zealand Herald

While leprosy might seem like a disease in far-off places from a time long ago, it continues to be diagnosed in New Zealand, with the number of Canterbury cases surging this year.

Over the last 10 years, a total of 38 cases of leprosy had been diagnosed in New Zealand, almost all in the North Island, Environmental Science and Research data shows.

In the 10 years to 2020, there had been only one case of leprosy in Canterbury. However, in the first half of this year alone, two people in the region were diagnosed with the disease, out of a total of four cases nationwide so far this year.

Research published in 2015 found that most cases involved people who had lived overseas in the decade before diagnosis, either in Pacific countries including Samoa and Kiribati, south and southeast Asia, or Africa.

READ MORE:* Young Aucklanders join global fight to curb leprosy discrimination* 1907: The leprosy colony * Covid-19: 12 new cases, 10 from the same flight, but none from community transmission

Leprosy is caused by bacteria that attack the nerves in people's hands and feet.

If left untreated, the disease will spread into the nerves connecting to the brain and spinal cord, leading to hands and feet "clawing" inwards, blindness, disfigurement and the loss of whole limbs.

The disease was once thought incorrectly to be highly infectious. The first cure was discovered in the 1940s, and it is now treated using a combination of drugs, though these need to be taken over a period of months or years for the person to be leprosy-free.

Doctors at a leprosy hospital in Pakistan are vowing to continue their work until the disease is wiped out completely. (First published in August 2020.)

Because of this, the once-feared condition is generally believed to be present only in the developing world, mainly in communities with restricted access to public healthcare.

But the authors of a paper published in 2015 warned New Zealand doctors, especially those in Wellington and Auckland, to brush up on the symptoms of leprosy, which remained a problem elsewhere in the world.

According to World Health Organisation data, there were 202,162 new leprosy cases registered globally in 2019.

About 4000 people develop leprosy every year in the Western Pacific region, according to the Ministry of Health.

ROBERT KITCHIN/Stuff

Director of public health Dr Caroline McElnay says the stigma around leprosy creates barriers to diagnosis and treatment.

Director of public health Dr Caroline McElnay said in January that the stigmatisation of infectious diseases, including leprosy, creates barriers when it comes to testing and engaging in care.

She said we should all do our part in breaking down the stigma which surrounds infectious diseases in New Zealand as it only adds to isolation, fear and misinformation.

Near the Canterburys port of Lyttleton, tamahua (Quail Island) was used as a leprosy colony between 1906 and 1925.

Supplied

Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour could have a future as an MIQ facility, suggests architect Michael O'Sullivan.

Among those shipped to the island was Sam Te Iringa, who'd been ostracised in his community.

Historian Benjamin Kingsbury, writing in The Dark Island: Leprosy in New Zealand and the Quail Island Colony, said Te Iringa found himself in a "run-down colony without a nurse".

Te Iringa went on "strike" but since patients did little work, it wasn't a very effective strike, Kingsbury wrote.

PIERS FULLER/STUFF

Matiu Somes Island was once a quarantine location for lepers.

Te Iringa died on the island in 1922 and was buried there, but his burial site was a mystery.

About 16,000 people now visit the island annually, and a local architect this year suggested it should be used as an MIQ facility.

Wellington's most notorious case of suspected leprosy was that of Kim Lee, a fruit-shop owner, who was diagnosed with the condition in the early 1900s.

He was sent to Matiu-Somes Island to be quarantined. But after his fellows on the island protested, he was exiled to Mokopuna Island, a rock about 200 metres long and 80m wide and separated from the main island by a 50m channel.

Lee lived there in a cave for several months, before dying alone in March 1904. It is now believed he was suffering from tuberculosis or an autoimmune disease, though Mokopuna's nickname of "Leper Island" has stuck despite this.

Number of leprosy cases in NZ from 2011 to date:

Excerpt from:

Leprosy still exists in New Zealand, with new cases in Canterbury - Stuff.co.nz

The supporters of the New Zealand cricket team around the world, including a large chunk present in India, were left disappointed by the team's T20 World Cup 2021 final's loss to Australia. Not just the result but the nature of the contest was also hurtful to see for the fan. One of them is former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who supported New Zealand as his second team in the event like thousands of other Indians.

Gambhir stated that he is completely unimpressed with the way the Black Caps, led by Kane Williamson, carried themselves in the second half of the mega clash. After posting 172/4 in the first innings, courtesy of Williamson's 48-ball 85, the Men in Black were handed an eight-wicket loss. Mitchell Marsh (77*) and David Warner (53) hit brilliant half-centuries to take the side over the line with 1.1 overs to spare.

