Labour has written to TVNZ asking it to pull an ad it says gives National about $1 million in free publicity.

MPs today passed a law that by 2011 will allow police to take DNA samples from anyone they intend charging with an imprisonable offence.

The Government has released new education standards to be introduced next year, tracking a student's progress and reporting it to their parents.

The exact cost to the Govt of its bid for the World Cup rugby rights won't be known until the bid is accepted but is "considerably under $5m", John Key said today.

Maori TV's battle for the Rugby World Cup TV rights has ended in a total walkover with it now sharing all of the big games with the major channels.

NZ taxpayers will "not be paying over the odds" to see free-to-air 2011 Rugby World Cup games, John Key says.

Maori Television has again lost out, as the chance to broadcast the 2011 Rugby World Cup is kicked back and forth between channels.

Evidence emerged last night of potential breaches of contract between National MP Melissa Lee's TV production and funder NZ on Air.

National MP Melissa Lee is reportedly under investigation over the way her television production company used taxpayer funds.

Pita Sharples says he will apologise to John Key for not discussing in detail Te Puni Kokiri's $3m deal to support Maori TV's Rugby World Cup bid.

John Key has rejected Maori Party suggestions that concern over the Maori TV bid for Rugby World Cup free-to-air coverage has racist undertones.

John Key and his predecessor swap views during a "wide ranging" discussion in New York.

Ngati Whatua says there is enough support for Maori Super City seats within the National Party to warrant a conscience vote.

Television New Zealand opted out of the Qantas Film and Television Awards because of the economy and because coverage of the event did not rate well last year.