A major law change which will introduce compulsory security screening of up to 376,000 people working with children has been unanimously backed in Parliament.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce's "arm twisting" of would-be participants in a campaign fighting for lower internet prices is linked to the Government's "shabby deal" over ultra-fast broadband with network company Chorus, said Mr Cunliffe.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce has confirmed he persuaded would-be participants in a campaign fighting for lower internet prices not to take part.

Telecommunications Users association head Paul Brislen and Chorus chief executive Mark Ratcliffe present both sides of the internet pricing debate.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announced the new measures in compulsory screening as part of a wider package aimed at addressing child abuse.

An Auckland employer is accused of exploiting migrant workers who claim they were not paid and were housed in city offices.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says she will need some convincing over sweeping changes made in an effort to stop child abuse and death in New Zealand.

Wide-ranging restraining orders will soon be in use to keep suspected child abusers away from children for up to 10 years.

When politicians talk about making the labour market more flexible, it means ensuring that the demand and supply of labour determines the wage rate. writes Peter Lyons.

Labour MP Maryan Street is under pressure to drop a member's bill which would legalise euthanasia.

Changes to regulations about financial statements will be welcome news for shareholders but somewhat double-edged for registered charities.

Sickness will be at best only a temporary excuse to avoid work under the new welfare regime that came into force this week.

Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff is calling for a delay in the passage of the GCSB legislation.

Editorial: The SkyCity convention centre project is a gamble for all involved. But the die is cast, so let's back the country to get it right.

It takes all sorts to make a city, and every large city in the world has beggars. Auckland is lucky - we have fewer than most.

In Britain five politicians have been caught selling their services to fake lobbyists, writes Sue Kedgley. Could a cash-for-access scandal ever happen here?

Far from being alarmed, the Key Government seems set to make the work of the spies, both their own and the overseas variety, even easier, writes Brian Rudman.

NZ has just passed a law that mirrors what is probably the most disastrous Australian policy failure of the past 20 years, writes Tracey Barnett. Mandatory detention of asylum seekers arriving by boat.

The New Zealand government and SkyCity Entertainment Group are giving themselves another fortnight to cut a deal on the terms for the casino and hotel operator to build a $402 million convention centre in Auckland in exchange for regulatory concessions.

Inland Revenue is getting ready to clamp down on thousands of New Zealand residents who haven't been paying tax on withdrawals from their overseas superannuation schemes.