New Zealand

New Zealand conservatives favoured to win general election

New Zealand conservatives favoured to win general electionWellington - New Zealand's conservative National Party is poised to sweep from power the Labour-led coalition that has governed for nine years, according to election-eve opinion surveys published Friday.

But the polls indicate that up to 1-in-10 voters are still undecided, and New Zealand's proportional representation system, which is designed to ensure minor parties are represented in Parliament, could still produce some surprises in Saturday's general election.

Wireless gadgets emit too little radiation to be hazardous

Wireless gadgets emit too little radiation to be hazardousWellington, November 6 : A new study conducted by Australian researchers suggests that wireless gadgets like cordless phones and baby monitors are safe because they emit "minuscule" levels of radiation.

The researchers associated with the study came to this conclusion after testing the levels of electromagnetic waves in 20 Melbourne homes.

The research project was undertaken after some studies raised questions about health hazards.

Aussies are best cricket side in the world: Daniel Vettori

Wellington, Nov 6: New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori believes that Australia is the best cricket side in the world despite struggling against Indian in the ongoing Test series.

Vettori rated the Aussies team as the biggest challenge in world cricket, and said Australia remained the topside in the world, “particularly in their own conditions”.

New Zealand is preparing to head across the Tasman next week for a four-day warm-up match against New South Wales in Sydney before tests in Brisbane and Adelaide.

Opposition leads, but New Zealand election close

Opposition leads, but New Zealand election close Wellington - New Zealand's conservative National Party is poised to hand the ruling Labour-led coalition a resounding defeat at a general election in two days but could still struggle to form a government, according to two opinion polls released Thursday.

The polls showed the National and Labour blocs running neck-and- neck in voter support with every chance that the indigenous Maori Party could hold the balance of power after Saturday's general election.

No country for single women - shortage of men in New Zealand

No country for single women - shortage of men in New ZealandWellington - Single women have a problem finding a husband or partner in New Zealand - they outnumber men.

There are 35,000 more women in the prime marrying age group of 20 to 45, according to Statistics New Zealand and the situation is so bad that a 32-year-old Kiwi woman has as much chance of finding a partner her age as an 82-year-old.

New Zealand's Maoris congratulate Obama

New Zealand's Maoris congratulate ObamaWellington - New Zealand's Maori Party, which could hold the balance of power after a general election on Saturday, was buoyed by Barack Obama's victory in US presidential elections, party co-leader Tariana Turia said on Thursday.

"Barack Obama not only represents the strength of black liberation - he represents an impressive commitment to the power of the people," she said.

"The US election results have demonstrated the will of the American people to acknowledge and accept the contribution that African-American people make to their nation," Turia said.

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