Radio New Zealand staff are set to agree to a salary freeze this week as the public broadcaster searches for $1.5 million of savings to make ends meet.

Ernst & Young accountant Jo Doolan estimated the "real" value of an average backbench MPs' salary package was $150,454.

Proposed highway between Puhoi and Wellsford is one of seven roads the Government has promised will be "substantially advanced" within 10 years.

A ruling days before last year's election restored lucrative travel perks to 23 MPs, 12 of whom were not re-elected.

Health Minister Tony Ryall is distancing himself from a controversial recommendation that would in effect resurrect part of National's '90s health system.

Education Minister Anne Tolley has given a stay of execution for a $2.5m scheme that provides therapy at school for disabled children.

Sir Douglas Graham explains why he has a clear conscience about the subsidised travel he is entitled to as a former Cabinet minister.