A law setting out legal rights of Ngati Toa Rangatira over the haka Ka Mate Ka Mate was passed in Parliament today but nothing will change for the All Blacks, Army or Police or other groups performing the haka. The law specifically says the right of attribution do not apply to performances of the haka. But it will allow the iwi to get recognition or reach agreements when it is being used for commercial gain. Courtesy Parliament TV

In the run up to the election, Otago University politics lecturer Dr Bryce Edwards is hosting a series of live interviews on political issues. Winston Peters is in the studio with Bryce five months out from the NZ General Election.

Prime Minister John Key has disputed a suggestion that the issue of absentee foreigners buying houses has always been a bottom line for New Zealand First.

Prime Minsiter John Key gave a pre-budget speech ahead of the National-led Government’s sixth budget.

Prime Minister John Key made a pre-budget address in Auckland, revealing some of what National will announce in the Budget 2014.

Mr Dotcom launched the online membership drive for his party this afternoon under the cloud of claims his ownership of a rare copy of Hitler's book Mein Kampf is evidence of Nazi sympathies. Mr Dotcom also addressed issues around hundreds of thousand of dollars owed to former staff and contractors by the company which runs his large luxurious home which was the scene of a paramilitary raid by police in early 2012. He said he had now paid all of them.

Labour Party Leader David Cunliffe values having Shane Jones at his side and says, 'we are a united caucus and we are here to win this election and that's what we're going to do'.

Labour Leader David Cunliffe says Labour has set a vision for a high value sustainable economy which will create better jobs and higher wages for all New Zealanders. 'We need to work on the three I's to get there, Investment, Innovation & Industry in order to build that high value economy'.

Prime Minister John Key has announced that this year's election will take place on September 20.

John Key answers Labour leader David Cunliffe's questions on the effect on New Zealand exporters in regards to the 'buy-Australian' campaign.

A Japanese whaling vessel reportedly tailed an anti-whaling ship close to Otago's coastline - inside New Zealand's exclusive economic zone - against the wishes of the NZ Government.

Prime Minister John Key has called Labour leader David Cunliffe an 'idiot' over his comments about Kiwis' entitlements in Australia.

A buy-Australian campaign in two Australian supermarket chains is a sobering lesson for the Green Party and anyone else in New Zealand who advocates the same thing here.

Prime Minister John Key arrived to a mixed reception at the Big Gay Out, wearing a yellow polo shirt, with some voices shouting "we want Lorde, not you" as he made his way to the stage.

Rain didn't deter the hundreds who attended the dawn service at the Treaty grounds at Waitangi this morning. The service, overseen by Bishop Kito Pikaahu, began shortly after 5am today after National and Labour party ministers were again led on to the marae by veteran Maori activist Titewhai Harawira.

A scuffle broke out at Te Tii Marae at Waitangi today when Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife were making their way onto the marae, welcomed by Titewhai Harawira ahead of Waitangi Day celebrations.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown has been quizzed on his affair with Bevan Chuang during his first Mayor in the Chair outing for the year. About 20 locals and a large contingent of media gathered at Pukekohe Library today to raise issues with Mr Brown at the regular chats he holds in communities across Auckland.

Labour leader David Cunliffe has defended himself against accusations he misled the public over his party's proposed $60-a-week child payment scheme.

As part of Career14 Herald careers editor Greg Fleming sat down with Labour leader David Cunliffe to learn a little more about his own career and his vision for jobs and employment as we enter election year.

As part of Career14 Herald careers editor Greg Fleming sat down with PM John Key to learn a little more about his own career and his vision for jobs and employment as we enter election year. Interviews with Labour leader David Cunliffe and Green’s co-leader Russel Norman will run later this week.

As part of Career14 Herald careers editor Greg Fleming sat down with PM John Key to learn a little more about his own career and his vision for jobs and employment as we enter election year. The second part of the interview is available on Monday. Interviews with Labour leader David Cunliffe and Green’s co-leader Russel Norman will run this Tuesday – Thursday.

The Government's creation of new roles in NZ schools - including 'executive principals' and 'expert teachers' - has been cautiously welcomed by the teaching profession. The change was announced today by Prime Minister John Key in a state of the nation-style speech in Auckland.

Prime Minister John Key says National could work with Winston Peters and NZ First after this year's election.

Prime Minister John Key joins Newstalk ZB's Leighton Smith in studio to chat about John Banks leaving politics, who could replace him as ACT leader, and Colin Craig and the Conservative Party.

Prime Minister John Key said his decision for Sir Doug Graham to retain his knighthood was a difficult one to make, but he believes the decision he has made is the right one.

Prime Minister John Key today has made a statement in regard to any involvement NZ may have in aiding allied spying. 'We just don't discuss what activities we undertake, other than to give people categorical assurance what we do is legal and any activities we undertake are always with the intention of assuring we protect both New Zealanders and the security of our country and our intellectual property.

Len Brown spoke of the love and support of his wife Shan Inglis after being sworn in as Mayor of Auckland last night, but there was little in the way of a connection between the couple. Mr Brown appeared awkward and fidgety through the evening and endured shouts of "shame" from a small, but vocal group of protesters as he was being sworn in for a second term.

Len Brown says he's humiliated his family with his two year affair, but he intends to stay on as Auckland's mayor. Courtesy: Campbell Live

Bevan Chuang alleged to have had an affair with Auckland mayor Len Brown speaks about the success of the night market. Credit: Anuja Nadkarni

High-profile Kiwis have backed calls for the Government to release the draft text of an international agreement which they say could curb New Zealanders' internet freedom and intellectual property rights. Courtesy: YouTube/LiveNewsNZ