Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by bFM and VICE NZ.
LOCAL NEWS
Greens Want Increased Investment in Youth Mental Health
Yesterday, the Green Party announced its $260 million mental health package, including free counselling sessions for under 25s. Green Party co-leader James Shaw said the policy would reorganise the way things were done, and that previous governments had not been ambitious enough in this area. Lifeline executive director Glenda Schnell said investing in youth mental health services was a no brainer.
Business Leaders Backing Labour
A new election survey shows a strong mood for change among business leaders. Of more than a hundred respondents in the Herald's 'Mood of the Boardroom' survey, 88 percent believed Jacinda Ardern could propel Labour into government. However, many business leaders were concerned about Labour's intentions on major policies, such as a capital gains tax. There was a clear perception agmon leaders that National had failed to address New Zealand's housing and infrastructure crisis since they've been in power.
Moana Premieres in Te Reo Māori
The te reo Māori version of Disney's Moana will hit cinemas tonight in celebration of Māori Language Week. Over 30 cinemas will show the film for free, with tickets to some screenings lasting less than half an hour. Producer Tweedie Waititi said she was not surprised by the film's popularity, and that people were "hungry" for te reo Māori. The film took three months to translate and record following director Taika Waititi's recommendation to Disney executives that they do a version in te reo Māori.
Labour's Tax Criticism Continues
Labour is facing criticism of its tax policy from both National and potential coalition partner New Zealand First. Winston Peters said Labour already knew what it wanted from its tax working group and should tell voters that before the election. Prime Minister Bill English further criticised Labour, accusing them of not being honest with the public. Labour leader Jacinda Ardern rejected these claims, saying she had shared her expectations and plans with the public.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
UN Commissioner Calls Violence in Myanmar 'Ethnic Cleansing'
The UN's high commissioner for human rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein has described Myanmar's military crackdown on Rohingya Muslims as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing." The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, a group of Rohingya militants, has urged the government to agree to a one-month ceasefire. A government spokesman said there was no plan to "negotiate with terrorists."
Al Shabaab Attack in Somalia Results in Firefight
At least 17 people were killed after Islamist militants from al Shabaab attacked a military post at Balad Hawo, Somalia. Ten soldiers and seven militants were killed in the fighting, which began after a suicide bomber blew up a car, according to the military. "We chased al Shabaab out of the town," an official said.
Kurdish President Threatens to Mark Out New Borders
Massoud Barzani, president of the autonomous region of Kurdistan, said its leaders would mark out new national borders if Iraqi Kurds vote for independence on September 25 and the Iraqi government refuses to acknowledge the result, as the Iraqi prime minister has warned. Barzani said he would be willing negotiate with Iraq over borders but warned that "if they don't accept, that will be another matter."
Macron Facing Protests
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to face the first major protests of his presidency from one of the country's largest unions. The left-wing CTG has promised over 180 demonstrations against Macron's proposed labour reforms, which include giving employers more flexibility to hire and fire. CGT general secretary Philippe Martinez said there was "very strong discontent" among workers, but so far other unions have refused to join the protests. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said protests would not stop the reforms, as the government attempts to tackle France's 9.5 percent unemployment rate.
US Will Pay 'Due Price' for More Sanctions, Says North Korea
North Korea said it would make the US pay a "due price" if the military regime in Pyongyang is hit by fresh sanctions from the UN Security Council. The US will try to get the world's leading powers to vote on a resolution Monday afternoon following North Korea's recent nuclear test. The US has removed a freeze on oil supply and the blacklisting of Kim Jong-un from the resolution, reportedly to appease Russia and China, either of which could veto the resolution.
Reporting by Alessandra Nixon, Jack Marshall, Lachlan Balfour.