Fewer police foot patrols have been done in Whanganui during the last year - but that's not why some crime figures are up, acting

Chronically ill former Carterton mayor and Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer has set her sights on returning to Wairarapa - dead or alive.

The Government has been accused of gutting a major longitudinal study tracking the experiences of kids growing up in New Zealand, after a funding cut resulted in the number of its participants being slashed by two thirds.

Labour leader Andrew Little gets a mention in the latest batch of hacked emails from Hillary Clinton staff.

The knives are out in the National Party after the centre-right's disastrous result at last weekend's local elections in Auckland.

One in seven houses sold in Auckland are being bought by people who already own five or more properties.

Tributes are pouring in for the former head of the Council of Trade Unions who died this morning after a battle with lung cancer.

Telecommunications companies are concerned about a proposal which will allow companies to volunteer suspicious information about their customers to spying agencies.

The Government's state housing agency is set to run out of money by February, ministers have been warned.

Labour MP Phil Goff has delivered his valedictory to Parliament, speaking of his career highlights, love before getting in a pitch as Auckland Mayor.

Labour, Greens and the Maori Party released the results of their inquiry this morning after holding public hearings around the country.

Whanganui deputy mayor Hamish McDouall now has the top job. Made with funding for NZ on Air.

Labour will pit former TV presenter Tamati Coffey against Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell in 2017 but the Maori Party has its own big names in sight.

New data shows nearly 90 per cent of all personal debt in New Zealand is tied up in property.

Labour MP Phil Twyford has been rewarded for his strong performance in Parliament with a leading role in the party's election campaign next year.

COMMENT: Labour is the narrow party that has shut itself off from the great bulk of New Zealanders.

COMMENT: The recent poll showing that Labour is losing rather than gaining ground will have been very disappointing to the Labour leadership.

Napier MP Stuart Nash has agreed to cut criticism of Eastern District's police commander after police sent a warning letter to his

Mayoral contenders Phil Goff and Vic Crone both say they will tap private investors to pay for an Auckland light rail system if central government fails to fund it.

The gap between rich and poor is growing in New Zealand, new data shows, partly driven by rising housing costs.

Housing Minister Nick Smith is accusing Labour of immaturity after they hijacked his urgent changes to housing policy.

Labour leader Andrew Little says it is within the rules for Matt McCarten to take a taxpayer funded salary when heading a new Auckland office because he will not be involved in campaigning.

Prime Minister John Key says he will back the Reserve Bank to introduce further controls on housing demand if house prices continue to rise.

Andrew Little has been pictured as he's never been seen before in a piece up for judging at the Wallace Art Awards.

Getting rough sleepers off the street could have a net economic benefit in NZ, an Opposition-led inquiry into homelessness has heard.

Annette King will release anti-obesity policy in November - and says there is mounting evidence and growing support for sugary drink taxes.

Labour plans to open new office in Auckland headed by Matt McCarten as it prepares for Election 2017.

Labour's housing spokesman is demanding a state of emergency over the housing crisis.

Pacific MPs are coming under pressure from former All Blacks to vote against changes to Easter trading laws.

Family with two girls told to play on other side of their house after paedophile was moved in next door, Labour MP says.