Lillian Hanly

Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith said he was worried New Zealand was developing a "bespoke" legal system that incorporated concepts of tikanga Māori.

New Zealand's reputation could take a hit on the global stage over the government's decision not to recognise Palestine as a state at this time, an international relations expert says.

The minister claims New Zealand's "bespoke" legal system could discourage overseas investment.

The prime minister says he expects the Electoral Commission to speed up the official vote count after an election.

That's despite the changes primarily being made to improve the timeliness of the official vote count.

The government's Electoral Amendment Bill has faced a deluge of criticism as submissions were heard at Parliament on Thursday.

"People are feeling it," the finance minister, ranked 13th herself, says after a major survey of business leaders. Audio

The union says a forced settlement will only make doctors "more angry" ahead of the planned 48-hour strike. Audio

Outgoing Green MP Benjamin Doyle delivered their valedictory speech to a Debating Chamber today.

The NZ government says the International Court of Justice is the appropriate body to determine whether Israel is committing genocide.

Other political parties have weighed in, with one saying it was creating an "exclusive bunch" of Māori.

The former Labour MP apologised for comments he made on the Platform.

We can catastrophise this and go 'it's the end of the world' - but it's not," Willie Jackson says. Audio

The tragic death of Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Tarsh Kemp defined much of the campaign for the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, writes Lillian Hanly.

Te Pāti Māori's Oriini Kaipara has taken out the Māori electorate with a margin of around 3000 votes.

Early results heavily favour Te Pāti Māori candidate Oriini Kaipara.

Although nearly 44,000 people are enrolled to vote in the electorate, only about 3681 ordinary votes have been cast. Audio

Henare and Te Pāti Māori's Oriini Kaipara are on the campaign trail for the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election.

Labour's counting on its track record to win back Tāmaki Makaurau, while Te Pāti Māori says its voice is needed to "push boundaries". Audio

The government is touting another increase in the total value of infrastructure projects, which is now sitting at $237 billion.

But ministers did so anyway, citing the coalition agreement with New Zealand First.

His party has previously stated it would not repeal the legislation, if it became government.

Henare told the audience at a by-election debate his party would repeal the gang patch ban.

One stops employers enforcing gag orders on workers talking about their salaries, while the other extends protections for those giving evidence of sexual assaults or family harm.

Cries of celebration from the government benches were heard at Parliament today, following the Reserve Bank's cut to the Official Cash Rate.