An ultimatum to NZ Bus from the ARC may have worsened the dispute with its drivers, NZ Bus's general manager says.

The Auckland Regional Council chairman Mike Lee delivers an ultimatum to the bus company at the centre of the industrial dispute - either fix it up or lose your contract.

In the last year parents and communities have propped up schools throughout the country, pumping $700 million into the nation's free education system.

A rising rugby star who dreams of playing for the All Blacks is at the centre of a poaching row between two top private schools.

Student Tae Won Chung stabbed his teacher after being goaded about his fear of North Korea and returning home to military training, a court hears.

Foreign students could study in NZ primary schools without the need for a legal guardian if pastoral care rules are relaxed.

An overdue law reform will remove the ability for criminal cowboys to set up a private school.