The driving age will be raised to 16 and restricted licence tests toughened, under new Govt measures.

NZ will contribute $685,000 to a Canadian-led non-proliferation project, John Key announced in Ottawa today.

US President Barack Obama closed his nuclear security summit in Washington with a roll call of tangible actions promised by countries.

The govt-appointed Welfare Working Group will consider unemployment insurance among options for reforming the social security system.

Planning has started for a giant tent to be erected on Queens Wharf for the Rugby World Cup on the site of one of two 98-year-old cargo sheds.

NZ should remain a sovereign nation to deny Australia "the kiwi and the juiciest spring lamb", says Simon Schama.

Mayor Tim Shadbolt believes Invercargill voters would favour his political experience over the singing career of challenger Suzanne Prentice.

Time-consuming and unproductive "distractions" involving Tim Shadbolt's council are behind Suzanne Prentice's bid to become Invercargill's new mayor.

Thousands of Poles lined the streets of Warsaw as the coffin of President Lech Kaczynski was taken to the presidential palace after his death alongside at least 95 others in a plane crash in Russia.

Mfat has updated its travel advisory for Thailand in the wake of mounting political protests that have so far seen 18 people killed.

Poland is confronting the worst political disaster since WWII after its president, his wife and dozens of top officials were killed in a plane crash.