The organisation behind the biggest-spending public servant says his $100 lunches were necessary.

Public servants have been told to cut back on expenses after some $875,000 was spent by chief executives between July 2008 and June 2010.

"Expert practitioners" will work with schools to lift achievement, but a teachers' union is sceptical of the government's announcement.

While RWC Minister Murray McCully hosted a $2855 dinner, MPs spent $2 million on accommodation and travel in the last three months.

Yet again, taxpayers are giving the railways a helping hand - $750 million over three years. Good money after bad, or the start of the rail revival? Nick Smith reports.

Nobody can agree on a single narrative about why NZ rail failed and continues to lose money.

Ratepayers face forking out $1500 a month to some councillors under the new Auckland regional authority - just to drive to meetings.

John Key is keeping tight-lipped over who he will be voting for in the race to be mayor of the Supercity.

Gerry Brownlee says that the mining industry in New Zealand is certain to grow - but will do so in a 'sensitive manner'.

Bill English has warned National Party delegates that the Govt will come under pressure to spend more in election year - and will need to resist.

Tax revenue was bigger than forecast and spending lower in the 11 months to the end of May, says Treasury.

Seven list MPs are receiving almost $41,000 each a year to run offices in their local communities but choose not to.

The way the limited resources of our public health system are allocated across those in need is increasingly ad hoc and unfair.