At least 16 people are dead and 38 others injured in a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney.

Hundreds of people had gathered at Bondi for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, when gunmen opened fire.

Massey University Centre for Defence and Security Studies Senior Fellow John Battersby told Kerre Woodham that police responded as quick as they could, but it can be difficult to predict these attacks.

"Law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies are pretty good at what they do, but they do not have a crystal ball."

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A New Plymouth lake is being drained in an effort to stop invasive clams.

Lake Rotomanu's been closed to motorised watercraft since the gold clams were found there last month, marking the first discovery of the species outside of the Waikato River.

The lake's outlet was opened yesterday, and it will take about four days to drain completely.

Dave Cade told Kerre Woodham it’s the worst biosecurity threat to New Zealand’s freshwater that the country’s ever faced.

He says the clams reproduce asexually, and they’ll smother the bottom of lakes, smothering native organisms and clogging hydro stations.

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Nicola Willis is defending her economic track record in the face of a lobby-group's satirical campaign.

The Taxpayers' Union has sent MPs Nicola Willis-branded fudge, claiming she favours treats today and taxes tomorrow.

It suggests Willis should cut spending more.

Willis says the Government has reduced taxes and delivered significant cost savings while keeping frontline services.

Kiwiblog author and co-founder of the Taxpayers' Union, David Farrar told Kerre Woodham that putting aside personalities, it’s not a bad thing for people to realise we still have a real fiscal challenge in New Zealand.

He says that while the Government has cut spending in a number of areas, we’re still spending more than we’re bringing in in taxes.

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