Stories by Demelza Leslie

Votes for Bill English are stacking up in the National Party leadership contest but there has yet to be any public declaration of support for Jonathan Coleman or Judith Collins.

National MPs are rejecting Labour's claims that a three-way leadership contest is a sign of conflict within the party.

The government is pushing ahead with its plans to introduce a bill that could remove more Māori children from their family and wider whānau.

Emergency legislation clearing the way for earthquake repair work in Hurunui and Kaikōura is being introduced to Parliament.

A deal between the Māori and Mana parties is expected by the end of the year.

Recovery agencies may get special powers to clear roads, fix the marina and block public access to some areas.

Sweeping changes to health and safety laws have so far done little to curb the country's high workplace death toll. Audio

India has given its strongest indication yet it wants to finalise a free-trade deal with New Zealand, following talks between the John Key and the Indian prime minister in New Delhi. Video

The Prime Minister has received a state welcome in India after a faulty cockpit switch caused two failed take-offs that delayed his delegation.

The government is to spend $1 billion building another 1800 beds in prisons. Video

The government has hit back at Labour's claims that only 18 homes sold in Auckland's special housing areas in the past three years were affordable.

The jostling to replace Phil Goff as MP for Mount Roskill has already started, as a date for the by-election is set.

The government is being warned to strengthen border control, after documents revealed numerous criminals had fled the country despite alerts.

Another free trade deal may be on the cards with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister saying he is open to an agreement with New Zealand.

A new lobby group aims to pressure politicians into opposing race-based laws and preferential seats in Parliament, it says. Audio

The government warned KiwiSaver providers not to bring the fund into disrepute following revelations money was being invested in arms companies.

The Minister of Commerce has refused to publicly release legal advice on KiwiSaver funds investing in controversial arms companies.

The parliamentary committee discussing proposed new spy laws has pulled a U-turn, refusing to make a session public, despite earlier promising to do so.

The Social Development Minister has clashed with Labour over measuring child poverty and whether the Ministry for Vulnerable Children should focus on it.

An Indian education agent who is on a list for fraud could have his licence revoked if evidence is found, the Immigration Minister says. Video

Māori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell has recounted his experience in witnessing family violence as he spoke in support of proposed law changes. Audio

The government has denied scrambling to fix the housing shortage, with the Social Housing Minister saying its announcements are part of a "well thought out work programme".

Police feel they are under-delivering and under too much stress, according to the force's annual workplace survey.

The government is being urged to swiftly review tax laws to make sure multinationals, such as Apple, are paying their fair share.

The Labour Party is setting up a new office in Auckland to boost its presence in the city.