Mark Hotchin has flown his personal trainer from Auckland to Hawaii to play tennis, teach him how to surf and to help improve his golf swing.

Amendments to aquaculture legislation may allow the fisheries minister to override regional coastal plans in 'exceptional circumstances'.

A West Coast iwi has defended its decision to accept money from Meridian Energy for advice on the effects of a $300 million hydro dam.

The Ombudsman Office has ruled that retaining-wall piles for a luxury lodge at Pakiri Beach are on land reserved for planting bush.

Meridian Energy paid money to the local West Coast iwi after the iwi changed its position on a $300 million hydro dam.

Mayor Pat McManus says there's no shortage of water on the West Coast and the 'silent majority' of locals support the proposed Mokihinui dam.

The Auckland Regional Council has been ordered to pay almost $100,000 to a developer.

The Prime Minister says he is not overly concerned by his Auckland Central MP's stance on mining on Great Barrier Island.

National MP Nikki Kaye has criticised Government plans to open Great Barrier Island to mining, as have mayors John Banks and Len Brown.