Sensible Sentencing Trust spokesman Garth McVicar is standing by his claim that legalising gay marriage could increase crime, despite a backlash on social media.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has backtracked on a law change that would have ensured compensation for ill-treatment of prisoners by the state was used to benefit victims rather than being given to the inmates.

Aucklanders' rates have given a $46 million boost to 10 rescue, safety, arts and cultural groups in the past four years and a further $14 million gift is proposed for the 2013-14 year.

Editorial: The charter schools proposal has not been so contentious that the Government would fear its exposure to criticism. Since the critics are mostly busy teachers the legislative calendar might have done them a favour,

The Government has ignored a recommendation by the United Nations for legislation to dictate a maximum number of work hours to reduce the risk to workplace health and safety.

To disguise what it is doing, the Beehive has ordered the Ministry for the Environment to abandon the five-yearly State of the Environment round-up report, writes Neville Peat.

New Zealand's health and safety record has been labelled as 'woeful' and a 'national disgrace' by a consultant with two decades' experience in the sector.

From time to time, there is an eruption of concern about the dangers posed by quad bikes.

The first drink-drivers sentenced under new legislation will be eligible to install an alcohol interlock system for their vehicles from today.

Draft legislation aimed at introducing fringe benefit taxes on staff carparks is broader than expected and contains some "nasty fish hooks to look out for".

I was surprised to read in Deborah Coddington's recent Herald column that the Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand's founding document. Of course some New Zealanders mistakenly believe that is the case.

New Zealand First representation for Tauranga will now be shared by leader Winston Peters and the party's other MPs after the expulsion of Brendan Horan.

The Government's moves to permanently abolish tree protection rules for those not already named on district plans will be further strengthened, an expert says.

A bill that clarifies the definition of military-style semi-automatic guns and places controls on the importation of airguns that look like real pistols has passed a third reading in Parliament today.

Bars, restaurants and liquor stores will be forced to move to new trading hours and tighter alcohol rules in their peak season.

Peter Jackson is said to be enthusiastic about monitoring off-set conditions for animals used in film productions, writes John Drinnan.

A bill to legalise same-sex marriage is likely to be amended to explicitly state that churches would not be forced to marry same-sex couples.

A bill making it an offence to possess a hand-held laser in a public place without reasonable excuse will be debated in Parliament.

Editorial: A financial penalty can bring as much public dishonour as a criminal conviction for an offending company or individual, and so it should.