The blanket secrecy over SAS operations has been ditched, with the Defence Force revealing that elite troopers recently helped capture bomb-makers in Kabul.

Stripping minister Anne Tolley of part of her education portfolio was not a reflection on her capability, Prime Minister John Key said today.

Labour's caucus has confirmed Phil Goff and Annette King's leadership of the party.

Labour has been challenged to reciprocate Ratana's decades-long loyalty by giving four Ratana candidates winnable Parliamentary list positions.

Prime Minister John Key arrived far too early for the party, but got the present he wanted at the annual Ratana celebrations yesterday.