2 February 2009 - The Green Party says now is the time to charge full steam ahead with electrifying Auckland's rail network.

2 February 2009 - Labour spokesperson on Auckland Issues Phil Twyford says National must demonstrate leadership and support for major Auckland infrastructure proposals because they are far too important to be allowed to drift.

Racing Minister John Carter has announced that applications for the next round of the Racing Safety Development Fund are now open.

The Fund supports projects that enhance racecourse safety.

2 February 2009 - Ending stand down periods for Kiwi workers made redundant would mark a great start for new Minister Paula Bennett, says the Green Party.

2 February 2009 - Labour's Maori Affairs spokesman Parekura Horomia today congratulated Te Karere for a quarter of a century's successful work gathering and presenting Maori news and says he is looking forward to its new bulletin.

1 February 2009 - Labour leader Phil Goff has written to Westminster City Council in London urging the council to approve a planning application to erect a permanent statue to Battle of Britain hero Sir Keith Park.

31 January 2009 - Education Minister Anne Tolley today unveiled a package of changes that reflect the government's commitment to providing quality and accessible early childhood education to all New Zealand families.

30 January 2009 - Labour Leader Phil Goff has welcomed the release of a Treasury briefing today revealing that influential officials advised the National government that it would be wrong to scrap several key Labour initiatives when it came into power.

30 January 2009 - "The decision by Waitakere City to discontinue proceeding with their proposed district plan change relating to Whenuapai Airbase is a sensible response to Government policy," says Defence Minister Wayne Mapp.

30 January 2009 - A dramatic drop in building consents and fears about the long-term health of the building industry is more evidence that social housing and the Green Homes Fund have a critical role in the Government's stimulus plan, says Green Party Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.