Latest news with #ChristopherLuxon
1News
an hour ago
- Politics
- 1News
Body of Kiwi killed in Ukraine has not been located, says ambassador
Ukraine's Ministry of Defence says the body of the latest New Zealander killed in its war remains missing. As 1News reported exclusively on Thursday, Shan-Le Kearns was recently killed in Ukraine. However, it remained unclear whether his family will be able to say a proper goodbye. Today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Kearns' death as an 'absolute tragedy', but couldn't say what, if anything, could be done to bring him home. Shan-Le Kearns. (Source: Supplied) 'We haven't had official confirmation from the Ukranian authorities so it's not appropriate for me to comment too much further,' said Luxon. ADVERTISEMENT While his remains were still believed to be on Russian-occupied land, the Russian embassy told 1News that, since he was supporting Ukraine, Kyiv was responsible for his fate, along with answering any queries about bringing him home. Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, said in a text that Kearns was officially listed as missing, which meant his body had not been located. Shan-le Kearns was the fourth New Zealander known to be killed in Ukraine — after Dominic Abelen, Andrew Bagshaw and Kane Te Tai. Shan-Le Kearns is the fourth New Zealander to be killed. Lisa Davies spoke with his mother. (Source: 1News) Efforts to repatriate their bodies home have taken as little as a few months, and as long as a few years. Former Defence Minister and soldier Ron Mark said: 'They all perform with distinction, and they paid the ultimate price knowing that might well be the case.' Those who went to Ukraine did so without our Government's backing, he said. ADVERTISEMENT 'I think that's sad, personally, but you know that's only a personal view, it's only my view and the government has other things to consider. I know that,' said Mark. New Zealand has supported the war-torn nation off the battlefield instead, helping train its soldiers before deployment. 'I feel for the family. I feel for his mum, I feel for his dad, but I take some consolation they're very proud of their son.'
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
New Zealand PM condemns 'dumb' viral rugby tackle challenge after teen death
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has joined the condemnation of the 'run it straight' rugby tackle challenge. PHOTO: REUTERS New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has joined the condemnation of the 'run it straight' rugby tackle challenge that has gone viral on social media after a teenager died from a serious head injury earlier this week. Mr Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, died in the city of Palmerston North on May 26 after taking part in the challenge that aims to emulate the collisions that occur when muscle-bound rugby players come together on the field. 'All I can say to young adults who are participating is you've got some personal responsibility in this,' Mr Luxon told local media on May 30. 'You're hearing the advice from police, from the medical fraternity, from government, from principals saying don't do it. 'To the adults that are involved in more formal organisation of it and are influencing it and leading this out on social media, I think you need to stop and I can't be any clearer. 'The evidence is that it's a dumb thing to do and you should stop.' Organised 'run it straight' competitions, where competitors with no protection run at each other on a 20-metre grass strip for cash prizes, have been held in Australia and New Zealand over the last year. The trend has attracted widespread condemnation from politicians and the New Zealand medical community, particularly those working in the field of head injuries. New Zealand Rugby, which along with the rest of the rugby world over the last decade has been looking at ways of reducing head injuries in the game, extended its condolences to Mr Satterthwaite's family in a statement earlier this week. 'We urge people not to take part in run it straight games or competitions as they carry significant risk of serious injury,' it read. 'Those wanting to play contact sports should register for a school or club team and learn in a controlled and safe environment how to tackle safely and the art of evasion.' REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
7 hours ago
- Health
- Reuters
New Zealand PM condemns 'dumb' viral rugby tackle challenge after teen death
May 30 (Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has joined the condemnation of the "run it straight" rugby tackle challenge that has gone viral on social media after a teenager died from a serious head injury earlier this week. Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, died in the city of Palmerston North on Monday after taking part in the challenge that aims to emulate the collisions that occur when muscle-bound rugby players come together on the field. "All I can say to young adults who are participating is you've got some personal responsibility in this," Luxon told local media on Friday. "You're hearing the advice from police, from the medical fraternity, from government, from principals saying don't do it. "To the adults that are involved in more formal organisation of it and are influencing it and leading this out on social media, I think you need to stop and I can't be any clearer. "The evidence is that it's a dumb thing to do and you should stop." Organised "run it straight" competitions, where competitors with no protection run at each other on a 20-metre grass strip for cash prizes, have been held in Australia and New Zealand over the last year. The trend has attracted widespread condemnation from politicians and the New Zealand medical community, particularly those working in the field of head injuries. New Zealand Rugby, which along with the rest of the rugby world over the last decade has been looking at ways of reducing head injuries in the game, extended its condolences to Satterthwaite's family in a statement earlier this week. "We urge people not to take part in run it straight games or competitions as they carry significant risk of serious injury," it read. "Those wanting to play contact sports should register for a school or club team and learn in a controlled and safe environment how to tackle safely and the art of evasion."
