The Government's liquor law bill passed its first reading yesterday amid strident criticism from Opposition MPs.

A pro-cannabis protest ended outside Wellington Police Station today with protestors smoking joints on the steps and pushing a smoking shopping trolley inside.

Sheathed in a cloud of smoke, more than 100 people gathered on Parliament's front lawn this morning to promote the benefits of cannabis over its legal counterparts alcohol and tobacco.

A senior Northland policeman is disgusted after a "blotto" 10-year-old boy was found so drunk his eyes were rolling back in his head.

Following reports of Australian charities paying for homeless Kiwis to fly home, a down-on-her-luck NZer in Melbourne tells her story.

The minister responsible for tobacco control, Tariana Turia, wants smoking banned in cars and will push for other tough anti-smoking policies.

An Auckland agency for the homeless has offered to help destitute Kiwis who are being sent home after falling on hard times in Australia.

Saturday's brawls, bottle-throwing and boorishness raise immediate problems for the newly upgraded Eden Park.

Homeless Kiwis living on the streets of Melbourne are being flown back to New Zealand courtesy of Australian charities, according to reports.

Thousands of Kiwis could be at risk of getting sick from methamphetamine manufacture in their own homes without even knowing it.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce was left red-faced after trotting out new figures supporting the Government's position on drink-driving - then admitted they made little sense.

A Rimutaka Prison guard faces corruption charges after allegedly smuggling drugs and KFC into the prison in exchange for sex, wine and cash.