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The next generation of household gaming is almost here, with both Microsoft and Sony set to drop their new consoles after a very long wait. The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are set to launch by the end of the year, as keen gamers do their research and save their funds in anticipation. There’s a lot of things to factor in when making your decision, from power and storage space to hardware preferences, subscriptions, and game exclusives. Let's take a look at the Xbox Series X and PS5 and what it means for your Christmas budget. 

Man first went to the moon in 1969, and the Apollo lunar flights ended way back in 1972. Over the last 48 years, there has been little interest in going back to the moon, with money and politics mostly responsible for the lack of ambition. All that is about to change, however, with the NASA Artemis Plan focused on putting men and women back on the moon in 2024. This time around could be very different, as key commercial and international partnerships define the scope and scale of the next phase of space exploration.

COVID-19 has changed everything in 2020, with social distancing, isolation, and lockdowns the new normal for millions of people around the world. Placed front-and-centre in this global crisis, the healthcare sector continues to evolve to meet the numerous challenges posed by the pandemic. Remote medical apps and self-monitoring services represent a new and exciting development, as COVID and healthcare patients around the world continue to get the help they need at home.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to isolation and loneliness for many, as mental health services around the world struggle to cope with increased rates of anxiety and depression. The insular nature of the virus has seen people look inwards and change the way they interact with the world around them. From exercise routines to home cooking and binge TV, people have been looking for new ways to add joy to their lives in a strange new world. Cycling has enjoyed an unexpected surge during the pandemic, with people riding and fixing bikes for fun, exercise, and therapy.

COVID-19 and associated lockdown measures have seen more than a few records come tumbling down, as median incomes fall for the first time in New Zealand. While those lucky enough to have a job saw relatively healthy wage growth over the June 2020 quarter, there was a sharp rise in underemployment and paid employees with no hours. Different industries and demographics faced unique effects, with younger Kiwis more adversely affected along with people working in retail, hospitality, and accommodation.