Chris Bramwell
2008 drought cost economy $2.8 billion
The Ministry of Agriculture has calculated that the 2007 and 2008 droughts cost the New Zealand economy almost three billion dollars. Audio
Labour's roadtrip continues...
One MP at the centre of an expenses row joined the tour, but kept quiet over recent comments that upset others in the caucus. Audio
Labour takes it to the regions
The Labour Party has hit the road during the Parliamentary recess to try to reconnect with the provincial electorates. Audio
Deputy Prime Minister falls on his sword
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English is to pay back 12 thousand dollars in accommodation allowances. Audio
Govt struggles to contain accommodation expenses
Almost a week after MPs' expenses were revealed the Government is struggling to contain the uproar. Audio
Package to boost job opportunities for young Kiwis
The Prime Minister used this weekend's National Party conference to unveil a multi-million dollar package to boost educational and job opportunities for young New Zealanders. Audio
National goes into annual conference in celebratory mood
The National Party goes into its annual conference this weekend ready to revel in its election success. Audio
Remarks by ACT MP undermine select committee process
Remarks made by the ACT MP David Garrett to submitters in a select committee hearing this morning are being labelled"Bennett Mark Two"by the Labour Party. Audio
Big changes proposed for handling of sexual violence cases
The Justice Minister is proposing sweeping changes to the way sexual violence cases are handled in court. Audio
Labour says Govt has abandoned public service cap
The Labour Party says it's now clear the Government has abandoned its promise cap public sector jobs. Audio
Labour accused of backtracking on dole policy
The Government is accusing the Labour Party of backtracking on its policy to make the unemployment benefit available to more people. Audio
Opposition calls for the widening of eligibility for benefits
Labour says the Government is refusing unemployment benefits to people who have paid taxes all their lives. Audio
Human Rights Commission wants prisons under state control
The Human Rights Commission says prisons should remain under state control to ensure prison management can be held accountable for any failings. Audio
Heavier trucks could be on roads by early next year
The Green Party says allowing heavier trucks on the country's highways will cause more road damage, and undermine moves to put more freight to go by rail. Audio
Focus on politics for 28 June 2009
The country's prisons are reaching capacity - with the Corrections Department estimating they will be full by about February next year. Our political reporter, Chris Bramwell, looks at what the… Audio
Tax debt spirals out of control
The country's tax debt is spiralling out of control, with more than four billion dollars owed to the IRD now and an expectation that will double in the next five years. Audio
Double-bunking essential for capacity crisis - Collins
Corrections Minister Judith Collins says the country is likely to run out of prison beds in about eight months. Audio
Govt insists it's honouring confidence and supply deal with ACT
The Prime Minister, John Key, insists the Government is standing by its commitment to the ACT Party over the 'three strikes and you're out' legislation. Audio
Government bill delays ETS compliance dates
The Government has introduced a bill amending the timing of the Emissions Trading Scheme relating to forestry. Audio
