18 FEB 2009 - The Maori Party opposes the government's Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill, saying that getting tough on criminals does not reduce crime or violence.

18 FEB 2009 - Respect for Health Minister Tony Ryall has sunk on the back of his decision to sack Richard Thomson as chair of the Otago District Health Board, according to Dunedin North MP Pete Hodgson.

18 FEB 2009 - Proposed law changes will give community and iwi-based groups the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our most serious young offenders, says Social Development and Employment Minister Paula Bennett.

18 FEB 2009 - Minimising the impact of the global economic recession on Pacific people is the goal of tomorrow's fono (Subs: Thurs 19 Feb) called by Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Hon Georgina te Heuheu.

18 FEB 2009 - National's policy to "cap" core public sector staffing is nothing more than a sham, Labour's spokesperson Grant Robertson said today.

19 FEB 2009 - Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology Clare Curran is calling on the Government to be proactive to facilitate agreement on a draft code of practice between internet service providers and copyright holders.

18 FEB 2009 - The President of the Republic of Korea Lee Myung-bak will visit New Zealand on 3 and 4 March, Prime Minister John Key announced today.

18 February 2009 - Critics of the suggestion that Maori might be interested in running prisons are missing the point according to Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia.

18 February 2009 - It is critical that Government set clear criteria before moving to rescue Fisher & Paykel or any other company in trouble.

18 February 2009 - Bill English's admission that he's not receiving regular updates on the worsening state of the economy should be a concern to all New Zealanders, Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe said today.