Good evening. It’s been quite the day of politics, protest and an unmissable cover to Led Zep's Stairway to Heaven.
1. MPs sworn in: 'Nationwide Māori Action' protest, Gerry Brownlee named Speaker
Authorities warned commuters to expect delays across the country due to protests, supported by Te Pāti Māori, in opposition to promised changes in Treaty relations and co-governance. The disruptions were timed to precede MPs being sworn in and the new Parliament sitting for the first time.
2. 'Nationwide Māori action': Why today and what's it all about?
Read our explainer from Anna Murray to find out what was behind the nationwide marches, described by Te Pāti Māori as "an activation".
3. Ngarewa-Packer calls Jones an 'old dinosaur' in heated Breakfast debate
The politics turned personal when NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones went toe-to-toe with the Te Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer on live TV.
4. Couple may be forced from their home of 40 years over council bill
Margaret and Owen Dawe are among more than 400 property owners who may need to pay up to $42,000 to be connected to a new sewerage scheme in Lake Tarawera.
5. Thunderstorm watch issued for Northland, Auckland, rain to lash Tairāwhiti
When will it let up? MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Auckland and Northland this afternoon that could cause surface and flash flooding. A heavy rain watch is also in place for Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
ONE TASTY DISH
This smashed potato recipe, from Taupō-based mother-of-two, author and Instagram sensation Vanya Insull, will add a flavour-packed punch to your Christmas table (or any meal).
ONE WE ALL KNOW
A Christchurch school performance of Stairway to Heaven has wowed the crowd and led to a flood of requests for the footage. Now it's been viewed more than 150,000 times. Don't miss it.
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