The three-strikes legislation will become law, after the National-Act Party bill passed its third reading in Parliament last night.

After strong opposition from Labour, the Greens and the Maori Party the 'three strikes' bill went through its third reading on a vote of 63-58.

Aucklanders will have a greater say in decisions affecting their greatest jewels - including the waterfront - under sweeping changes to plans for the Super City, announced yesterday.

A US judge says 'three strikes' laws can result in unfair sentences, have a limited deterrent effect and make it too easy to ignore rehabilitation.

John Key says research, science and technology will get the biggest boost after health and education in next week's Budget.

Thousands of protesters rallied in cities across America demanding that President Obama tackle immigration reform immediately.

Australia is poised to introduce the world's harshest anti-smoking laws, with tobacco companies forced to sell cigarettes in plain packets resembling prescription drug packs.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's backtracking on his proposed greenhouse emissions trading scheme has unleashed his worst demons.

An opponent of raising the drinking age says if John Key was 18 right now, he would be unlikely to support it.

Drunks could be charged $250 for a night in police cells or a ride home in a police car.

Party politics still rule when it comes to tangling with the vested interests of the liquor and hospitality industries.