The Deputy Prime Minister is in the spotlight over "defamatory" comments, the Greens struggle with issues around their MPs, and 1News Midday signs off for the last time.
1 'Ill-informed shill': Peters lashes out moments before China speech
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters addressed the New Zealand China Council this morning and called on China to "uphold its obligations".
Just moments before making the speech, he lashed out on Twitter, the day after he became embroiled in a spat with former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr.
Peters yesterday made comments about Carr's relationship with China that Carr's lawyers called "indefensibly defamatory".
In a letter obtained by 1News, Carr's lawyers said Peters' statements in an interview on RNZ had "no basis in fact".
Peters made the comments as he criticised the former Australian senator's views on the AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
2 'Devastating': One of two missing fishermen in Northland found dead
One of the two fishermen missing in Northland has been found dead in the water by police this afternoon.
The men were reported missing just before midnight on Wednesday, after failing to return from fishing on rocks, near Taiharuru, earlier in the day.
A police spokesperson said it was a "devastating development" for the family and loved ones of the men.
"They are in everyone's thoughts."
3 Gloriavale granted leave to appeal employment case
The religious sect Gloriavale has won leave to appeal a key Employment Court decision over whether it needs to pay its followers.
The commune has long argued its members are volunteers.
But last year, it lost a case brought by six women, a judge finding they were employees and should be compensated for their work.
The case has the potential to affect all Gloriavale members, with the fight now heading to the Court of Appeal.
4 Greens have 'historically bad' start to year - political scientist
The Greens have had an historically bad start to the year with allegations about MP Julie Anne Genter just the latest issue, a political scientist says.
On Wednesday, Genter crossed the debating chamber at Parliament to yell at National minister Matt Doocey during a transport debate.
Now, there are bullying allegations against Genter from a florist whose store is located beside a cycleway in Wellington.
These allegations come after former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman resigned in January this year after facing shoplifting allegations, and the suspension of Darleen Tana in March amid allegations against her and her husband of migrant exploitation.
Victoria University of Wellington political scientist Lara Greaves said the Greens had had an historically bad start to the year.
5 Prince William, Kate release new photo for Charlotte's birthday
Prince William and his wife, Kate, marked the ninth birthday of their daughter Charlotte overnight by posting a picture of her smiling for the camera as she posed near a plant with pink flowers.
The photo, taken by Kate, the Princess of Wales, was posted on X, accompanied by the words "Happy 9th Birthday, Princess Charlotte!" and a cake emoji.
Kate has tried to ensure that her three children have as much stability as possible as she undergoes treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
ONE SAD SIGN-OFF
Indira Stewart presented the final Midday bulletin and paid tribute to all those who helped bring the show together.
TVNZ's Midday news has signed off for the final time.
Indira Stewart presented the final bulletin this afternoon, thanking those who helped bring the show together.
Stewart then took her shoes off and wheeled a suitcase out of the studio, where crew could be seen mopping the floor before the lights went out.
Watch the closing moments here.
ONE TIMEY WIMEY QUIZ
Why did a TARDIS land on Wellington Airport's runway this week?
Think you know your Kiwi trivia? Pride yourself in keeping up with the news? Test yourself with today's 1News Daily Quiz.
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