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Labor draws level as Gillard signs up Greens' Bandt
Caretaker Prime Minister Julia Gillard has moved to shore up her claim for power.
<i>Editorial:</i> Obama right to turn the page on Iraq
President Barack Obama has brought down the curtain on the seven-year conflict in Iraq.
Gillard signs deal with Greens
An agreement with the Green Party brings Labor's seat tally to a total of 73.
<i>John Armstrong</i>: A textbook example of crisis management
Watching John Key and Bill English dispose of South Canterbury Finance was a bit like watching a python swallowing an antelope.
South Canterbury bailout bill: $405 each
The Govt yesterday paid $1.775bn - or $405 for every person in NZ - to take control of failed moneylender South Canterbury Finance's assets.
SCF took more risks under govt guarantee, Maier says
South Canterbury Finance's exploiting of a Govt guarantee "violated a lot of prudent lending criteria", its CEO says.
Bad lending led to Sth Canterbury's downfall - Key
South Canterbury Finance got into trouble by lending money to people who couldn't pay it back and on assets that have no value.
Hubbard speaks out - Govt to blame
Allan Hubbard is blaming Government regulations for the failure of South Canterbury Finance.
No Sth Canterbury fire sale - English
Finance Minister Bill English says its quick payout to cover losses by South Canterbury Finance investors will mean "minimal disruption" to the wider economy.
Govt pays $1.7bn to Sth Canterbury Finance
The Government has this morning paid out $1.7 billion to cover investor losses from the collapse of South Canterbury Finance.
Govt pays $1.7bn to Sth Canterbury trustees
The Govt has already made a $1.7bn payment to the trustees of South Canterbury Finance, which today called in the receivers.
'Good and bad' news in SCF announcement
Sth Canterbury Finance chief executive Sandy Maier says an announcement that will have "good and bad" in it is due sometime after 9.30am today.
English cancels trip as Hubbard decision looms
Bill English cancelled an overseas trip and John Key last night refused to rule out an injection of taxpayer funds as the Govt grappled with the fate of South Canterbury Finance.
<i>John Armstrong:</i> Key walks a tightrope over ailing finance firm
John Armstrong writes that John Key must reassure investors that their cash is safe, while minimising the taxpayers' burden.
Right wingers rally in Washington
The 300,000 people who attended a rally in Washington were told not to bring political placards.
Rest homes reject DHB demand for birth details
Rest homes are refusing to comply with a demand to find old people's birth certificates to prove they are eligible for care subsidies.
<i>Rodney Hide</i>: Our objective is to make Auckland a greater place
Local Government Minister and Act Party leader Rodney Hide shares his vision for the new Super City.
Rural Aussies flex political muscles
Rural voters have some bargaining power now in the decision of who will govern Australia.