Labour MP and former Associate Immigration Minister Shane Jones' political career has been saved by an Auditor-General's report that found no evidence of improper motive.

The Government is investigating an overhaul of the way councils collect money for their annual $3.6 billion new infrastructure spend.

Shane Jones has received a draft copy of the auditor-general's report into his decision to grant Chinese billionaire William Yan citizenship - but won't reveal the contents.

Homeowners could have to pay more in Fire Service levies under a proposed shake-up of the way the service is funded.

The public health experts who once led SkyCity's problem gambling programme say the casino doesn't do enough to prove they stop punters becoming addicts.

A man who was due to go on trial for sexual abuse was able to skip the country because a court staff member forgot to inform Internal Affairs of his bail conditions.

Conman Loizos Michaels has been sentenced to eight years in prison after he "manipulated his victims for greed''.

The police-organised crime squad that carried out the Kim Dotcom raid has given briefings to a high-powered group charged with protecting New Zealand's "national security".

Loizos Michaels could talk the shirt off your back and the money from your bank account.

Dozens of false passports have been discovered during security checks ahead of a new online passport renewal system introduced last week.

New Zealanders will lose an hour's sleep on Sunday but despite the start of daylight saving, warmer weather appears to be a long way off.

The Government is considering lowering passport fees at the same time it opens up online passport applications.