Wellington  - A record number of 48,500 New Zealanders emigrated to Australia in the 12 months ending November 30, according to government figures released Friday.

That number was offset by 13,200 people, either returning New Zealanders or emigrating Australians, arriving in the country for permanent or long-term stays, leaving a net loss of 35,300 - or nearly 100 a day, Statistics New Zealand reported.

The difference was the highest net 12-month loss to Australia ever recorded, topping previous peaks of 33,700 in the year to January 1989 and 33,400 in the calendar year
1979.

Statistics New Zealand said the pattern of migration to Australia went in cycles with previous peak outflows in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Wellington  - The New Zealand government on Thursday warned of tough times ahead after new Treasury forecasts painted a gloomy picture for an economy that has already been in recession this year.

The Treasury predicted a steep rise in unemployment from 3.7 per cent this year to 6.4 per cent over the next 15 months, economic growth virtually stagnant until 2010-2011 and soaring national debt.

After years of budget surpluses, the Treasury forecast cash deficits rising from 6.6 billion New Zealand dollars (3.8 billion US dollars) this fiscal year to 11.4 billion New Zealand dollars by 2013.

Wellington  - Five earthquakes rattled New Zealand Thursday morning, according to seismologists of GNS Science who recorded them. There were no reports of damage from any of the quakes.

Three hit the North Island, including one measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, off the Bay of Plenty coast and 80 kilometres north- east of White Island, which has an active volcano.

That quake was deep, at 130 kilometres below the surface, and GNS Science said it was likely to be felt in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawek's Bay regions.

Wellington - New Zealand's newly elected centre-right government on Wednesday ditched a three-month old measure that would have forced oil companies to sell biofuels to combat climate change.

The government, elected last month, repealed the controversial measure adopted by the ousted Labour Party-led administration in October, by 62 votes to 59 in parliament. Two of the ruling National Party's allied parties joined the opposition in voting against it.

Wellington, Dec 16 : Nicole Kidman has angered Aboriginal groups by attempting to play a didgeridoo while promoting her new film `Australia' on a German television programme.

The stunt flouts an Aboriginal custom that dictates women are forbidden to play the instrument.

Kidman made the faux pas on the weekend during Wetten Das...?, a popular chat show.

Kidman's performance has been criticised by Aboriginal leaders, who said she should know better.