Craig McCulloch

Facebook is briefing political parties and media in New Zealand ahead of the election as part of its efforts to crack down on "fake news".

Prime Minister Bill English does not expect reports that New Zealand spied on Japan during whaling talks will affect any future visits to the country.

Taxpayers forked out more than $7000 on alcohol for guests at a glitzy party in Washington celebrating Donald Trump's inauguration.

New Zealand's friendship with Turkey is an example for those in conflict, the Justice Minister has told a dawn service in Gallipoli.

Pharmac will not subsidise tampons and sanitary pads for all women, saying menstruation is a "normal function".

Newsmaker - Marama Fox is a frequent critic of the government, despite the Māori Party, which she co-leads, being one of its support partners. She sat down for a chat with RNZ.

A capsule buried in Wellington for more than half a century might be returned to its resting place, after its secrets were revealed today. Video

In an about-turn, the government has promised to bring home the bodies of soldiers who were buried in Southeast Asia.

MPs want gang members and prospects banned from owning guns. Audio

Three former Prime Ministers want New Zealand to follow Australia's lead and introduce compulsory voting. Video

The government's plan to collect people's private information from community agencies seeking funding could deter those most in need from seeking help, the Privacy Commissioner says. Audio

Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has accused the Prime Minister of joining "a seven-year cover-up" by refusing to hold an inquiry into claims made in the book Hit & Run. Video, Audio

Analysis - Political polls may not have a sterling reputation - particularly after Donald Trump's largely unexpected victory - but, Craig McCulloch writes, that's more the exception than the rule.

The Labour Party has accused the government of over-promising and taking too long to deliver a new 111 service.

E-cigarettes with nicotine liquid could legally be sold in New Zealand shops from late next year, with the government saying vaping is less harmful than smoking.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully will attend a meeting in Washington DC next week with the nations working together to defeat Islamic State.

A Child, Youth and Family privacy breach is being brandished as proof the government cannot be trusted with people's private information.

Ministers are trying to hold two positions at once on New Zealand's "archaic" abortion laws, Opposition MPs say.

United Future leader Peter Dunne has derided pamphlets being distributed in his electorate as "disgraceful, despicable racist bigotry".

Labour MP Sue Moroney is calling for an investigation into whether a convicted fraudster pushed public servants out of their jobs after they raised red flags about her. Audio

A Green MP's bill aimed at helping victims of domestic violence has unanimously passed its first reading in Parliament.

The government is defending its last-minute flip-flop to support legislation to give victims of domestic violence paid leave from work.

The National Party's new superannuation policy has been criticised across the political spectrum but the Prime Minister says other parties are could be won over, given time. Audio

ACT leader David Seymour is the latest to support calls for an inquiry into historical abuse of children in state care.

Corrections has fired a staff member for assaulting an inmate while he was tied to a bed, and referred her case to police.