US Supreme Court Legalises Gay Marriage
On 26 June, the US Supreme Court legalised the marriage of same-sex couples in all 50 states. After the decision was announced, the White House was illuminated in rainbow colours. An open supporter of gay marriage, President Obama said: “If we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.”
Greek Financial Crisis
In 2015, Greece experienced one of its worst financial crises, failing to make its EUR 1.5 billion dollar repayment to the IMF. Greek banks were shut and citizens had a cap on cash withdrawals. Greece eventually accepted an EU bailout package worth $141 billion after the longest summit in EU history. The prime minister resigned as a result of the crisis, but was re-elected later in the year.
Chile Earthquake
On 16 September, 13 people were killed in an 8.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile and the 4.5 metre tsunami that followed. Over 9000 people were declared homeless, with 1 million people being evacuated when the tsunami warning was declared. The tsunami also destroyed over 200 boats, many being dragged out to sea or piled onshore.
Nepal Earthquake
On 25 April, the lives of eight million people were disrupted when a 7.8 magnitude quake struck Nepal. Over 8500 people were killed, making the quake the deadliest disaster to hit Nepal on record. Facebook implemented a special donate button, which was clicked by more than 770,000 donors from 175 different countries, raising over $15 million for the nation.
Syrian Refugee Crisis
Refugees fleeing war-torn Syria became one of the biggest global issues in 2015, with the Islamic State continuing to terrorise the country. The UN reported that three million people had fled the country by August, becoming the biggest refugee crisis since WW2. A single-day record was made when 7000 refugees arrived in Macedonia in one day. Refugees flooded the borders of European nations, and countries all over the world expanded their quotas in response.
Refugee Quota
New Zealand joined many countries when it increased its refugee quota in response to the crisis in Syria. The National government agreed to accept 600 refugees over the next three years, on top of the current annual quota of 750. The government said it plans to house all refugees, and they will also have access to assistance benefits.
The Trans Pacific Partnership
Protests took place across the country as the issues surrounding the TPPA were voiced by many angry New Zealanders. Criticisms of the agreement are its secrecy, the environmental impacts, and the cost of medicine following the agreement. The largest campus protest in 2015 was held in anger over the issue, though Prime Minister John Key continued to claim protesters are simply misinformed.
The 2015 Flag Debate
After a long list of 40 flags was whittled down to just four — and then five after public pressure to include Red Peak — the country is set to decide whether to change the nation’s flag. The divisive process will come to a head with the first referendum between 20 November and 11 December, and the final scheduled for March 2016.
Highlanders Super XV Win
The Highlanders set the 2015 Super XV tournament alight, beating a strong Brumbies side in the semi-finals and the Hurricanes 21–14 in the final. This year was a first-time Super Rugby win for the team, with the closest call coming in 1999 when they were beaten by the Crusaders in the Dunedin final.
