Top Stories for Wednesday 12 September 2012

Latest welfare reforms dismissed by critics; Govt welfare plan won't help children says Labour; Councils review buy local policies as a way to save money; Ostapchuck given one year suspension for doping; Praise for Ngai Tuhoe settlement; North Island roads closed by storm; Key hopeful Japan will join TransPacific trade agreement; UK mining expert named to head NZ's mining inspectorate; Figures show consumer spending's on the rise.