The Indian community in New Zealand is expressing significant concern over recent comments made by Winston Peters, the leader of New Zealand First, regarding immigration. Peters described the influx of migrants as an “alarming development” in an interview with the New Zealand Herald. His remarks suggested that many New Zealanders feel threatened by the changing dynamics in their cities due to immigration policies.

Peters articulated his worries during the interview, stating, “They have seen the international circumstances of careless immigration policies transforming cities… people feel at risk because of it.” He cited examples from several European countries, including England, arguing that some migrants fail to respect local values and customs. He further claimed that newcomers should embrace New Zealand’s values or reconsider their decision to migrate.

Indian community leaders swiftly countered Peters’ assertions. Narendra Bhana, a prominent figure within the community, expressed his alarm at the rhetoric that characterizes immigrants as a burden. “It is deeply concerning to witness political rhetoric that portrays immigrants as a burden rather than a strength,” he stated. Bhana emphasized the crucial roles that migrants play in various sectors, including healthcare, construction, agriculture, retail, and information technology.

Former Member of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the necessity of aligning immigration policies with national infrastructure and workforce needs. He cautioned against generalizations that overshadow the valuable contributions made by migrant communities. “Some of Mr. Peters’s language has caused concern within migrant communities,” he noted.

Bhana also highlighted the impact of labor shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating the importance of immigrant workers in sustaining New Zealand’s economy. “Businesses across the country struggled with severe labour shortages, and the economy faced immense pressure due to the lack of migrant workers,” he said.

The discussion on immigration has broader implications in New Zealand’s political landscape. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently stated that immigration must align with the country’s economic agenda and infrastructure capabilities. “We have accelerated pathways for residency through the Green List for when we have got job shortages that we desperately need to get into our communities,” he explained.

Bakshi welcomed Luxon’s balanced approach, hoping for an ongoing dialogue that remains inclusive and focused on shared progress. “Prime Minister Luxon’s emphasis on aligning immigration with long-term national goals is a more balanced approach,” he remarked. Bhana shared this perspective, advocating for policies that value and support immigrants rather than vilifying them.

The Opposition also took issue with Peters’ comments. Ricardo Menendez March, the Green Party’s immigration spokesperson, referred to Peters’ remarks as a “tired, decades-old playbook of blaming migrants.” He suggested that such statements distract from pressing coalition policies that have faced criticism, including reforms to pay equity and emergency housing.

Labour MP Phil Twyford condemned Peters’ comments as “cynical politicking,” arguing that they divert attention from urgent issues like the rising cost of living. He underscored the reliance of New Zealand’s economy on immigration, asserting, “We remain completely reliant on immigration for our economy to work and for our society to work.”

In his interview, Peters reiterated his belief that New Zealand should prioritize training and employing its own citizens before turning to immigration. He remarked, “We, like wise countries, have always believed we should be training and employing our own people first and not use immigration as an excuse not to do that.”

The discussion surrounding immigration in New Zealand is increasingly relevant as the nation navigates the complexities of its economic needs and social fabric. The responses from community leaders and political figures alike highlight the ongoing debate regarding the role of migrants in shaping a vibrant and inclusive society.

An Australian aerospace company recently celebrated a significant milestone with the test launch of its Eris rocket, which carried a jar of Vegemite in its nose cone. The rocket achieved approximately 14 seconds of flight before returning to Earth, marking a notable step in Australia’s efforts to establish a local space industry.

The test launch took place at Abbot Point, located about 1,000 kilometers from Brisbane, Queensland. After an 18-month wait for the right launch window, the three-stage rocket was able to clear the launch pad and ascend briefly, much to the delight of the team at Gilmour Space Technologies.

Adam Gilmour, the company’s chief executive, expressed his relief and excitement following the launch. “I was so nervous about it getting off the pad, that when it did I screamed in pure joy,” he told Agence France-Presse. Video footage captured the Eris rocket as it barely cleared the top of the launch tower, hovering momentarily before it lost momentum and fell back to Earth in a cloud of smoke.

The Eris rocket, measuring 23 meters in height, is designed for launching small satellites into low-Earth orbit. Although the Vegemite payload did not survive the test flight, Gilmour emphasized the importance of the brief flight time. “It’s huge what you can prove with just 10 to 15 seconds of flight time,” he noted.

