Hone Harawira, Maori Party Member of Parliament for Te Tai Tokerau. Thursday 1 April 2010:

This Bill to allow milk to be allocated through an auction process sounds technical, but it also allows us to acknowledge the opportunity for Maori in the primary sector.

New requirements for water efficiency labels will help consumers make informed choices about water consumption and relative water efficiency when purchasing washing machines, dishwashers, taps, toilets and showers, Minister of Consumer Affairs Heather Roy said today.

The Minister Responsible for Archives New Zealand Nathan Guy has announced the appointment of three new members to the Archives Council.

The Council has a statutory role to provide the Minister with independent advice on archives and recordkeeping issues.

Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson says licence classes for builders and designers will reduce from six to two today, making the licensing process much simpler.

Five leading environmental and outdoor recreation groups said today that the Government legislation on water conservation orders passed yesterday under urgency has sent a torpedo into the Government-backed national forum working on water management reform.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce is reminding road-users to take care on the roads over the Easter break.

"Holiday weekends mean a lot of extra traffic on the roads. Please use common sense and be mindful of other road users," he says.

Government plans for re-consultation with the public over proposals to ban tobacco displays are a cruel joke for Mum and Dad retailers around the country.

Boasts made in 2008 by Prime Minister John Key that National's law and order policies would make the streets safer for New Zealanders are now coming home to haunt him, says Labour law and order spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove.

Further support for a Nelson Māori Trust's stalled Treaty claim has been given by The United Nations Human Rights Committee during its final session with the New Zealand Government.

The priority the Government has placed on tackling drugs and violence has been reinforced by the latest Police crime statistics, Police Minister Judith Collins said.