Wellington, Oct 11 NZPA - National is holding its high poll rating in a survey taken after the increase in GST.

TV3's latest poll, broadcast tonight, showed National at 53.8 percent support, down just 0.7 percent since the last poll.

Wellington, Oct 11 NZPA - The Government will introduce new rules preventing loss attributing qualifying companies (LAQCs) from passing losses on to their shareholders, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne says.

Wellington, Oct 11 NZPA - Chris Carter went into a meeting of Labour's national council tonight saying he was ready to defend himself and fight to stay in the party.

Forestry industry representatives can use their conference this week to call on the Government to regulate to stop the trade of illegally logged rainforest timber, said the Green Party today.

Prime Minister John Key will open the ForestWood 2010 Conference at 9am tomorrow at Te Papa.

Wellington, Oct 11 NZPA - The Government's annual accounts, to be released on Thursday, will confirm the fiscal situation remains tight, Prime Minister John Key said today.

The financial statements will cover the year to June 30.

Wellington, Oct 11 NZPA - The Government will work in partnership with the new Auckland council to improve the city's transport systems, Prime Minister John Key says.

The New Zealand Defence Service Medal announced by the Prime Minister today closes a long-standing gap in medallic recognition of military service, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says.

The work of the New Zealand Police contingent in Afghanistan has earned high praise from local Police and officials, said Police Minister Judith Collins who has been in Afghanistan for the past four days.

Currently a team of three officers is helping train the Afghan National Police.

Wellington, Oct 11 NZPA - The Government will introduce new rules preventing loss attributing qualifying companies (LAQCs) from passing losses on to their shareholders, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne says.

The Government's plan to provide deferred loans for 30 parcels of lands will not address New Zealand's affordable housing crisis, said the Green Party today.