Good evening. It’s been a day of pomp and pageantry in Wellington as full traditional rites were rolled out for the State Opening of Parliament.
1. Governor General outlines Government's priorities for the next three years
Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro has detailed the new Government's policies and legislative proposals for the next three years.
Her speech was prepared by a process determined by the Prime Minister, who sends a copy to the Governor-General. “The new Government is committed to delivering; to getting things done. It wants people to see demonstrable, measurable results that make their lives easier and help them to get ahead," she said.
Dame Cindy spoke from the Legislative Council Chamber as, according to tradition, the Governor-General doesn't enter the debating chamber.
2. Chris Hipkins attacks 'most shambolic' start to new Government
Parliament has returned in earnest with a fired-up Opposition leader Chris Hipkins saying the formation and beginning of the new Government is one of the "most shambolic" ever seen.
Hipkins' speech kicked off the new term in Parliament with the address-in-reply debate, in response to the Speech from the Throne delivered earlier by the Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.
Hipkins said the Governor-General's speech was characterised more by what the Government planned to repeal or scrap rather than what vision it had.
3. Air NZ reveals its first battery-powered electric aircraft
The all-electric battery powered ALIA CTOL from BETA Technology is lined up to join Air New Zealand’s fleet in 2026, operating as a cargo-only service with New Zealand Post.
The ALIA has flown more than 480km in one test flight, and according to an Air New Zealand spokesperson, will be used for routes of around 150km in length.
4. Christchurch school 'incredibly proud' of viral Stairway to Heaven cover
The head of music at St Andrew's College has reflected on his students' wildly popular rendition of the Led Zeppelin classic.
Speaking to Breakfast, Duncan Ferguson said the school wasn't initially sure about filming it but the response has been "really gratifying".
Lead guitarist Mia Fraser admits she found the performance incredibly nerve-wracking but "muscle-memory" got her through.
5. Auckland is the least-safe city in Australasia, a new report says
Aucklanders and visitors to the city might be right to feel anxious.
The Committee for Auckland, with Deloitte and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, has released "the State of the City" report and it's not looking good on the safety front.
The report says Auckland ranks only 124th in safety, marking a three-year decline and putting it among the lowest-performing peer cities for safety and at the bottom within Australasia.
ONE BIG WINNER
Roast salmon now vies for pride of place on the Kiwi Christmas table instead of turkey or ham – which totally makes perfect sense in an island nation that celebrates in summer. Dish magazine editor Sarah Tuck shares one of her favourite ways to serve it up.
ONE EMOTIONAL RETURN
Actor Jamie Foxx has made his first official public appearance since he was struck down by a mystery illness that halted production of his Netflix movie Back in Action.
After receiving a standing ovation from the crowd at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, the 55-year became emotional as he spoke.
Foxx hasn't shared many details about his health scare, but admitted in July he went to "hell and back".
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