My favourite side after India (for the T20 World Cup) was New Zealand. Seeing them bullied around like an apprentice wasnt a pleasant experience, wrote Gambhir in his column for TOI.

They batted very well to score 172 for four. More often than not this kind of score isnt that tough to defend, especially with a balanced attack like that of New Zealand. But clearly the occasion got to them as they didnt look the same team that beat India or England in the semis. he said.

He then added that he would have demanded a refund seeing my team all over the place in second half.

New Zealand is one team that prides itself on meticulous planning, clear role definitions, precise execution and all this without any fanfareIf I was a New Zealand supporter, I would have demanded a refund seeing my team all over the place in second half. It wasnt a performance worthy of a final, opined Gambhir.

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'If I was New Zealand supporter, I would have demanded a refund': Gambhir lashes out on NZ's T20 WC final's performance - Hindustan Times

Some aspects of New Zealand's Covid response haven't been in line with New Zealand's progressive reputation. Photo / Getty Images

OPINION:

You need a rock-solid reason to ask your children to leave their puppy behind.

Convincing my wife Alice and my three kids Juliette, Flix and Gaspard to move to New Zealand as I embarked on a new role, was not initially a difficult sell. New Zealand's gloriously preserved nature, its relaxed, chilled people united behind the mighty All Blacks, brilliant education facilities, sporting prowess, and opportunities for all kinds of adventure were among the many features that contributed to my family feeling excited and (almost) comfortable leaving behind their well-established Belgian home, family and friends and of course their beloved Luchon, our 6-year-old Pyrenean Shepard.*

For me personally, additional motivators were the chance to step into a role with people and clients I have admired for many years, for a company I truly respect in a country that is a "Team of Five Million", and the chance to create a positive impact for New Zealand through the work we create.

New Zealand as a country has always enjoyed the reputation of being super progressive, inclusive and united. The first country to give women the vote, the first country to elect an openly transgender Member of Parliament a country boasting many per capita stats that I dream of for my beloved Belgium.

And then, Delta.

We landed in Auckland a week after the first community case was detected. They say life is all about timing: in this case, I'm not sure we got it right.

Arriving at the end of August, into a country that had just started what has turned out to be a long confinement, has of course been an extremely big challenge for my family and me, having had our fair share of lockdowns back in Europe. The inability to get the kids to school, generally the easiest way for them to make new friends and settle into their new home, has added to that challenge.

For me, however, the most challenging part of the last three months has been witnessing what I can only assume is a temporary blight on New Zealand's well-deserved reputation.

Let me explain.

There are many global indexes that rank New Zealand highly, from ease of doing business to political freedom, to the Global Peace Index. While this "timeless" brand positioning is clearly representative of New Zealand's values, the last few months have brought with them some "timely" decisions, made in the face of an impossible situation, which have contributed to polarising debate on sensitive topics. The debate raging around vaccinations has seen us slowly begin to move away from the celebration of diversity, a value so integral to this country. This narrative has not been helped as it has been difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and occasionally frameworks have been unclear. Eighteen months ago, who would have imagined headlines referring to a two-tier society in New Zealand, or family unable to reunite over the passing of their father given MIQ restrictions?

These "timely" decisions, contrary to some of the country's brand values, have been the drivers for the slippage of NZ's timeless strong perception and ranking over recent months. In the world of brands, it would be hard to imagine Patagonia undertaking initiatives that are not protecting nature, or Nike not championing diversity. In doing so, they would expose themselves to short-term reputation damage that could adversely affect sales performance.

Just as brands need to live by their values, New Zealand - a brand which champions inclusiveness, progression and diversity including diversity of opinions - has recently been put under pressure. We need to stay true to our values, regardless of the difficulty of the situation or the size of the ambition.

With 90 per cent vaccination rates achieved, at the end of this month, New Zealand will be the country with the fastest and highest vaccination rate among 12+ population worldwide, which is an incredible public health outcome. But could it have been done by respecting people's individuality and points of view, with less fear and more perspective?

As a new leader of an organisation like FCB NZ, I am aware of the importance of perspective and calm, and I give it all to live by the strong values of the company I now have responsibility for - integrity, championing diversity by all means, inclusivity and progressiveness are all part of this ethos. Surrounded with good people in my colleagues and our clients, I trust them to help me remain mindful of these values.

