The Government's liquor law bill passed its first reading yesterday amid strident criticism from Opposition MPs.

Legislation introducing the change to a split drinking age will be one step closer after it is tabled in Parliament next week, Simon Power says.

New Zealand needs to overhaul laws governing the compulsory treatment of severe alcoholics and drug addicts, says the Law Commission.

Authorities are investigating whether NZ should make it a criminal offence to impersonate others including politicians on the internet.

Super City mayoral contender John Banks is facing heat over his liquor policy on top of revelations that his son Alex was among those who "egged on" a schoolmate who died after binge-drinking.

Under-18s wanting to drink at a private party will need their parents' permission and the host will need to police the level of drunkenness.

Wellington coroner Ian Smith has called for a review of the Privacy Act in his findings on the suicide of a young university student two years ago.

NZers favour reducing the amount drivers can legally drink before getting behind the wheel, with 70 per cent supporting a limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, a survey finds.

A Super 14 rugby star has been charged with a domestic violence incident involving a knife and given name suppression.