A first-term National Party MP is seeking cross-party support for a law change for harsher penalties in cases of extreme cruelty to animals.

The Ministry of Health has given the clearest signal yet that the Government is likely to increase the tax on cigarettes to help slash the number of people who smoke.

Dozens of drunk drivers, many with sober passengers, were caught by police near a popular campground despite warnings and a highly visible booze bus.

The policing of a liquor ban in Whangamata has come under fire from holidaymakers who say the zero-tolerance approach is too heavy-handed and lacks common sense.

An Auckland advertising agency has apologised for sending a letter to hundreds of people, inviting them to try the drug P.

Top jockey Lisa Cropp has denied calling others in the racing industry "back- stabbing pricks", as she seeks to return from disqualification for a positive methamphetamine test.

If some beneficiaries are too dangerous to be dealt with face-to-face, their benefits should be cancelled says Kerre Woodham.

New Zealanders worry most about the cost of living, their savings and whether they will keep their jobs, a survey shows.

Beneficiaries who undergo a review after a year on an unemployment benefit will not lose that assistance if they can't find work, Paula Bennett says.

Police Minister Judith Collins has made a commitment to addressing any problems an inquiry into police handling of child abuse cases finds.