Current Affairs Review Quiz T3 W1 2025

How many stars are in the cluster that is celebrated during Matariki?

• Five

• Seven

• Nine

Answer explanation

c. Nine – The Matariki cluster, also known as the Pleiades, includes nine stars recognised in modern Māori tradition. Matariki marks the Māori New Year, a time for remembrance and renewal. This year’s national theme highlighted the star Puanga, which some iwi use instead of Matariki to mark the new year.

What was the main slogan used by the nationwide protests that coincided with Donald Trump's military parade on 14 June?

• No Kings

• Liberty First

• March for Democracy

Answer explanation

a. No Kings - The "No Kings" slogan was used during a series of nationwide protests against Donald Trump, accusing him of acting like a monarch and overstepping presidential powers. The protests coincided with a rare military parade in Washington, DC, marking the 250th anniversary of the US Army.

Which North Island town had a proposal to rename it Kororāreka rejected last term?

• Cambridge

• Russell

• Levin

Answer explanation

b. Russell - A proposal to officially change the name of Russell back to its original Māori name, Kororāreka, was recently rejected by the Government. Although a slim majority supported the change during public consultation, the minister said the town’s historical significance and marginal support led to the decision not to proceed.

What was one of the proposed changes to New Zealand’s driver licensing system announced in April?

• Lowering the driving age to 14 years old

• Restricted drivers could get a full licence without a second practical test

• All tourists would have to sit a practical driving test before being allowed to drive in New Zealand.

Answer explanation

b. Restricted drivers could get a full licence without a second practical test - The proposal suggests restricted drivers can get a full licence by keeping a clean driving record for 18 months (or 12 months with an advanced course) instead of taking a second practical test. Any driving offence would restart this period. The proposal would also introduce a zero-alcohol limit to learner or restricted drivers of any age, in addition to the existing limit for under 20s.

Which extinct animal did scientists claim to bring back to life last term using gene-editing and cloning?

• Dodo

• Tasmanian Tiger

• Dire Wolf

Answer explanation

c. Dire Wolf - Scientists from Colossal Biosciences used ancient DNA and gene-editing to create three dire wolf pups, making it the first successfully de-extincted animal. The dire wolf, extinct for around 12,500 years, was recreated by editing gray wolf genes to resemble their prehistoric relative.

New Zealand will no longer hold its traditional nationwide census to gather data about the country. How often was this census previously held?

• Every two years

• Every five years

• Every ten years

Answer explanation

b. Every five years – NZ's nationwide census was held every five years and collected information directly from individuals and households through forms, either online or in paper format. From 2030, it will be replaced with data already held by government agencies and smaller, targeted surveys.

Which New Zealand golfer claimed their very first PGA Tour title in May?

• Ryan Fox

• Danny Lee

• Lydia Ko

Answer explanation

a. Ryan Fox - Ryan Fox won his first PGA Tour title at the Myrtle Beach Classic by chipping in for birdie on the first playoff hole. The dramatic victory earned him $NZ1.2 million, a two-year PGA Tour exemption, and entry into the 2025 PGA Championship.

Which two countries started launching missiles at one another in June, prompting global leaders to urge calm?

• Turkey and Greece

• Israel and Iran

• North Korea and South Korea

Answer explanation

b. Israel and Iran – A significant volley of missile and drone strikes were exchanged after Israel carried out a major airstrike campaign on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities. Iran retaliated with multiple missile waves targeting Israeli cities, resulting in deaths, injuries, and international calls for restraint. A ceasefire facilitated in part by Donald Trump, has come into effect recently.

The Government has proposed significant changes to the RMA which they say will make it easier to build. What is the RMA?

• Resource Management Act

• Regional Motorway Agency

• Real Estate and Management Act

Answer explanation

a. Resource Management Act - The RMA is NZ’s main environmental and land-use law. The Government claims its proposed reforms will boost economic growth and reduce planning delays, but critics worry they could weaken environmental protections and increase the risk of poor development decisions.

In May, Parliament’s Privileges Committee recommended three members of Te Pāti Māori be suspended after they performed a haka during the first reading of the controversial Treaty Principles Bill. How many days suspension did the co-leaders face?

• 3 days

• 21 days

• 56 days

Answer explanation

b. 21 days - It is the longest suspension ever proposed in NZ’s parliament. There are no rules against performing haka in parliament, but the committee report said it was against rules to cross the floor and approach another member. The report also said that the trio had acted in a way that could intimidate other members. The Te Pāti Māori MPs said they stand by their actions.