We shouldn't forget the first-past-the-post system twice delivered Robert Muldoon a government with fewer votes than Labour.

More than half of all voters support keeping MMP, a new poll shows.

Former broadcaster and gardening enthusiast Maggie Barry is putting her name forward for the National Party nomination in the Botany byelection.

Former National Party leader Don Brash was "not unhappy" about losing the 2005 election because it meant he didn't have to work with NZ First.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp has announced his intention to stand down at the next election.

Auditor-General Lyn Provost says she won't investigate alleged abuse of a Parliamentary travel perk by former minister Pansy Wong. She also said the ministerial expenses system was flawed and needed an overhaul.

Pansy Wong's resignation as an MP today is a "cynical political attempt at a cover up", Labour says.

Pansy Wong has announced her resignation from Parliament saying the row over her use of her travel perk has been an unfair distraction to the Government and she wants to concentrate on her family.

National MP Hekia Parata will replace Pansy Wong in Cabinet after Ms Wong resigned over travel perks.

A new bill, signed off today, will likely result in savings of 450 court days each year, the Govt says.

Matt McCarten has an amazing capacity to fight the fight in an uncompromising way but with an immense amount of goodwill and humour.