Mei Heron

The Maori King dealt a blow to the Labour Party this week by backing the Maori party and saying he would not be voting for Labour again. However, Labour have the upper hand heading into the election… Audio

The government's plan to allow students to enrol in online schools is being called a dangerous social experiment by oppositon politicans. Audio

John Key says he's happy for the Maori King to keep making political comments as long as they are against the Labour Party. But others aren't so happy. Audio

The government has tried to get a roundly-mocked lost luggage bill off the parliamentary agenda, but was stymied by New Zealand First. Audio

MPs will soon be debating the best way to advertise lost airport property. It's National MP's member's bill but some not-so-lucky MPs are a bit scathing about why the bill's even needed. Audio

The Labour party wants answers from the Australians about revelations of extreme trauma and abuse suffered by children held in detention on Nauru. Audio

The Education Minister, Hekia Parata, is defending her consultation process despite two unions joining forces to fight the Government's plan for the school funding system.our political reporter Mei… Audio

The Government has given Auckland's Unitary Plan a cautious thumbs up, but is pledging to stay out of the way while the Auckland Council considers the report. Mei Heron reports. Audio

The Minister of Trade's backflips over possible trade retaliation by China about claims of surplus steel dumping have led to calls for his resignation. Audio

Trade Minister Todd McClay has apologised to the Prime Minister for his initial response to reports of trade retaliation by China over possible steel dumping. Audio

Four out of the five top candidates in a poll to be picked as the United Nations' next Secretary General are men, with former PM Helen Clark in the middle of the list. Audio

A visit by a United States navy ship for the first time in 33 years is being seen as a victory for New Zealand standing its ground on being nuclear-free. Audio

The Reserve Bank is targeting property investors with its announcement that new loan-to-value ratios will see investors requiring a 40 percent deposit. Audio

The Maori Party is confident it will be ready in time for next year's election, despite being in what it calls a re-building phase. Our political reporter Mei Heron has the details. Audio

Research reveals a two year achievement gap between children in schools at either end of the decile system. Opposition parties say inequality such as low wages, poor housing and unemployment is to… Audio

The Reserve Bank yesterday said there had been an influx of 160,000 people in the past three years, putting pressure on the housing market and prompting calls for the Govt to review its migration… Audio

Corrections Minister Judith Collins won't allow any gang members to volunteer in prisons, saying the only place for them in prison is behind bars. Audio

The Children's Commissioner has used his last State of Care report to warn that tens of thousands of vulnerable children could be in danger as the Government plans a massive overhaul of Child Youth… Audio

An inquiry by the Ombudsman into an alleged leak at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticised the State Services Commission and Dame Paula Rebstock. Audio

The Government could soon be paying private schools per student rather than from a capped pool of money - though state school teachers are calling for all Government funding to be ceased. Audio