A $1.7 billion higher-than-forecast deficit points to the fiscal challenges the Government faces in its May budget, Prime Minister John Key says.

Legislative changes effective today were met with a vocal response.

ACC has received almost 6000 claims as a result of the Christchurch earthquake and estimates the final cost will be $200 million.

This year's Budget deficit will blow out to 8 per cent of gross domestic product, says Finance Minister Bill English.

The Philippines government wants extra compensation for the families of its citizens killed in the Christchurch earthquake if inquiries find the Canterbury TV building was not up to scratch.

Chinese parents who lost their only child in last month's Christchurch earthquake will not be getting special compensation, Prime Minister John Key says.

The Chinese Embassy has asked the Government to give special compensation to Chinese families who lost children in last month's Christchurch earthquake.

Workers caught up in last month's Christchurch earthquake may be eligible for emotional trauma compensation from ACC even if they weren't physically hurt.

More than a week after the devastating earthquake police are still treating the situation as a rescue mission.

A man shot during an armed confrontation on an Auckland motorway early in 2009 says he's been made to feel like a witness rather than a victim.

Reforms helped create IT systems that are envied by other countries.

Father of two Richard Neville is suing police for gross negligence and mental trauma after he was caught up in a bungled shootout on Auckland's northwestern motorway.

A consortium of North Shore doctors has a radical proposal to use health professionals to help sickness and invalid beneficiaries back to work.

The ACC's remarkable turnaround ...