Preparations for a second test flight are already in progress, with Gilmour aiming for a launch within the next six to eight months. The company, which employs 230 staff members, is targeting commercial launches by late 2026 or early 2027.

This test marks an important step for Gilmour Space Technologies as it strives to be the first company to launch a locally built rocket into orbit from Australian soil. As the Australian space sector continues to evolve, the success of this launch, albeit brief, showcases the potential for future advancements in the industry.

Listeners tuning in to the latest episode of the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge on July 30, 2025, can expect a comprehensive overview of current events and engaging discussions. The podcast, available on iHeartRadio and other streaming platforms, aims to inform and entertain audiences with timely insights every weekday morning.

The latest episode features an array of topics relevant to listeners seeking to keep abreast of the latest developments. Bridge’s engaging style and ability to break down complex issues make the podcast a popular choice for those looking for a concise yet thorough analysis of the news.

Listeners can access the full show podcast, which typically runs for around one hour, to enjoy discussions that cover a wide range of subjects. This format allows for an in-depth exploration of significant events, providing context and perspective that might be missed in traditional news formats.

With a commitment to delivering quality content, the Early Edition continues to build a loyal audience. The podcast not only informs but also encourages listeners to think critically about the issues presented.

For those interested in staying informed while on the go, the podcast is accessible on various platforms, ensuring that audiences can engage with the material at their convenience. Whether commuting to work or taking a break, the Early Edition serves as an essential listening experience for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of the world around them.

Individuals following a low-FODMAP diet can look forward to a more enjoyable culinary experience, thanks to *Chrissy Glentis*, who aims to simplify meal preparation while enhancing flavor. The low-FODMAP diet, developed by researchers at *Monash University* in *Australia*, is designed to alleviate symptoms associated with gastrointestinal disorders, particularly *Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)*. Glentis acknowledges the challenges many face, stating, “It’s hard to eat out, it’s tough to figure out, and it can honestly be quite frustrating.”

Glentis’s recently launched cookbook, *Always Delicious, Low-FODMAP Kitchen*, provides a collection of recipes that adapt classic dishes, often high in FODMAP ingredients such as onion and garlic. By substituting these with alternatives like garlic-infused olive oil and low-FODMAP stock cubes, Glentis hopes to foster a stress-free cooking environment. “My goal has always been to take the stress out of eating and to help people on a low-FODMAP diet enjoy food again — in all aspects, the eating, the cooking, the flavour,” she explains.

Recipes to Reinvigorate Your Menu

The cookbook features a variety of recipes designed for those who need to adhere to low-FODMAP guidelines. For instance, one standout dish is *One-Pan Lemon and Olive Chicken*, which is both easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe serves four and includes:

– 500g skinless, boneless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 cup (250ml) water or low-FODMAP chicken stock
– 1⁄2 lemon, sliced into rounds

The dish is baked at 180 °C for 20 minutes, ensuring a juicy, tender meal that can be paired with quinoa or rice. Glentis provides detailed measurements and cooking methods, making it accessible for even novice cooks.

Another enticing option is the *Faux-lafel Burger with Roasted Vegetables and Grilled Halloumi*, which utilizes vegetables like eggplant and kabocha pumpkin. This recipe highlights Glentis’s creative take on traditional falafels, using potatoes instead of legumes to create a low-FODMAP alternative.

A Comprehensive Approach to Low-FODMAP Cooking

Glentis’s cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it serves as a guide to navigating the complexities of a low-FODMAP diet. Accurate kitchen scales are recommended, as many fruits and vegetables are only low-FODMAP in specific quantities. To assist readers, Glentis includes tables listing common ingredients alongside their safe serving sizes.

The book is priced at *$45* and features photography by *Armelle Habib*, enhancing the visual appeal of the recipes. Glentis emphasizes that her aim is not only to provide delicious meals but also to empower individuals to take control of their dietary choices without sacrificing enjoyment.

With a wealth of information and practical advice, *Always Delicious, Low-FODMAP Kitchen* stands as a valuable resource for those navigating the challenges of gastrointestinal disorders. By equipping readers with the tools and knowledge they need, Glentis is helping to transform mealtime from a source of stress into an occasion for pleasure and enjoyment.