The Prime Minister's blaming New Zealand's rising unemployment on the last Government's economic management.  

The rate's hit a five-year high of 5.2%, just shy of Treasury’s predicted 5.4%.   

Christopher Luxon told Kerre Woodham when inflation rises, interest rates go up, the economy shrinks, and people lose their jobs. 

He says Labour had a lovely big spend-up party, but it's left a significant hangover. 

Luxon says we have to work our way through the economic cycle, which is what we’re doing now. 

China's doubling down on its deal with the Cook Islands. 

Ambassador to New Zealand, Wang Xiaolong says China wants to co-operate on seabed mining research, an inter-island cargo ship between the two countries, and infrastructure. 

The partnership has prompted backlash from New Zealand, which has a special relationship with the Islands, including the withdrawal of aid. 

Meanwhile, Luxon told Woodham the Governor-General is visiting the Cooks to celebrate our 60 years free association. 

He says he's proud of the people, but has an issue with their Government's moves. 

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