Retired pope asks pardon for abuse
Retired Pope Benedict XVI is asking forgiveness for any "grievous faults" in his handling of clergy sex abuse cases.
International News
Macron tells Putin he seeks to avoid war
Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for his efforts on behalf of European security amid talks on Ukraine.
Ukraine diplomacy still an option, US says
"Apocalyptic predictions" about a Russian invasion should be ignored, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says, as the US hopes for a diplomatic solution.
Camilla will be Queen, Queen confirms
The Queen has thrown her support behind the Duchess of Cornwall's future role as Queen Consort in her Platinum Jubilee message.
First reinforcement US troops reach Poland
The first of the US troops sent to reinforce NATO allies in the face of Russia's military build-up have arrived in Poland.
Spain drops outdoor masks, US cases slip
Coronavirus infection numbers are dipping in the United States and Spain while cases continue to rise in South Korea.
China backs Russia’s demands to the West
China has expressed its support for Russia amid heightened tensions with the west, over its massing of troops on the Ukraine border.
Europe virus ‘endgame’, Russia mulls rules
WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge says the region is entering a "plausible endgame to the pandemic".
‘Time to move’: Ardern shifts NZ borders
Kiwis in Australia can skip quarantine to enter New Zealand later this month and by July, all Australians can visit under new border changes.
Curbs fall across Europe, Japan cases rise
Several European countries are lifting coronavirus restrictions amid lower pressure on hospitals while COVID-19 infections continue to rise in Japan's capital.
The Pitts: How Hollywood star’s green housing dream turned nightmare
Brad Pitt, who took credit for launching low cost housing in 2007 has argued through lawyers that he could not be sued over the housing development’s failings.
West trying to lure Russia into war: Putin
A defiant Vladimir Putin shows no sign of backing down from security demands over the ongoing unrest in Ukraine, and says the West is trying to provoke war.
Many countries yet to hit virus peak: WHO
The World Health Organisation has urged countries relaxing their pandemic restrictions to do so slowly.
Fourth journo killed in Mexico in a month
A cameraman and video operator in Mexico has been shot to death, the fourth journalist to be killed in the country in less than a month.
Russia, US clash at UN over Ukraine crisis
The US and Russia have squared off in the United Nations Security Council, with a vote approving a public meeting on a Russian troop build-up near Ukraine
‘I get it and I will fix it,’ UK PM says
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologised after a report into lockdown parties held at his Downing Street residence criticised "serious failures".
Downing St events show ‘serious failings’
Civil servant Sue Gray has concluded that "there were failures of leadership and judgment" and "some of the events should not have been allowed to take place".
US vows to press Russia at Ukraine talks
Russia must explain its troop movements amid fears that Moscow is planning to invade Ukraine, the US ambassador to the UN says.
Report Taliban killed 100 former officials
The Taliban have killed more than 100 former Afghan officials since they seized Kabul last August, a report by the UN says.
Navy ships deliver ‘contactless’ to Tonga
British and Australian navy ships arrived in Tonga to deliver aid amid concerns about spreading COVID-19 in a nation which has never had an outbreak.
US prepares 8500 troops for Ukraine
Pentagon putting 8500 troops on heightened alert for possible deployment to bolster NATO forces amid Ukraine tensions.
UK PM held ‘birthday party’ in lockdown
Embattled British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing backlash after it was alleged he held a birthday party at his offices during the first UK lockdown.
Military junta now controls Burkina Faso
Burkino Faso's army says it has staged a successful coup d'etat, ousting President Roch Kabore and dissolving the government.
Assange extradition can go to top UK court
Julian Assange will be able to go to Britain's Supreme Court to challenge a decision allowing the WikiLeaks founder to be extradited to the US.
Samoa locks down after Qld plane cases
The prime minister of Samoa has placed the country into a 48-hour lockdown after 15 passengers on a flight from Australia tested positive for COVID-19.
Drinking water the priority in Tonga: govt
Tonga's government says drinking water is the priority, and a national emergency team has already distributed 60,000 litres to residents.
Singer Meat Loaf has died aged 74
US singer Meat Loaf, whose hits included Bat Out of Hell, has died aged 74.
World rushes aid to tsunami-hit Tonga
The first flights from Australia and New Zealand have landed in Tonga with much-needed supplies of water for sanitation and hygiene as well as shelter.
Pristine coral reef found off Tahiti
A pristine, 3km-long reef of giant rose-shaped corals has been found by scientists off the coast of Tahiti.
Aid on way to Tonga as airport reopens
Aircraft loaded with humanitarian supplies have departed Australia and New Zealand for the tsunami-hit Pacific island nation of Tonga.
Water crisis looms in tsunami-hit Tonga
Tonga's airport remains smothered in ash and communications are being hampered by the severing of an undersea cable after a volcanic eruption and tsunami.