Families are set to get $75 back a week for ECE costs, TVNZ appointed a new political editor and a partial lunar eclipse is visible from NZ tonight.
1 Families set to get up to $75 back a week for ECE costs
The policy was announced by National during the election campaign in March last year, and means families will soon be able to claim up to $75 per week back on early childhood costs. Eligible families would need to collate ECE invoices and apply through Inland Revenue's online platform.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said many families were struggling with high housing, food and childcare costs. "I am delighted we are delivering on our promise today with support for those who need it."
2 Cyclone Gabrielle: Speed, scale 'overwhelmed' officials - report
Findings and recommendations from an independent review of Hawke's Bay Civil Defence response to last year's cyclone found the "worst case scenario" was not planned for.
"It was absolutely clear that the severity, speed and scale of this disaster quite simply overwhelmed the officials involved in that response," said review head former police commissioner Mike Bush.
3 Three Moscow attack suspects admit guilt during court hearing
Three of the four men appeared in court heavily bruised, accused of committing a group terrorist attack resulting in the death of others. A fourth attended court directly from hospital in a wheelchair.
Russia observed a national day of mourning for the attack on the Moscow concert venue that killed at least 137 people - the deadliest attack on Russian soil in years.
4 TVNZ appoints new political editor
Maiki Sherman has been appointed TVNZ's new political editor, becoming the first wahine Māori to lead 1News' political coverage.
Sherman joined the Press Gallery in 2012 as a political reporter, working for both Whakaata Māori and Newshub before rejoining 1News.
5 Survey shows NZ glaciers continuing to shrink
NIWA has been flying over mountain ranges since the 1970s to assess glaciers and the elevation of the snow line.
Programme lead Andrew Lorrey described the glaciers as appearing "smashed and shattered" as ice loss endures.
ONE PARTIAL LUNAR ECLIPSE
A partial lunar eclipse will be visible from New Zealand shores tonight, but stargazers will require a keen eye to spot it. The event is known as a penumbral lunar eclipse, meaning the moon is passing through a section of the Earth's shadow.
ONE QUIZ QUESTION: WHAT SONG DOES AN APE PLAY IN A FAMOUS CADBURY AD?
Think you know your Kiwi trivia? Pride yourself in keeping up with the news? Test yourself with today's 1News Daily Quiz.
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