Government books paint tough economic picture, a large earthquake strikes Vanuatu, and tips for making it through that upcoming social occasion.
1 Government books paint tough economic picture
There will be more cuts in spending and no new initiatives from public services as the Government books paint a bleak economic picture.
Treasury released the Half Year Fiscal Update this afternoon, blowing many economic forecasts out of the water. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said "the downturn started earlier, was deeper and persisted for longer than previously expected".
1News Business Correspondent Katie Bradford reports.
2 'Violent' earthquake strikes Vanuatu — no tsunami threat to New Zealand
In developing news, a large earthquake has struck near Vanuatu.
The 7.3 magnitude earthquake, which struck at a depth of 43km, occurred 30km to the west of the capital Port Vila earlier this afternoon.
Damage in the Pacific nation was still being assessed.
Civil Defence said an assessment found there was no tsunami threat to New Zealand as a result of the quake.
3 Orana Wildlife Park told to improve vet care after major investigation
Orana Wildlife Park will temporarily stop importing animals from other zoos following an investigation into its animal welfare procedures and culture.
The investigation report was put together by experts at the zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia and found a need for significant change.
4 School overwhelmed with gifts after error in Christmas order
An error in a primary school's Christmas present order meant 220 pupils were going to miss out on their end-of-year gift — but the community has come together in the ultimate display of the Christmas spirit.
5 Santner runs through England to lead Black Caps to record victory
Mitchell Santner has wrapped up the England tail as the Black Caps demolished the tourists by 423 runs to take the third and final Test of the series at Seddon Park this afternoon.
ONE HOLIDAY PARTY SURVIVAL GUIDE
Do parties make you feel a bit anxious or just plain tired? Are you a dud at small talk? Turns out you're in excellent company.
Melissa Stokes, John Campbell and other socially astute introverts share tips for making it through that upcoming social occasion.
ONE LIST OF 2024 BUZZ WORDS
The politics were "polarising"', the summer was "brat" and a widespread problem was "brain rot". The words we used in 2024 were clearly influenced by our increasingly digital lives, Roger J. Kreuz writes.
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