Will ultra-fast broadband be a game-changer or a costly toy? Anthony Doesburg found five companies already showing what better internet connections can mean.

Starship patients are being put at risk due to a shortage of staff, the union representing doctors says.

Australian PM Julia Gillard says her new ministry delivers on a promise to establish a portfolio dedicated to regional Australia.

Cabinet ministers know they have to work miracles in the limited window they have before those affected by the quake tire of their plight and the Government becomes the target of blame for things not being fixed

Police are investigating a possible attempt to influence the Super City election in which nearly 90 voters have been enrolled as living in two houses.

The first round of quake-affected businesses signed up to the Government's wage assistance package will see money in the bank tomorrow.

Stephen Wilce, head of the Defence Technology Agency and NZ's chief defence scientist, has quit over allegations he falsified his CV.

Companies will be required to have an NZ-resident director or local agent to prevent locally registered companies being involved in international criminal activity, says Commerce Minister Simon Power.

Water restrictions have been lifted for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula but some Waimakariri residents must still boil their water and their river is contaminated.

The battle to win $1.8b of government money now features in TV advertisements - although I imagine many watching them will be left scratching their heads.

When the tremors return, residents at one Christchurch rest home band together with cups of tea and company.

One of NZ's top Defence officials is under investigation after it was alleged he told "massive porkies" - including that he was an Olympian - and embellished his CV.

Peter Wood writes on the importance of resuming commerce after an emergency.

At least 22 commercial properties and 50 homes in the small quake-damaged North Canterbury town of Kaiapoi have been deemed unsafe, with its mayor admitting the town is changed forever.