Winston Peters' talk of sitting on Parliament's cross benches after the election - rather than entering a coalition or propping up a minority government - has never sounded totally convincing.

Drug-sniffer beagles could soon be used at domestic airports and ferry terminals as part of a plan to intercept drug shipments and large amounts of cash moved by gangs.

One of the National-led Govt's final acts in Parliament this term will be to lower the legal drink-driving limit, which means motorists will face stricter rules before Christmas.

Heritage building owners are struggling financially, unable to upgrade their places, breaching banking covenants and forced to sell properties cheaply, says a landlord.

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.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of new laws which define atheists as terrorists, according to a report from Human Rights Watch.

When media report the method in which somebody ends their own life, it can result in copycat suicide, the Law Commission says.

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