Five Big Things: Friday, December 22

One pooch's lucky escape, Christmas Day drizzle and a modern take on your mum's very '80s prawn cocktail starter.

Police are seeking the owner of a lucky pooch that survived a car crash near Auckland's Manukau Heads this morning.

The vehicle had rolled off the road north of Waiuku. A German Shepherd was found hanging around the car, with the driver nowhere in sight.

The Government will spend $5.7 million to boost emergency department security this summer.

Health Minister Shane Reti said the Government had listened to emergency department staff about an increase in violent incidents in hospitals.

Good news for Kiwis looking to get on the property ladder – ASB has announced changes to some of its home lending and term deposit rates.

From today, the bank's two-year home lending rate will drop by 16 basis points from 7.05% to 6.89%, and its three-year rate by 10 basis points from 6.85% to 6.75%.

Clouds are rolling in for much of the country, bringing with it a risk of showers which could spoil your Christmas Day barbecue.

Those in the western areas of the North Island may need a backup plan for their afternoon get together.

An inmate's been charged with murder following the death of an inmate at an Auckland prison yesterday.

It comes after a prisoner allegedly assaulted two others while working at a kitchen at the Serco-run Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility in Wiri.

For a light, tasty dish to kick off Christmas dinner – and a modern take on your mum's very '80s prawn cocktail starter – why not try this raw fish?

With lashings of coconut cream and tangy lemon juice, this salad by Christall Lowe is the perfect solution for the antipodean yuletide starter. Get the recipe here.

Visiting family over the holidays means carting presents on the plane, but nothing kills the festive mood like getting in trouble with airport security.

Here's a handy guide to ensure a smooth journey through the screening process.