20 May 2009 - National's decision to make Associate Local Government Minister John Carter the chairman of the select committee examining reforms to Auckland governance is yet another abuse of process, says Labour's Shadow Leader of the House Darren Hughes.

20 May 2009 - Labour's research and development and science and technology spkesperson Moana Mackey is congratulating the Government for appointing a Chief Science Advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, but says the appointment is ironic as it seems National is about to gut science and research

20 May 2009 - Leader of the House, Gerry Brownlee, has announced the five National MPs who will sit on the select committee to examine the Auckland governance bill.

20 May 2009 - The Government appears to be stripping the community and voluntary sector of over $320 million in guaranteed funding over the next three years, says Labour's Social Development spokesperson Annette King.

20 May 2009 - Prime Minister John Key has appointed distinguished scientist Professor Peter Gluckman to be the first Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor.

20 May 2009 - The sharp increase in youth unemployment and ways to tackle it will be thrashed out at a youth jobs summit to be hosted by Labour Youth Affairs spokesperson Jacinda Ardern this weekend.

The Government should take note of concerns the United Nations Committee Against Torture has regarding the use of the electric stun gun known as the Taser in New Zealand, said Green Party Human Rights Spokesperson Keith Locke.

Agriculture Minister David Carter has asked the review of the 2005 Code of Welfare for pigs to be a top priority for the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.

Economic Development Minister, Gerry Brownlee, and Trade Minister, Tim Groser, have made five appointments to the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Board.

Three are new appointees, and two are reappointments of sitting Board members.

The Minister of Social Development and Employment Paula Bennett has announced the Government's intention to establish a new fund to support critical social services for New Zealanders during the economic downturn.