Scoop
a day ago
- Politics
- Scoop
National Caves To ACT To Ram Through Regulatory Standards Bill
Press Release – New Zealand Labour Party The Prime Minister failed to show leadership on the Treaty Principles Bill and hes failing again. Christopher Luxon is clearly too weak to stand up to David Seymour. Once again National has caved to ACT by today agreeing to shorten the select committee process for the Regulatory Standards Bill. 'The Regulatory Standards Bill puts corporate interests ahead of our communities, environmental protections, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi,' Labour regulation spokesperson Duncan Webb said. 'The Prime Minister failed to show leadership on the Treaty Principles Bill – and he's failing again. Christopher Luxon is clearly too weak to stand up to David Seymour. 'For a Bill that claims to attempt to embed 'good law-making', it is staggering that National would agree to cut short the public's chance to have their say. 'Under the Regulatory Standards Bill, laws that would keep people healthy and safe, like requiring landlords to heat homes, or limiting the sale of vapes, would be at the whim of whether David Seymour thinks they're a good idea or not. 'It is unbelievable that the Government is cutting short the time the public will have to weigh in on such a consequential Bill. 'Today, the Government voted to shortcut the select committee process from six months to four months, all because David Seymour wants this wrapped up before the end of the year. They also cut short the public submission period from six weeks to four. 'Luxon needs to start standing up to the extreme voices in his Government, but instead he's bending over backwards to accommodate them,' Duncan Webb said.
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Outstanding New Zealanders Honoured
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon Prime Minister Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has congratulated the 2025 recipients of King's Birthday Honours. 'Every person on this list has made New Zealand a better place. 'Locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally they are the proof that individual actions build a strong and thriving country. 'I am inordinately proud that twice every year, we can easily find dozens of outstanding citizens to honour this way, and I would like to thank all of the New Zealanders on this list for their service and achievements. 'To our new Dames and Knights, carry your Honour with the pride with which it was given,' Mr Luxon says. Appointed as Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit are Ranjna Patel, Emeritus Distinguished Professor Alison Stewart, and Catriona Williams. 'Dame Ranjna Patel has made a lasting impact across New Zealand in her service to ethnic communities, health and family violence prevention. She founded Mana for Mums for young Māori and Pacific women in South Auckland, co-founded a multi-cultural community centre, and co-founded Tāmaki Health, which has grown to become New Zealand's largest privately owned primary healthcare group. In doing so, Dame Ranjna has helped hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders,' says Mr Luxon. 'Dame Alison Stewart is an internationally renowned plant scientist with a 40-year career focused on sustainable plant protection, soil biology and plant biotechnology. She reinforces New Zealand's stellar reputation in science and is an example of how our science community will continue to lead the world,' Mr Luxon says. 'Dame Catriona Williams' legacy in spinal cord injury goes back more than 20 years. This remarkable woman has been the founder and driving force behind the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust since its establishment in 2005. She has inspired countless people by her example of courage and determination in the face of adversity. Dame Catriona dedicates her time to engage with people who have experienced a spinal cord injury and are new to life in a wheelchair,' says Mr Luxon. This year's Knights Companion are The Honourable Mark Cooper, Brendan Lindsay, and Ewan Smith. 'Sir Mark Cooper's service to the judiciary is distinguished and longstanding. He became President of the Court of Appeal after being a Court of Appeal Judge from 2014 and a High Court Judge from 2004. Sir Mark was Chairperson of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Building Failure caused by the Canterbury Earthquakes and his detailed findings and recommendations avoided delay to the Canterbury rebuild and provided a sense of resolution to the community at a time it was critical,' Mr Luxon says. 'Businessman and philanthropist Sir Brendan Lindsay built a global brand producing sustainable and recyclable storage products stamped 'Made in New Zealand'. Sistema was sold to an American firm in 2016, with the buyer committing in writing to keep production in New Zealand for 20 years. That business acumen has created a philanthropic legacy that has helped countless charities including Pet Refuge, Starship National Air Ambulance Service, New Zealand Riding for the Disabled and Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust,' Mr Luxon says. 'Sir Ewan Smith is legendary in the Cook Islands. The founder of Air Rarotonga, he has grown the business to become the largest private sector employer in the Cook Islands. However, it is his passion and loyalty to his people that distinguishes him further. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he ensured no Air Rarotonga employee was made redundant, and the airline maintained essential cargo and medevac services throughout the Cooks. Everyone including himself was placed on a minimum wage and he provided mentorship, counselling and budget advice to staff. Sir Ewan exemplifies what it is to be a good employer and an outstanding citizen. 'I would like to congratulate all 188 recipients of this year's King's Birthday Honours. We are proud of you, and we celebrate the example you set for others,' Mr Luxon says.
