A major day for the coalition Government unveiling its mini-budget, a multi-million dollar super yacht berthing on our shores and one early-morning surprise for Auckland beachgoers.
1 Mini-Budget: Willis finds $7.5 billion in savings
The coalition Government unveiled its mini-budget this afternoon, finding $7.47 billion in savings over four years by stopping work that was underway, in tax changes and by redirecting funds that were allocated for climate initiatives.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said today's mini-budget sets out the immediate steps the coalition Government is taking to strengthen New Zealand’s economy, repair public finances and deliver cost-of-living relief.
Labour finance spokesperson Grant Robertson has criticised the mini-budget, saying the savings, cuts and project costs “don’t add up".
2 Quarter-billion dollar superyacht berths in Northland
One of the world's most exclusive and biggest superyachts has berthed in the Northland port of Ōpua for a two-week stay.
The 80-metre boat called Artefact is owned by a Canadian tech entrepreneur and believed to be the biggest motor yacht to visit the Bay of Islands.
Named as 2021's Motor Yacht of the Year, Artefact is expected to stay in the Bay of Islands until New Year's Day.
Find the full story here.
3 New Zealand man dies in Rarotonga lagoon
A 50-year-old New Zealand man died in a Rarotonga lagoon yesterday afternoon in just the third drowning incident there this year.
Cook Island Police said they received a distress call near the Avaavaroa Passage, where the man was recovered from the water by a tour operator who had gone out to help him
4 'Bitterly disappointed': Matthew Hunt's mum on coroner's decision
The mother of police officer Matthew Hunt, who was unarmed when he was killed on the job in 2020, is "bitterly disappointed" an inquiry into his death will not go ahead.
Coroner Janet Anderson ruled out an inquest into the fatal shooting, saying any recommendations she could make to prevent similar deaths have already been addressed by police.
Diane Hunt said she did not think police were any better equipped now than they were when her son was killed.
5 'Aviation nerds' Luxon and Albanese meet in Sydney
Newly-minted Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney, in what is the first official overseas visit for Luxon just 23 days into the role.
Albanese said the meeting between the two fellow "aviation nerds" represented the relationship "not starting but continuing".
To read what else was discussed, click here.
One 'crazy' phenomenon
One early riser captured a "crazy" waterspout forming off Auckland's Orewa Beach this morning.
Click here to see the beauty for yourself.
One delicious recipe
This flavour-filled grilled pineapple and corn salsa could make even the most pedestrian barbecue come to life and makes a perfect addition to your Christmas table.
Try Sarah and Otis Frizzell's recipe for yourself here.
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