Just as we, experts in moving brands and businesses forward, sometimes make mistakes and learn from them, I am confident that as we draw closer to relative freedom, our leaders have learned that nothing is taken for granted and that we need to remobilise this team of six million (including the 1 million living overseas). We will be reminded of this amazing country's brand purpose, and most importantly, live by its values. I am excited about the future and my family and I cannot wait to start creating our true Kiwi experience.

This is testament to a special place, and the love we have for 100% Pure New Zealand. And we look forward to the day when we can visit our beloved Luchon in Belgium, able to return to our Aotearoa - easily.

*Luchon is living in the beautiful Belgian countryside at a neighbour's farm, happily chasing tennis balls.

- Sbastien Descle is the chief executive of advertising agency FCB New Zealand.

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Opinion: We need to remember what New Zealand represents to the world - New Zealand Herald

News

They will begin their tour of India with a three-match T20I series in Jaipur, just three days after losing the T20 WC final

The Test players, who are not part of the T20I squad, are already in India. The New Zealand support staff will have to juggle with training the Test players in the morning and the T20I group later in the evening while in India.

"It's the first time that I can remember that we're so quickly into another series immediately at the back-end of the T20 World Cup," Stead said. "It's definitely tough and challenging but it is what is in front of us. We've got nine-ten guys in India already, who are preparing for those Test matches, and hopefully we can get up and have a really great performance against India."

Match highlights of the Men's T20 World Cup final is available in English, and in Hindi (USA only).

New Zealand will also have to make a call on their regular captain Kane Williamson, who has been managing an elbow injury, which flared up during the warm-ups ahead of the T20 World Cup.

"In terms of Lockie, I think he is pretty close," Stead said. "We will just make sure we get over there, travel okay and there's no issues like seizing up on the flight or anything like that. But I'd expect that he's going to be available for selection, which will be fantastic.

"With all the guys that are going to prepare for the Test matches, we just have to make that call over there - whether we think it's in the best interests of them and also in the best interests of the team being that the Test matches are more of our priority, I think, in the next month than what the T20 matches will be."

Deivarayan Muthu is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo

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Stead admits NZ are facing a 'tough and challenging' schedule - ESPNcricinfo.com

Cycling New Zealand chief executive Jacques Landry has resigned after three years in the job.

His resignation comes amid an inquiry into the sport and three months after the suspected suicide of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore, who posted on social media about the pressures of high performance sport before her death.

Cycling NZ board chair Phil Holden said Landry has made a major contribution to cycling.

Landry first arrived at the organisation in 2019, after 10 years as the high performance director at Cycling Canada. He will leave for his native Canada at the end of the year.

Christel Yardley/Stuff

Cycling NZ chief executive Jacques Landry has resigned.

His arrival followed the 2018 Heron review that found a lack of accountability and sub-optimal leadership, instances of bullying and a dysfunctional culture in cycling. Within the 83-page 2018 review, Heron made 11 recommendations, including several pertaining to athlete welfare.

READ MORE:* Cycling NZ add management support in the wake of death of Olivia Podmore* Olivia Podmore's family and friends ask: How did Cycling NZ end up here all over again?* Sports bosses say cyclists can engage with new inquiry panel without fear * High-profile women dominate Cycling New Zealand independent inquiry panel

Landry was brought in to implement its recommendations and to oversee the establishment of the Athletes voice committee, and new code of conduct. The implementation of the Heron review is the basis of the independent inquiry currently being undertaken by a panel appointed by Cycling New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand.

The panel includes Heron, leading women in sport academic Sarah Leberman, former Silver Fern Lesley Nicol and Rio Olympic Games rowing silver medallist Genevieve Macky.

The inquiry is set to miss its first major deadline, with panellists unable to meet athletes face to face because of Covid restrictions in Waikato, where the NZ Cycling centralised programme is based. A draft of the findings from the inquiry is now due in February 2022.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore died in August

Following the death of Podmore in August, Landry said Cycling NZ would be questioning this for a long time.

There will be a time for us to review and look at if and where we had missteps, or if we didnt act properly, he said.

Landry also facilitated the Cycling NZ Athlete Voice committee, which includes past and present riders. In a meeting in August, before the death of Podmore, concerns were raised about a lack of transparent communication around selection criteria, and the wording of athlete agreements.

The August meeting also addressed the lack of gender equity in selection panels and possible media training to strengthening the image of cycling within NZ.

Phil Holden said Landry had role-modelled the values we aspire to.

He is highly regarded within Cycling New Zealand and the wider cycling community, and has deepened the relationship with our four member organisations, sponsors and funding partners, Holden said.

