The New Zealand government has announced a significant financial commitment of $774 million in Budget 2025 to reform the redress and care systems for survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. This decision comes in the wake of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care's findings, which highlighted systemic failures and recommended comprehensive reforms to address the grievances of survivors.

Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the government's focus on delivering immediate support to survivors by enhancing the existing redress system rather than establishing a new entity, as initially recommended by the Royal Commission. The budget will increase the average redress payment for new claims from $19,000 to $30,000, aiming to provide quicker and more efficient justice to those affected. However, this approach has sparked mixed reactions among survivors, with some viewing it as a missed opportunity for more substantial systemic change.

Alongside financial redress, the government plans to invest in preventive measures to safeguard against future abuse within the care system. These include improving record-keeping and access to records, which were identified as critical issues during the inquiry. An independent review scheduled for 2027 will assess the effectiveness of these reforms, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement in the care ecosystem.

The decision to forgo a new compensation scheme in favor of bolstering the current system reflects the government's challenging balance between immediate action and long-term structural changes. While the increased funding and streamlined processes mark a step forward, the debate over the best path to justice for survivors of abuse in care continues, underscoring the complexity of addressing historical injustices while preventing future harm.

British actor Callum Turner and pop superstar Dua Lipa have captured public attention with their whirlwind romance that began in January 2024 and culminated in an engagement confirmed in June. The couple's relationship timeline includes key public milestones, from being spotted together after the 'Masters of the Air' premiere in London to making their red carpet debut at the 2025 Met Gala. Their journey from initial meeting to engagement has unfolded over approximately 18 months, with both stars navigating demanding careers while building their personal connection.

The couple's first encounter reads like something from a romantic screenplay. Turner, 35, revealed to The Times that they finally met at a mutual friend's birthday party in Los Angeles after experiencing several 'near-misses' where their paths almost crossed but didn't. The most remarkable aspect of their initial meeting occurred when they sat next to each other and discovered they were both reading the same book, Hernán Díaz's 'Trust,' and had both just finished the first chapter. Turner described the moment as cinematic, noting that they realized they were 'on the same page' both literally and figuratively.

Maintaining a relationship between two high-profile careers requires strategic effort, and Turner has shared insights into how they manage the challenges of long-distance dating. The actor emphasized the importance of making time for each other regardless of busy schedules, stating their motto is 'it's never not worth it.' He recounted a recent instance where he flew to Boston for just two days to see Lipa between her tour commitments and his filming schedule, despite feeling exhausted. The couple relies heavily on FaceTime to stay connected and prioritizes creating meaningful memories during their limited time together.

Before their fateful meeting, Turner and Lipa experienced what he describes as multiple 'sliding doors' moments that nearly prevented their connection. The actor detailed one specific instance where Lipa left a party at 1:45 AM and he arrived at 2:00 AM, missing each other by mere minutes. These near-misses spanned several occasions involving mutual friends and shared social circles. Turner expressed gratitude that when they finally did meet under the right circumstances, he immediately recognized Lipa as 'the most beautiful woman in the world,' setting the stage for a relationship that would quickly progress from dating to engagement.