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

The Green Party is the first party to include a voluntary euthanasia policy in its manifesto.

Government should proceed with legalising assisted dying only if strong safeguards are in place, the human rights watchdog says.

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.

After locking in its long-term climate change target, National is seeking a cross-party approach to the issue for the first time.

Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett says Labour leader Andrew Little's plan to upgrade all rental properties has some large gaps.

"It is very small, but it is quality,' says the National MP promoting a trivial law change.

Labour wants changes to spying reforms before it will support them, including a broader oversight committee.

COMMENT: Monday caucus. They filed in, dragging their heels, yawning, scratching, sighing. They were a bit more animated than usual.

Labour leader Andrew Little has downplayed his comments that the party could hold a referendum on decriminalising cannabis if in Government.

Labour leader Andrew Little's first move on the first day back at Parliament after a month's recess was to announce he had found the silver bullet to solve the housing crisis.

Labour's factions have resurfaced after leader Andrew Little accused recently departed member Nick Leggett of being a "right-wing" candidate in the Wellington mayoral contest.

Labour MP Phil Goff vows to cut fat, introduce road charges and cap rates rises at 2.5 per cent if he wins the Auckland mayoralty in nine weeks.

Labour Housing Spokesman Phil Twyford says removing negative gearing is needed to squeeze property speculators out of the housing market.

Key's goal was to make New Zealand pest-free by 2050. The conservationists cheered aloud.

Labour's Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis says he is not worried the Maori Party and Mana Party might do a deal.