Under his watch Cycling New Zealand has also completed its 2021-28 High Performance Strategic Plan, put in place an overarching strategic plan and initiated other major changes including the integration of Para cycling into the organisation.

Holden said that Landry indicated his departure in June, but has stayed on until now to help set up the independent inquiry.

CHRISTEL YARDLEY/STUFF/Waikato Times

Jacques Landry, (right) with High Performance Sport NZ chief executive Raelene Castle at a press conference following the death of Olivia Podmore.

He has been unable to leave the country and visit his family overseas for over two years because of ongoing delays in assessing his residency application, and there is no certainty at all over when the situation might be resolved. For his own personal wellbeing and that of his family, Mr Landry has made the difficult decision to leave, and we fully support him in that.

Landry will continue to make himself available to the inquiry panel after his departure from the organisation, Holden said. He also said that the board had worked closely with Mr Landry on the transition period.

A search is now underway to find a replacement, and the organisations chief operating officer will manage the day-to-day operations in the meantime.

Sport New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle said it was disappointing to learn of Landrys resignation, but understands the reasons behind it.

The difficulties and challenges of being separated from family and friends for such a long period of time, due to the pandemic, cannot be underestimated, she said.

Sport NZ would like to thank Jacques for his contribution and his commitment to the sport of cycling over the last three years, and we wish him all the best for his return home and for the future.

In October, Cycling NZ appointed Dr Monica Robbers to the newly created position of chief operating officer, to allow Landry to concentrate on all the work related to the inquiry, as well as the parallel coronial inquiry, a statement on the Cycling NZ website said.

Stuff understands Cycling NZ and High Performance Sport NZ have also engaged Wellington crisis management communications company BRG following Podmores death.

Continued here:

Cycling NZ CEO Jacques Landry quits after three years in job - Stuff.co.nz

With the series sealed following the seven-wicket win at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Friday, it is expected that India could make a few changes for the final tie against New Zealand on Sunday at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir is looking forward to just one change in the XI, opining that the wicket in Kolkata will suit this bowler.

Talking to Star Sports after the second T20I, Gambhir felt that India might want to rest Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who played both the games, and rather bring in Avesh Khan, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2021 after Harshal Patel, with 24 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.37.

Also Read | 'People have already written him off': Gambhir explains how Hardik Pandya can make a comeback in India's T20I squad

"From a bowling point of view they can actually rest Bhuvneshwar Kumar and look at Avesh Khan. It will suit him especially the wicket in Kolkata, it's got pace and bounce. So I would definitely want to see Avesh playing that game. He has got pace and you got to test him on the international stage when you got the series in your bag. So that is one change they can look towards," Gambhir said.

India have so far handed the debut cap to two players - Venkatesh Iyer in the first game and Harshal Patel in the second. Iyer, who is looked at as a replacement for Hardik Pandya, did not get an opportunity to bowl but scored 16 runs in two games. Harshal, on the other hand, picked the Man of the Match award for his impressive debut in the Ranchi game where he finished with 2 for 25.

Also Read | 'One match is hardly opportunity' - Aakash Chopra questions India team selection in New Zealand T20Is

The veteran cricketer also advised India to still be ruthless in the third game despite the series win and not opt to bat first if they win the toss.

"You still have to be ruthless and try to wrap up the series 3-0. But no point putting pressure on yourself," he added.

Dew has been a major factor in T20s off late with chasing teams having the advantage. In the ongoing series, India opted to chase in both the matches and won both in convincing manner.

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'Wicket in Kolkata will suit him': Gautam Gambhir looks forward to one change in India's XI for 3rd T20I vs New Zealand - Hindustan Times

More than 1.1 million digital Covid-19 vaccine certificates have now been created and the Ministry of Health says the system has been going smoothly.

Once New Zealand enters the new traffic light system, the My Vaccine Pass will be required to enter hospitality venues and access community, sport and faith-based gatherings.

Retail outlets are allowed to opt in to the new system and request proof of vaccination from their customers if they wish, although access to essential services such as supermarkets and health services will not require a pass.

As of 9am today, about 1,128,000 requests for a My Vaccine Pass had been processed.

The ministry said the system's capacity has been increased and people should to go to MyCovidRecord.health.nz to book their My Vaccine Pass to be ready for summer.

The spread of Covid-19 to the regions was a reminder that everyone needed to heed the advice to keep communities as safe as possible this summer, it said.

Follow all the latest Covid-19 updates here:

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Live Covid-19 updates for 22 November - all you need to know - RNZ