Latest fromLegislation

Malcolm defends role in <i>Hobbit</i> row
Robyn Malcolm says she was just trying to protect actors who don't get "Ian McKellen's pay packet", in defending her Hobbit strike action.

Tough law to end displays of tobacco
Tobacco products are to be hidden and anti-smoking officers will get powers to instantly fine shops under new Govt measures.

Bill retains end to right of silence
People being investigated by police over serious fraud-related offences or gang crimes will no longer have the right to remain silent, under a Govt bill.

Delay National Standards - Labour
Phil Goff says the "untested" National Standards system the Govt is trying to push through won't succeed and should be delayed.

<b>Two Drinks Max:</b> Alcohol changes getting closer
Legislation introducing the change to a split drinking age will be one step closer after it is tabled in Parliament next week, Simon Power says.

Rebel schools: We won't set standards
More than 200 schools are refusing to introduce part of the Government's mandatory national standards next year after voting "no confidence" in the system.

<i>Steve Mackenzie:</i> Crunch time looms for hospitality trade
The hospitality business is about to get a shake up by way of a long-awaited Food Bill that will focus on food safety, writes Steve Mackenzie.

Turia apologises to Harawira over row
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has publicly apologised to Hone Harawira for not standing by him over the white mother-f....email turmoil.

PM against move to keep MPs' overseas travel secret
John Key has come out against Lockwood Smith's move to shield individual MPs' travel expenses from public scrutiny.

Perk change keeps MPs' overseas travel secret
MPs are now free to use an international travel perk and keep their individual holidays - subsidised by public money - a complete secret, under new rules revealed by Speaker Lockwood Smith.

Key defends <i>Hobbit</i> tax deal
John Key says his deal to keep The Hobbit in NZ was far less than what Labour paid for LOTR, but Labour says the PM isn't telling the full story.

Death threats fly over <i>Hobbit</i>
Actresses and unionists have received threats, including some against their lives, during the heated row over The Hobbit movie.

Sparks fly in '<i>Hobbit</i> law' debate
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.

<i>Hobbit</i> bill passes first reading
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.

<i>The Hobbit</i> law - what does it mean for workers?
Employment law specialist Jim Roberts explains how the proposed law change spurred by The Hobbit saga will affect film industry workers.

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

Jackson says thanks for <i>Hobbit</i> rescue
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.