New Zealand

The new law calls for prison time for anyone who performs conversion therapy on children under 18 or who performs a practice that "causes serious harm to the individual" — regardless of their age.

Anti-government protesters are refusing to budge from their encampment in Wellington. One lawmaker is blasting music and COVID-19 vaccine announcements, a tactic that's drawn mixed reviews.

Among the protesters' grievances is the requirement in New Zealand that certain workers get vaccinated against the coronavirus, including teachers, doctors, nurses, police and military personnel.

"This stage of the pandemic is different to what we have dealt with before. Omicron is more transmissible," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

The Ngati Toa, a Maori tribe whose version of the intimidating display has been popularized by New Zealand's All Blacks rugby team, says it supports COVID-19 vaccinations.

This penguin's adventure might have taken a few wrong turns. It's only the third time an Adélie penguin is known to have made it to the shores of New Zealand.

The Christchurch City Council will end its contract with Ian Brackenbury Channell, reportedly the world's only state-appointed wizard. The "Wizard of New Zealand" has had a long and unique career.

Air New Zealand will turn one of its 787s into a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Auckland Airport on Saturday. It's part of a broader day of action aimed at boosting the country's vaccination rate.

The new mandate compels health care workers, including doctors and pharmacists, to be fully vaccinated by December. Teachers and other education workers must be fully vaccinated by January.

The New Zealand singer worked with a team of language experts to re-record five of her new songs in the indigenous Māori language, released just in time for Māori Language Week.