If it’s good enough for the Oxford English Dictionary, it’s good enough for us. Here are some of the stories of the week in emoji.
LOOKING TO BUY?
Photo: Unknown
The Reserve Bank is to retain its loan-to-value ratio restrictions on home lending, in case an unexpected surge in immigration fuels house price inflation. It wants to see increases in house prices more closely linked to wage growth, but the Prime Minister insists first-time buyers are not shut out of the market.
BLOOD IN THE POST
Photo: Unknown
Vials of blood-like liquid arrived by post at the New Zealand Herald offices in Auckland and to Parliament in Wellington on Tuesday morning – one has been sent to Australia for testing. A suspicious parcel was also reported at the US embassy in Wellington.
NO-FLY ZONES
Photo: Unknown
Air New Zealand’s announcement that the only flights to and from Kaitaia, Whakatane and Westport will stop from April next year has been described as another “nail in the coffin” for the regions. Sunair Aviation says it will pick up two of the routes.
SOME KIND OF JOB
Photo: Unknown
With increasing numbers of workers tied to zero-hour contracts, which their employer is under no obligation to give them work, unions are warning the shift creates an impossible situation for people trying to make a living.
MAKING TRACKS TO RIO
Photo: Unknown
Convicted murderer and sex offender Phillip Smith fled to Brazil while on 72-hour temporary release from Spring Hill prison in Waikato. He was arrested yesterday morning and will be held in a Brazilian jail under a 60-day order.