12 February 2009 - Housing Minister Phil Heatley must explain why he told the public he was increasing the number of state houses being built this year to 519, when Housing New Zealand was appropriated the money to build 650 homes, says housing spokesman George Hawkins.

More evidence has emerged that National is off target with its approach to dealing with the economic downturn, Labour Leader Phil Goff said today.

12 February 2009 - National's demolition of the $700 million investment in primary sector innovation through the New Zealand Fast Forward fund has been completed in deafening silence.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp flies to Sydney this afternoon for his first meeting with his Australian counterpart, Joel Fitzgibbon.

An accelerated work programme on the national electricity grid has been welcomed by the Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee.

Transpower announced today a $50 million programme of work on the national transmission system.

11 February 2009 - The kaupapa Maori model of whanau involvement in education is benefiting Maori learners, and is something all New Zealanders could learn from, according to Associate Education Minister Dr Pita Sharples.

11 February 2009 - The Air Force's second Boeing 757 arrived at the Whenuapai air force base late today [Eds: 5.30pm Wednesday Feb 11] after modifications in the United States.

11 FEBRUARY 2009 - The Electoral Finance Act (EFA) helps keep big money out of politics and the National-led Government should retain more than just its rules on donation disclosures, the Green Party said today.

11 February 2009 - "The scientists off the Muppet Show, Dr Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker, would have more luck in containing a GE field trial than Crop and Food Research," said Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.

11 February 2009 - For the second time in one week the National/Maori Party Government has turned its back on the South Island, Dunedin based Labour MP David Parker said today.