The Act Party is holding a "rejuvenation" conference today at the Kaukapakapa sculpture farm of wealthy benefactor and founding father Alan Gibbs.

Bryan Gould says the sale of favours by politicians should be anathema to any system of fair and open democracy. "I am surprised that so few seem to have grasped the unacceptable nature of this proposed arrangement."

John Banks may not get the sack as a minister but even the Prime Minister isn't going to go out of his way to defend him any more than he has to, writes Bryce Edwards.

The Court of Appeal has reserved its decision on whether Kim Dotcom will receive disclosure from the United States government in their case against him.

Alexander Gillespie says we need to know that our politicians and public officials are trustworthy. Corruption 'hurts everyone who depends on the integrity of people in a position of authority."

In our second debate on the Electoral Commission's recommendations for MMP, Graeme Edgeler and Muriel Newman put the arguments for and against reducing the threshold. Join the debate and leave your comments at the end.

Kim Dotcom dropped into Parliament, as John Banks was absent from it, and he took a parting shot at the Prime Minister for his continued support for the Act leader.

Claire Trevett says John Key's actions show that there are at least two ostriches in New Zealand: him and Act leader John Banks.

Kim Dotcom said today he was hurt by John Banks denying he knew him after they had a clear friendship, and he believes he should stand down from his ministerial portfolios.

John Armstrong says the Prime Minister's defence of John Banks looks more ridiculous by the day. The risk is that even more damaging material will seep out.

Opposition parties have renewed their calls for John Key to sack Act leader John Banks, claiming a police finding showed he had misled the Prime Minister.

John Banks gave detectives investigating his political donations a three-hour interview, insisted it be kept private now blames police for withholding it.

Prime Minister John Key is standing by Cabinet colleague John Banks after revelations that Mr Banks' mayoralty campaign team drew up a list of rich donors to target.

John Banks' mayoral campaign team drew up a list of 10 rich donors to target for $25,000 each, new police documents show, and Kim Dotcom was asked for two payments.

The latest Herald DigiPoll survey shows the Conservative Party has had a poll bump from Parliament's passing of the first reading of the gay marriage bill.