Catherine Hutton
PM says portfolio change not a slap to Anne Tolley
The Prime Minister says taking responsibility for tertiary education away from the Education Minister Anne Tolley will let her focus on the introduction of national standards for numeracy and… Audio
Political reaction to tax working group report
The Government's response to the recommendations for tax changes is being closely watched, after the Tax Working Group tabled proposals for a major overhaul. Audio
Increase in the number of complaints to watchdog groups
The country's watchdog agencies have been kept busy this year dealing with a surge in complaints. Audio
Third Supercity Bill passes third reading
Efforts to set up the new structure for the Auckland Supercity moved a step closer last night with the third and final supercity bill passing its third reading. Audio
Labour on the decision to fly tino rangatiratanga
The Labour Party says the decision to fly the Maori tino rangatiratanga flag at official sites on Waitangi Day is a hollow gesture. Audio
Government dismisses Green Party's Mount Aspiring mining claims
The Green Party says the government is considering opening up a fifth of Mount Aspiring National Park for potential mining opportunities. Audio
Commonwealth declaration for action on climate change
The Commonwealth's 53 countries meeting in Trinidad and Tobago have thrown their weight behind a climate change declaration, ahead of next month's United Nations summit in Copenhagen. Audio
Labour says NZ dragged to Commonwealth agreement
Labour has accused the government of being dragged to the table to agree on a Commonwealth-wide stance on climate change. Audio
Final flurry of insults as ETS passes crucial vote
Parliament has voted in favour of changing the Emissions Trading Scheme but only after a final flurry of insults between MPs. Audio
Government extends youth jobs scheme
The Labour Party has taken the Government to task over its Job Opportunities Scheme, questioning just how effective it's been in reducing youth unemployment. Audio
State Services Commissioner investigating seminar complaint
The future of a seminar on Government initiatives to tackle youth employment is in doubt, after a complaint to the State Services Commission. Audio
Ngati Apa legislation passes first reading unopposed.
A Lower North Island tribe is a step closer to settling its grievances with the Crown. Audio
Concerns about dealing with claims from sexual abuse victims
The Accident Compensation Corporation says there's been a smooth introduction of a new system for dealing with claims from sexual abuse victims. Audio
Maori Party co-leaders not attending hui on Harawira
The co-leaders of the Maori Party are distancing themselves from a hui being held tomorrow to decide MP Hone Hawaira's future. Audio
Harawira in hot water
The Maori Party MP Hone Harawira is in hot water again, this time for suggesting that Labour leader Phil Goff should be shot. Audio
MPs welcome zero pay increase
MPs will go without a pay increase in the coming year, after the body which determines their pay, opted not to give them a rise. Audio
Calls to soften tough line approach on Fiji
As New Zealand's High Commissioner in Fiji packs his bags, questions are being raised about the Government's hard line approach to Fiji. Audio
Minister vows to reduce number of invalid beneficaries
The Minister of Social Development is vowing to reduce the numbers of invalid beneficaries, but stresses those who are unable to work have nothing to worry about. Audio
Government signals review of welfare system
The Government has signalled it intends to proceed with changes to the social welfare system. Audio
Focus On Politics for 30 October 2009
Protest and civil liberty groups fear the Search and Surveillance Bill will extend the powers of police and other agencies to monitor and search people and their homes. Audio
