A $218 million prison development towering over Auckland's Southern Motorway has horrified residents, principals and community leaders.

Paula Bennett has attacked the integrity of a solo mother who is asking for $15,000 to settle a privacy complaint against the minister.

Bill English says his Budget will leave the gap between rich and poor "about the same".

Tapu Misa writes that the growing divide between rich and poor makes solidarity and a sense of community more difficult.