The Government's draconian plans for our National Parks seem like something from another age, out of step with the rest of the world.

NZ should be prepared for international criticism for its plan to open conservation land to mining, a tourism expert says.

If Govt projections over our petroleum sector bear fruit, NZ could be the oil sheikhs of the Pacific, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

Many people are ignoring the opportunity to discuss the Government's mining proposals rationally, says Fran O'Sullivan.

Business leaders have urged Kiwis to take a rational approach to the debate over the Government's proposed plans to open conservation land up to mining.

The Government is proposing to open up more than 7000 hectares of conservation land for mining on Coromandel, and Paparoa National Park on the West Coast.

The Govt will try to justify mining in conservation land by putting other areas into protection when it announces its plans at 3pm, says Forest & Bird.

The State Services Commission has launched inquiries into the unauthorised release of Government information including a Cabinet paper on the stocktake of Crown minerals.

John Key appeared to hint at a watering down of proposals to open national parks to mining yesterday.

John Key says the public will have to wait for a discussion paper to be released to find out what conservation land may be mined and how.

New Zealand's financial markets are "back to normal", says Finance Minister Bill English.