Damien O'connor
West Coast MP says Government playing politics over jobs
The Economic Development Minister, Steven Joyce, says people lamenting the loss of mining jobs at state-owned Solid Energy should back plans to fast track the development of new open cast mines on the… Audio
MP:Solid Energy may have been being primed for sale from outset
The West Coast MP says the miners who have been trying to find a way to keep the Spring Creek coal mine open may find the company has already made up its mind. Audio
Mine suspension linked to share float says Labour MP
West Coast-Tasman MP, Damien O'Connor, says he 'smells a rat' with the decision to suspend operations at Spring Creek, and is blaming the National Party's asset sales programme - not the price of… Audio
West Coast MP on Spring Creek closure
Listening to that was the Labour MP for the West Coast, Damien O'Connor. Audio
Labour says Psa report must prompt biosecurity overhaul
We're joined by the Labour Party's biosecurity spokesperson, Damien O'Connor. Audio
Damien O'Connor says glacier crash 'was waiting to happen'
Calls from bereaved families for tougher regulation of the adventure tourism sector are being rejected by the Tourism Minister. Audio
Govt's opponents decry Crafar decision
The Government's opponents are decrying its dairy farm sale decision today as unpatriotic and adding to a land grab by foreigners. Audio
Voters will judge politicans' efforts at general election
The voters in Greymouth will have the chance to give their judgement on how the government has handled the tragedy and its aftermath at the general election in just over a week. Audio
Focus on Politics for 24 June 2011
Is the Government's handling of tragedies in Christchurch and at Pike River Mine starting to falter? Audio
Freedom Camping Bill one step closer to law
Stricter rules for freedom campers are one step closer to becoming law. Under the Freedom Camping Bill, councils will be able to fine illegal campers and prosecute them for dumping sewage from their… Audio
Labour says Pike River assistance 'frugal, mean'
Labour says the government 3.5 million dollar contribution to a sports and event centre in memory of those who died at Pike River is ''frugal at best, mean at worst'. Audio
Damien O'Connor slams union influence on Labour list
Current Labour list MP, Damien O'Connor, isn't on the new list, but will stand in West Coast Tasman, a seat he lost at the last election. He speaks to Morning Report. Audio
Labour MP says Pike River's claims 'disturbing'
The Labour list MP for the West Coast, Damien O'Connor, says it's disturbing to hear the receivers of the Pike River coal mine do not have the funds to participate fully in the Royal Commission into… Audio
Local MPs will continue to support West Coast community
Two local MPs have been giving their community every support they can in the past trying days. We're joined by the MP for West Coast-Tasman, Chris Auchinvole and by the Labour list MP from the West… Audio
Local MP says Pike River families sad but resolute
There is increasing frustration as the disaster enters its sixth day and no rescue crews have entered the mine. Audio
Pike River mine explosion
29 miners are still trapped underground. We talk to Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn, Labour MP Damien O'Connor, and Archdeacon Robin Kingston. Audio
Labour vows to reclaim West Coast
The Labour Party winds up a three-day visit to the West Coast today, vowing to reclaim its former stronghold. Audio