Housing NZ spent $1.6 million on security firms last year for work which included monitoring about 355 houses which were sitting empty waiting for tenants.

Mana party MP Hone Harawira says police broke the window of his car before arresting him at a housing protest in east Auckland suburb of Glen Innes last night.

Some tenants of million-dollar state homes in some of Auckland's most exclusive suburbs are paying just $50 a week in rent, according to figures obtained by the Herald.

Tenants of New Zealand's most expensive state house - with sweeping views over Auckland's harbour - have been ordered out after one was convicted of benefit fraud.

New Zealand Defence Force staff are in line for a $45 million pay rise - but rents for those living in defence accommodation will also be increasing.

In 2004 the Govt closed seven small Northland schools. Alan Perrott and Steven McNicholl return to find out what happened.

Every winter, Taleni Lafo has to take her two young children to hospital because they become sick from the cold.