Actresses and unionists have received threats, including some against their lives, during the heated row over The Hobbit movie.

The law change that was part of the deal to clinch The Hobbit for New Zealand was still being heatedly debated when Parliament adjourned last night.

Parliament was tonight working its way through a labour law change the Government says is essential to ensure The Hobbit movies are made in New Zealand, but was facing stiff opposition from Labour.

Employment law specialist Jim Roberts explains how the proposed law change spurred by The Hobbit saga will affect film industry workers.

Alcohol Healthwatch has told the Government it is supporting "legalised drunk driving" by delaying moves to lower the drink driving limit.

Sir Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh have thanked the Govt for stepping in to keep filming of The Hobbit in NZ by introducing legislation that is being pushed through Parliament today.

A friend of a woman killed by a repeat driver has asked for a ministerial inquiry into the justice system's handling of the offender.

A huge majority of police want New Zealand's drink driving limit lowered, new survey results show.

'Friends and family members gasped in horror at the amount of times he had been caught, convicted, then cyclically reoffended.'

The Commerce Commission is about to launch an education campaign aimed at stamping out unfair business practices around next year's Rugby World Cup.

The Maori Party has indicated it is rethinking its support of the new foreshore and seabed bill after pressure from Hone Harawira and Act.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia is not guaranteeing her party's support for new foreshore legislation after moves to amend it to explicitly state iwi could not charge for access.

Pro-choice advocates have welcomed the acquittal of a Cairns couple charged over a home abortion and have called on the Queensland Government to reform the law.