Hundreds of police cars carry gun safes, and central Auckland officers draw weapons from their vehicles nearly twice a week.

Government plans to apply "experience rating" - essentially a no- or low-claims discount on employers' ACC levies - from April next year.

Discounts on ACC levies for businesses with good safety records will encourage some employers to cover up workplace accidents, opponents say.

New Zealand may find itself economic toast if it doesn't get a comprehensive China strategy together - and fast.

John Banks has racked up an $11,523 bill for flowers in his current term - including a $60 bunch to the Mayor from office staff when he was ill.

The interim Government in Fiji has expelled Australia's Acting High Commissioner today.

The Government has added $54 million to its total provisioning for potential payouts under the Crown retail deposit guarantee scheme.

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

Immigration NZ's chief says the sacking of seven staff for code of conduct breaches this year could shatter public confidence.

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