A hotel that reportedly didn't pay one of its workers for nearly six months, underpaid her husband, and withheld wages from both, has to pay the couple nearly $80,000.

Australia's Anglican priests will be free to report serious crimes revealed to them during confessions, ending a church law that has its roots in the 12th century.

The sale of synthetic drugs could be banned in poor suburbs such as Otara, Mangere and Henderson and small residential shopping centres under a new proposal.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has unveiled a range of law changes to crack down on corruption, organised crime and bribery in New Zealand.

Peter Dunne warned Government that banning the synthetic drug testing on animals would give momentum to wider campaigns to remove all animal trials.

Ex-Prime Minister Helen Clark says going for a seat on the UN Security Council is part of the responsibility of membership of the UN for countries like NZ.

Editorial: The most contentious idea involves changing the burden of proof so it lies with the perpetrators of child abuse and domestic violence, not the victims.

Police will soon make a step towards "user pays" by charging for criminal checks for the first time.

A law change to take synthetic drugs off the shelves will be passed under urgency by tomorrow afternoon.

Prime Minister John Key has ruled out any animal testing on legal high products.

Women earn less than men because they are seen as pushovers when they don't negotiate hard and are seen as "ball-breakers" when they do, a psychologist says.

Wanaka traders threw open their doors this Easter after being secretly told there would be no Labour inspectors around to catch them, it's been reported.

Legislators in New Hampshire are voting to repeal a law dating back to 1791 that outlaws adultery.

A transgender woman convicted of indecency and sex attacks on boys was to be deported - but has been given a chance to stay in NZ to complete her transformation.

A bill which will allow a 21-year-old woman to list two women as her mothers on her birth certificate passed in Parliament last night.

The Government has introduced into Parliament legislation that will significantly threaten the autonomy and international reputation of our universities, writes Stuart McCutcheon.

Government will introduce a "one-strike" policy for suspected drink-drivers who evade prosecution because medical staff cannot extract a blood sample.

The maximum penalty for possessing a book about growing marijuana will be higher than actually growing it, MPs considering a new child porn bill have heard.

Trout, deer, pigs and other exotic species would have to be culled from the Ureweras under a law change before Parliament, fishers and hunters are warning Government.

A leading law firm is calling for changes to how leave is calculated and paid out but a union leader is warning workers could lose out.

The "right to enjoy owning dogs" has to be protected, even at the cost of 20,000 human victims, writes Brian Rudman.

Immigration officers will gain police-like powers to enter and search homes without a warrant under law changes designed to stamp out exploitation of migrants.

On a recent trip along the Northwestern Motorway I noticed, in the strip between Pt Chevalier and Te Atatu, strange things sticking out of the ground.

It is an unlikely setting from which to launch a fightback against Egypt's new military rulers.