Labour's fuel tax plan flops in the polls.

In the Northcote byelection Labour has closed the gap, and Act has some very bold plans.

Govt can't afford for one of its key ministers to get a reputation for arrogance.

Pamela Duckworth says pressure to agree to give up babies was intense.

Twyford has lost responsibility for the Civil Aviation Authority after the incident.

Two major social issues, legalising marijuana and euthanasia, could be voted on next year.

Minister says risk-based funding would have cost at least $100m extra a year.

Government requests details of commitments worldwide.

The Government will introduce its plans for cutting prisoner numbers in September.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will be answering media questions from 4.15pm.

The Govt has not yet given up hope of eradicating M. Bovis from farms.

Plans to expand Waikeria Prison in the Waikato have been scrapped.

More than 35,000 people have made a submission on a voluntary euthanasia law change.

Govt will not prevent high-income earners from buying its 100,000 affordable homes.

Farmers could be asked to contribute to a new fund for biosecurity threats.

COMMENT: National will have a field day on the Budget before Ardern heads off on leave.

A 600-bed boost to prisons will not solve overcrowding, unions say.

... To Winston Peters.

Greens counted around $610m in Budget wins, compared to $2.8b for NZ First.

COMMENT: Robertson resisted calls to blow the windfall in this Budget.

Fund intended to spur private sector investment into low-carbon initiatives, says Minister

The Budget has room for more spending but it needs to be justified.

The pre-Budget guessing and bickering finally ends today.

The Finance Minister's big choice on Thursday will be about ties, not pies.

The Government is considering a shared equity scheme for first-home buyers.

SIMON WILSON: Labour's candidate Shanan Halbert is the local boy who loves to help out.

Labour's Shanan Halbert has launched his by-election campaign in Northcote today.

Expect higher funding for qualified preschool teachers, careers advisers, driving lessons.

COMMENT: Labour has not very much to spend in next week's Budget.

National is threatening to scupper two new rail lines if it's in power after 2020.