The Government has announced 140 new hospital beds across the country to ease pressure on emergency departments.

These beds will be part of new wards in Middlemore, Waikato, Wellington, and Nelson hospitals, alongside the new Hawke's Bay ward announced earlier in the year.

Health Minister Simeon Brown says operational funding for the 350 extra staff that will be needed, has already been approved.

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Christopher Luxon is wrapping up his trip to APEC and ASEAN today.

The Prime Minister met with a range of world leaders, even having his hair complimented by Donald Trump, and having dinner with the Canadian and Australian Prime Ministers and the South Korean president.

APEC and ASEAN represent about 60 to 70% of the world's economy, so even casual meeting would have been significant for Luxon and New Zealand.

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Last Thursday was the largest protest New Zealand has had for decades, a combined strike across multiple public sector groups including PSA members and PPTA members.

It certainly sent a message, but that message depends on who you ask. While many sympathise with the issues the public sector is facing, many have also dubbed it 'the start of a five day weekend' for teachers.

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