Kathryn Armstrong

Auckland

Digital Reporter at BBC

Digital Reporter at BBC News. Ex-BBC World TV and TVNZ. Opinons are my own. Retweets are not endorsements. [email protected]

Articles

Poland has evidence Russia behind shopping centre fire, says minister

2 days ago | bbc.co.uk | Kasia Madera |Kathryn Armstrong

The May 2024 fire destroyed 1,400 small businesses, with many of the staff there belonging to Warsaw's Vietnamese community. "We have evidence that they commissioned people living in Poland, they commissioned them on Telegram and paid them to set fire to this huge shopping mall," Sikorski said on Monday.
Poland has evidence Russia behind shopping centre fire, says minister

2 days ago | flipboard.com | Kasia Madera |Kathryn Armstrong

1 hour agoRussian ambassador summoned, consulate closed as probe finds Moscow involved in Warsaw shopping centre fire. Poland has summoned the Russian ambassador and shuttered the country’s consulate in Krakow as it accuses Moscow of “sabotage”. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Warsaw announced the action on …
Treaty Principles Bill voted down after widespread outrage

1 month ago | bbc.com | Kathryn Armstrong

New Zealand rejects rights bill after widespread outrageKathryn ArmstrongGetty ImagesThe Treaty Principles Bill has been voted down 112 votes to 11A controversial bill seeking to reinterpret New Zealand's founding document, which established the rights of both Māori and non-Māori in the country, has been defeated at its second reading. The Treaty Principles Bill was voted down 112 votes to 11, days after a government committee recommended that it should not proceed.
Hong Kong property tycoon dies aged 97

1 month ago | bbc.com | Kathryn Armstrong

Hong Kong property tycoon Lee Shau-kee dies aged 97Kathryn ArmstrongGetty ImagesLee Shau-kee retired as chairman of Henderson Land Development in 2019Hong Kong property tycoon Lee Shau-kee, who was once the richest man in Asia, has died at the age of 97. The announcement was made by his property firm Henderson Land Development, of which he was chairman for more than 40 years. The company said in a statement that Lee had died "in the company of his family" but did not specify a cause.
MPs told to stop complaining about use of Māori name

2 months ago | bbc.com | Kathryn Armstrong

Don't complain about use of New Zealand's Māori name, MPs toldKathryn ArmstrongGetty ImagesMPs are able to use English, Māori or New Zealand sign language, when speaking in ParliamentThe speaker of the house in New Zealand's parliament says he will not consider any further complaints from lawmakers over the use of the country's Māori name in proceedings. "Aotearoa is regularly used as a name of New Zealand," Speaker Gerry Brownlee said in a ruling in Parliament on Tuesday.
Six killed in blast at mosque dubbed 'University of Jihad'

2 months ago | bbc.com | Kathryn Armstrong |Sarah Atiq

Six killed in blast at Pakistan's 'University of Jihad'Kathryn Armstrong & Sarah AtiqAFPThe Darul Uloom Haqqania is one of the region's most renowned religious educational institutesAt least six people have been killed in a suicide attack at an Islamic seminary in northern Pakistan that has been described as the "University of Jihad". The blast happened at the mosque within the Darul Uloom Haqqania, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, about 55km (34 miles) from the northern city of Peshawar.
North Korea has sent more troops to Russia, South's spy agency says

2 months ago | bbc.com | Kathryn Armstrong

North Korea has sent more troops to Russia, South's spy agency saysKathryn ArmstrongReutersNorth Korean troops are helping Russia in its attempt to drive Ukraine from the Kursk region (file image)North Korea has sent more soldiers to Russia and re-deployed others to the frontline in the western Kursk region, according to South Korea's intelligence agency.
Thailand deports dozens of Uyghurs to China

2 months ago | bbc.com | Laura Bicker |Kathryn Armstrong

Thailand deports dozens of Uyghurs to ChinaLaura Bicker and Kathryn ArmstrongEPAThe Thai authorities had previously denied they were going to send the Uyghurs back to ChinaAt least 40 Uyghurs have been deported to China, the Thai authorities have confirmed, despite warnings from rights groups that they face possible torture and even death. The group is thought to have been flown back to China's Xinjiang region on Thursday, after being held for 10 years in a Bangkok detention centre.
Cook Islands and New Zealand fall out over China deal

Feb 10, 2025 | bbc.com | Kathryn Armstrong

New Zealand and Cook Islands fall out over China dealKathryn ArmstrongGetty ImagesThe Cook Islands is the latest Pacific country to strengthen its ties with ChinaNew Zealand has accused the Cook Islands government of a lack of transparency over its plans to strike a partnership deal with China. The tiny Pacific Island nation's leader, Mark Brown, is this week making his country's first ever state visit to Beijing in order to sign the agreement.
German immigration bill rejected despite far-right backing

Jan 31, 2025 | bbc.com | Kathryn Armstrong |Damien Mcguiness

MPs vote against a law proposed by the main conservative opposition and supported by Alternative for Germany (AfD).