Clock ticking for the new government's mini-budget, Israel-Hamas hostage deal on the cards and Jason Momoa filming leads to ancient find in the latest NZ Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald
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MINI-BUDGET PRESSURE
Time is running out for the new government to put together a mini-Budget before Christmas, as promised.
National, Act and New Zealand First have signed off on each other’s policy programmes, with incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon saying they’re now discussing Cabinet roles.
Act’s David Seymour has made a public bid for the role of Deputy Prime Minister, due to his party having more votes than New Zealand First.
National Party leader and Prime minister-elect Christopher Luxon and Deputy Nicola Willis are in the final stages of negotiations with Act and NZ First. Photo / Michael Craig
ISRAEL-HAMAS HOSTAGE DEAL
A significant hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, could be announced today.
US officials have told reporters that Hamas will release 50 hostages - mostly women and children - in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.
It’s unclear exactly when it will be announced.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with his war cabinet to discuss the deal, before taking it to his security cabinet and the full government.
WAIHEKE ISLAND DEATH
Investigations continue into the mysterious death of a man, found in the water off Auckland’s Waiheke Island a week ago.
It’s believed the bones of 38 individuals - found in a sandbank at the beach south of Cape Brett - could date back to 1200.
Cultural assessments were being carred out for possible film locations when the bones were found.
They’ve been recovered with the help of a bio-archaeologist.
Jason Momoa in the new series Chief of War, which is being filmed in New Zealand. Photo / Apple TV
DOMESTIC DISCOUNTS
And there’s questions over whether Air New Zealand will have to continue to discount domestic flights in coming months, as it grapples with sinking demand.
October passenger data highlights the slow down, alongside lower-margin leisure travel and lower capacity.
Government to crackdown on online gambling influencers.
Trump tariffs cause chaos in US.
Video shows slaying of Red Crescent emergency workers in Gaza.
Video / NZ Herald