Government-backed low-interest loans to undercut "loan sharks" could be on the cards in the wake of a pragmatic final report of an expert group on child poverty.

It was one small step for the Labour Party, but in terms of a morale boost it was one giant leap for party leader David Shearer, writes Claire Trevett.

Labour leader David Shearer says insults such as those John Tamihere has handed out in the past few days would be unacceptable from a member of his caucus.

It may have more to do with the still very slow erosion of National's support flowing from 12 months of unrelenting mini-scandals, sideshows and distractions, writes John Armstrong.

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

National still believes that all growth is good growth, but it isn't, writes Russel Norman. "Growth that leads to more debt, pollution and environmental destruction is bad growth."

Recent polls have shown that Labour's popularity is on the rise, with one indicating Labour, with support of the Greens, would hold enough seats to run Government.

The former MP who in 2005 suffered a calamitous fall from grace has been allowed to become a member of the Labour Party once more.

It is a major worry when the arithmetic of the Opposition's finance spokesman goes awry as David Parker's went yesterday, writes John Armstrong.

Three Labour MPs will attend the red-carpet premiere of The Hobbit tomorrow despite strong criticism over the deal to appease the movie's makers.

I had an email from someone close to David Shearer, who was "saddened" by my recent column on the Labour leader, wrties Tapu Misa.

Cunliffe supporters are now questioning what he did wrong, given there was no overt leadership challenge, writes Claire Trevett.

Demoted MP David Cunliffe tried to persuade caucus colleagues he was not trying to undermine David Shearer's leadership in a brutal caucus meeting.

Any young Aucklander seeking to buy a first home, knows from bitter experience that the sainted "market" is failing to deliver homes they can afford, writes Brian Rudman.

Editorial: It sounds so simple it raises the question why the present Government has not done it, or the previous Government for that matter,

Former allies of Labour MP David Cunliffe have pledged to support Labour leader David Shearer in today's caucus endorsement vote.

Anyone still pondering whether David Shearer is innately tough enough to cut it as a leader in the political rough-and-tumble now have their answer, writes John Armstrong.

Editorial: Strong performance will be David Shearer's only tool in riding out. David Cunliffe challenge. If he imagines the vote will see off a challenge from Cunliffe he is already disappointed.

Labour leader David Shearer has called on his colleagues to endorse his leadership at a caucus vote tomorrow, which he says will show he has its support.

Bloodletting seems assured within the Labour Party, following a rather extraordinary annual conference, writes Bryce Edwards.