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Former NZ Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control calls on NZ government to uphold international law by condemning the US attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of its President. Parliament should be recalled to vote on condemnation of this act of war with sanctions to be placed on the US 05 January 2026 Auckland New Zealand – “New Zealand is a minnow in terms of economic or military strength in the world. But it earned worldwide respect for its morality in defying the US and upholding the UN Charter and international law when it condemned the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. “In doing so it was defending the international rule of law not the rule of might ”, said former Associate Foreign Minister in the Helen Clark government, the Hon Matt Robson. “Now, following on the craven decision of New Zealand to win Washington’s blessings by not opposing the US and Israeli genocide in Gaza and the West Bank and not voting for a Palestinian State , the New Zealand government by noy condemning the US invasion of Venezuela and seizing its President, is complicit in the ripping up of the UN Charter by the Trump administration ” continued the former Minister. “The NZ government has stripped New Zealand’s credibility to any claim to adherence to international law and the UN Charter by its cowardice in not demanding the release of President Maduro and his wife and an end to the US aggression and the crippling sanctions and illegal seizure of Venezuelan oil.“ “The US ambassador needs to be summonsed and the illegality of the US aggression to be conveyed to the US administration in the strongest terms”. “It is now over to opposition parties in New Zealand and any coalition MPs with a shred of decency to demand an urgent sitting of Parliament with 4 items on the agenda to vote on:

1. The call for a special sitting of the UN General Assembly to discuss sanctions on the US for its aggression against Venezuela.
2. For NZ to unequivocally condemn the US aggression.
3. To call for the immediate release of President Maduro and his wife.
4. For sanctions to be placed on the US by New Zealand until it ends its aggression.

Kiwi Kids Crown Hasbro’s Top Toys of 2025 on What Now! Kiwi kids have spoken! After weeks of toy testing, laughs, and “scientific” scoring on EPICNESS, Hasbro New Zealand and TVNZ’s What Now have officially revealed the Top Toys of 2025 — as chosen by the real experts: kids. Three What Now toy testers — Ella, Lilly, and Xavier — put 20 of Hasbro’s hottest toys through the ultimate challenge to decide which ones truly ruled playtime. Viewers at home then joined in to cast their votes for their favourites, helping decide which toys would make it to the top. And now, the results are in! The Official What Now Hasbro Top Toys of 2025

• Transformers EarthSpark Optimus Prime Battle Trailer
• Play-Doh Barbie Designer Fashion Show
• Operation Electronic Board Game
• Beyblade X Drop Attack Battle Set
• Peppa’s Big Family House
• Nano-mals
• NERF Loadout Galactic Commander
• Monopoly Free Parking Expansion Pack
• Furby Cotton Candy
• Rebounce

This year’s favourites reflect a mix of nostalgic classics and exciting new innovations. The timeless Operation Electronic Board Game once again proved it’s still a family favourite, while Furby Cotton Candy brought a 90s icon back to life for a new generation. The newest craze, Nano-mals, also captured hearts — adorable, pocket-sized digital pets that blend fun, friendship, and fidget play all in one. Hasbro New Zealand’s Brand Manager, Stuart McAskill, says: “It’s always amazing to see the joy and imagination Kiwi kids bring to toy testing. Their feedback reflects exactly what makes play so special — creativity, laughter, and connection. These Top Toys truly represent what will be lighting up Christmas trees this year.” The What Now Toy of the Year segment aired on Sunday, 12 October, celebrating all things playtime and giving Kiwi families a sneak peek at what will be the must-have toys this Christmas. Watch the What Now Toy Testers segment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b1mud55lFc Download official press images here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/o6br9n6va95bwte2hcd1c/AKMFmAB_RuKYHz1MjqU1VYY?rlkey=crbbwygo8wlhqgpaacuph8h8d&st=qtdv3b8z&dl=0

BEYBLADE X National Champion Crowned – Kiwi Blader to Represent New Zealand in Tokyo

Auckland, NZ – Sunday 20 July The battle is over and a New Zealand champion has emerged! The BEYBLADE X National Tournament came to an epic close at The Maritime Room in Auckland City, where top bladers from across the country spun, clashed, and competed for a single, coveted title. The venue buzzed with excitement as fans, families, and fierce competitors gathered for an unforgettable day of high-stakes battles and Beyblade action. After hours of elimination rounds, one blader rose above the rest to claim the national title:

• • Winner was: CHARLIE ROSS-MATENGA 
  • Age:  11 years old 
  • From location: FOXTON BEACH
  • Beyblade Winning Combo: Charlie won with Beyblade – Wand Wizard against his opponent Oliver Bagley’s Beyblade – Sword Dragon. 
  • About:  Charlie drove from Foxton to Auckland with his guardians Sue & Patrick for his first ever Beyblade Tournament. 

• Tournament placings:  

• • First Place: Charlie Ross – Matenga (11 years) 
  • Second Place Oliver Bagley (8 years) 
  • Third Place:  Eden Palmer (11 years) 

Charlie will now go on to represent New Zealand on the world stage at the BEYBLADE X World Finals, taking place at Tokyo Tower, Japan, on October 11–12, 2025. There, they’ll compete against top international bladers in the ultimate showdown. From next-level tactics to true sportsmanship, the NZ tournament captured everything that makes Beyblade a global phenomenon. With fans cheering from every corner of The Maritime Room, it was a celebration of community, competition, and the power of the spin. To follow Charlies road to Tokyo and stay up to date with future tournaments, visit www.beyblade.com or follow @officialbeyblade on Instagram. Pictures:  

Caption: Beybladers Eden Palmer battles for 3rd place

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ebyj8Jstzu0lSz8jbnK2JF44z4h_HrLd/view?usp=drive_web

Caption: Winner Charlie Ross-Matenga & family

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GPO4BlIYKepKVCgOh9Zh5Elddbqz5osB/view