Broadband subscriber numbers rose 27 per cent in the 15 months to June to 1.1 million, Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) says.

Several of the world's weathiest countries also lay claim to a title they would not be so proud of - the biggest gaps between rich and poor.

Bill English is confident New Zealand would have no trouble raising a loan of $40 million.

New Zealand has been named the 20th best country for quality of life by a UN report on migration and development.

A study indicates 70 per cent of parents who abuse their children were abused themselves.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia and Labour's Annette King are calling for action over a report slamming New Zealand's treatment of children.

The biggest problem the tax system faces is that in a globalised era we are taxing all the wrong things.