Five Big Things: Friday, December 15

December 15, 2023
Matty McLean hugs mum Tracy as dad Steve watches on

An emotional farewell, summer plans and a healthy spin on a Kiwi party classic.

1 Matty McLean's parents surprise him on emotional final Breakfast appearance

Emotions ran high as Breakfast's Matty McLean bid farewell to his co-hosts, TVNZ staff and viewers after seven years.

McLean wiped away tears as his parents made a surprise appearance on his last day hosting the show.

2 Taking off: Over 1.7m passengers booked on Air NZ flights over holidays

Air New Zealand's expecting over a million customers on its domestic network between today and January 31.

December 22 is expected to be the airline's busiest day of the year, with nearly 50,000 people jetting off for a much-needed getaway.

3 Beloved Auckland restaurant changes hands after 50 years

One of Auckland's best-known restaurants has changed hands after 50 years.

Ollie's Diner in Royal Oak has been serving up ice creams and hotdogs since Colin Haines opened it back in 1973.

Now his son and daughter-in-law – who met while working at the store – are taking over.

4 Job listings decline to more than a quarter lower than this time last year

The number of people applying for jobs rose for a second month in a row in November, while the number of job listings continue to shrink.

Retail and consumer products, and hospitality and tourism saw the most hirers spoilt for choice, Seek says.

5 El Niño – When will summer start?

It's a mixed bag for Aotearoa's weather this summer, with some places faring better than others.

Those on the North Island can expect warm, dry weather come Christmas, but those in the South Island may need to head indoors.

ONE SPIN ON A KIWI CLASSIC

Tess Eden's spinach and tofu ‘ricotta’ rolls.

For a healthy take on traditional sausage rolls at your next gathering, why not try these spinach and tofu "ricotta" rolls by Tess Eden?

Warning: you may never want to eat a regular sausage roll ever again. Get the recipe here.

ONE HEALTHY SMILE

There’s more to a smile than our pearly whites – they also help us live long, happy lives.

So what happens to our teeth as we age? And what can you do to ensure it lasts the distance? To find out more, click here.

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