It’s been a day of stark data about kids’ trauma survival rates, warnings about Black Friday sales and an awkward photo of the new coalition partners.
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1 Shocking rate of trauma deaths among NZ kids
Alarming new health research shows children in New Zealand are dying from serious trauma injuries at twice the rate of children in Victoria, Australia.
The findings received a sombre reaction when they were presented to more than 300 doctors and trauma specialists at the National Trauma Symposium at Te Papa in Wellington.
One of the key treatment differences was that in Victoria those under 16 with serious trauma injuries are sent to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, while in New Zealand youngsters may be sent to a range of hospitals with varying levels of paediatric care.
2 Coalition partners meet - finally and a bit awkwardly
It’s taken 12 days since final election results were announced but the leaders of National, ACT and New Zealand First have finally managed to get in a room together.
A photo was issued of the encounter between Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters and David Seymour at an Auckland hotel, with some of the body language looking a bit strained.
3 Don’t get taken for a Black Friday ride
That 'sale' item you’ve got your eye on may not be all that it seems, so we came up with some tips on how to shop smarter during the Black Friday frenzy.
Rule 1: Do your research by checking out what the items usually sell for using online tools.
4 Counsellor named after failing woman in polyamorous relationship
The Health and Disability Commission has decided to name a counsellor found to have failed a woman who was in counselling with her husband and her female partner.
Neil Oliver “failed to act with care and respect” towards the woman, and then didn’t act on any of the Commission’s recommendations.
5 Rugby player numbers up for females, down for males
Community rugby has seen a surge in the number of female players, referees and coaches since 2022 following a rise in profile for the women’s game.
But numbers released yesterday showed the number of junior males playing the game continue to decline with NZ Rugby saying they’ve seen a dramatic shift after Covid disrupted three seasons in a row.
ONE COMEDIAN WHO LIKES TO MOCK US

The results of the Bird of the Century competition showed a predictable win for the pūteketeke after its cause was fought by John Oliver on his US show Last Week Tonight.
So we thought it was a good moment to look back on some of the other times he has chosen to make fun of New Zealand. (He loves us really though, he says.)
ONE UNUSUAL WAY TO EARN A LIVING
Peter Taylor has made a 50-year career out of building floats for the Auckland Santa Parade, but even he struggles to come up with a job title for himself.
Michael Holland went along to meet him for Seven Sharp to find out what floats Taylor’s boat.
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