It’s been a wet and windy week in New Zealand, but there were plenty of reasons to celebrate being a Kiwi.
Locally, a winning youth choir, the rediscovery of a rare kiwi and an award-winning street in the Far North gave us the warm fuzzies.
Here are this week’s stories that put a smile on our faces and reminded us that, amidst the troubles in the world, a lot of good things happen in the daily lives of ordinary Kiwis.
And if choirs or rare kiwi birds don’t do it for you, there is more good news. New Zealand was voted the best country in the world, and it leads the world in solar storm preparedness. So New Zealand is not only a great place to live; it’s one of the safest too.
Singing Their Way to the Top: New Zealand Youth Choir Strikes Gold in Wales
13 July 2025
The New Zealand Youth Choir has won the prestigious title of Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The event took place in Wales between 9 and 12 July.
The 50-member choir wowed the judges with their blend of waiata (song), kapa haka and classic choral pieces.
This win follows another big moment earlier in the week, when they scooped up the Grand Prix of Nations at the European Choir Games in Denmark.
Full story: New Zealand Youth Choir wins top award
See also: NZ Youth Choir triumphs at European Choir Games, wins Grand Prix
Far North Surprise: New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Downtown Street Has Locals Beaming With Pride
15 July 2025
Here’s a destination other than Queenstown or Auckland for you to add to your itinerary should you ever decide to land on our shores.
According to WorldAtlas, Russell in the Far North has New Zealand’s most beautiful downtown street, much to the locals’ delight.
The Strand is a charming coastal street that has historic buildings (some styled to look even older), pōhutukawa-lined footpaths and a stunning waterfront.
In addition, it’s walkable, peaceful and steeped in layers of Māori and European history, from the oldest church to the first licensed pub.
With cafés, a museum, swings under the trees and unbeatable sunset views, The Strand combines beauty and heritage.
Read more about The Strand in Russell at Far North surprise: NZ’s most beautiful downtown street has locals beaming with pride.
Can You Spot Her? Kiwi dad’s photo goes viral
15 July 2025
More joy from Russell!
A clever Kiwi dad has gone viral after posting a mind-bending photo puzzle online, challenging people to “find his daughter” hidden in a rocky Bay of Islands scene.
Shared on Reddit’s “Find The Sniper” thread, the image left many stumped.
His 11-year-old daughter found the perfect hiding spot at Waihihi Bay near Russell. She blended into the tidal rock formation so well that only the sharpest eyes could spot her.
Can you?
Go to Kiwi dad’s photo puzzle goes viral: Can you solve it? to get the answer.
Rare Kiwi Spotted on Mainland After 50 Years
16 July 2025
In an incredible twist of nature, an endangered little spotted kiwi has been found in South Westland bush.
This bird hadn’t been seen on mainland New Zealand for about 50 years, making this discovery extra special.
Tahr hunter Luke Hill made the lucky discovery late one night, snapping a photo and alerting the Department of Conservation.
What followed was a four-night search involving a conservation dog, a daring dive off a rock and a very round, very rare kiwi safely in hand.
Read more details at Endangered little spotted kiwi seen on mainland for first time in decades.
You may also want to read my post Feathered Icons: 5 Native Birds That Symbolise New Zealand.
New Zealand is Ready to Tame the Sun
16 July 2025
When the Sun throws a tantrum, New Zealand keeps its cool.
According to ex-NASA centre boss Dr Michelle Thaller, we’re leading the world in solar storm preparedness. How cool is that?
Solar storms can bring down power grids, telecommunications and GPS. The risk peaks every 11 years, with the next one predicted to occur next year.
These storms are difficult to prepare for because the prediction window is short (10 to 15 minutes), while the potential impact and damage could be catastrophic.
But New Zealand has a solid response plan. Our emergency services, scientists and power bosses like Transpower have been rehearsing how to shut down our power grid if a major solar storm heads our way.
It may sound like a drastic measure, but damage to the equipment would be worse. It could take over a year for replacement parts to arrive, as everyone else will be queuing for the same parts.
Instead, New Zealand has decided that a few days without lights, Netflix or hot showers would be a small price to pay.
Read more at NZ leads world in solar storm preparedness, say ex-NASA centre boss.
New Zealand Crowned World’s Best Country 🎉
18 July 2025
Not only is New Zealand the best-prepared country when the Sun decides to cause havoc, it has also been voted the best country in the world. Can it get any better? 🎉
In the Telegraph Travel Awards, over 20,000 readers had their say, and New Zealand has once again been voted the best country in the world.
It has practically owned this title since 2012 for its breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality, but it had a brief dip to second place in 2023 due to COVID-19.
Why does New Zealand dominate the rankings year after year? This is what The Telegraph’s editors have to say about that:
Now that a relative normality has resurfaced, New Zealand is – to borrow a football expression – back on its perch. Will you, The Telegraph readers ever tire of it – of the fjords cut into the west flank of the South Island; of the vineyards that flutter around Marlborough; of Aoraki/Mount Cook in its snowy might; of the dining scenes in Auckland and Wellington? You might. But then, you probably won’t.
While some destinations grow hotter, busier, or less welcoming, New Zealand keeps doing what it does best: offering visitors a safe, friendly, and unforgettable experience.
Here is the top 10:
- New Zealand
- Japan (a climb from 4th place)
- India
- South Africa (last year’s winner)
- Greece
- Australia
- Peru (a jump from 25th!)
- The Maldives
- Costa Rica
- Botswana
Read 10 reasons New Zealand is the best country on Earth in The Telegraph and Stuff‘s The ‘best country in the world’ has been named. Start celebrating, New Zealand for more details. 🥝🇳🇿🌏