New Zealand influencers detained in Iran ‘extremely relieved’ to be home

NZ government facing accusations that its response to Iran protests has been muted in order to secure release of pair

Two New Zealand influencers who were detained for nearly four months in Iran have said they are extremely relieved" to be out of the country and back with family.

Christopher Topher" Richwhite and Bridget Thackwray were on a trip they called Expedition Earth; driving a Jeep through 70 countries to promote environmental issues" and documenting their travels on Instagram. They disappeared in early July, shortly after they were questioned by authorities upon entering Iran. The pair are understood to have been kept in the country by security forces.