Demelza Leslie

Parliament has passed laws to keep dangerous criminals locked up for longer and to better protect New Zealanders from released sexual and violent offenders, who are at high risk of re-offending. Audio

The New Zealand First MP and former Carterton Mayor, Ron Mark, says the Local Government Commission will have a fight on its hands to get its Wellington Super City proposal across the line. Audio

The Defence Minister has been repeatedly questioned today, about whether or not army units are preparing to be sent to Iraq. Audio

The two main political parties have struck a deal over the urgent anti-terror laws but parties such as New Zealand First and the Greens still aren't satisfied. Audio

The Prime Minister has signalled the Government will look to introduce much tougher security laws after a review next year. Audio

Islamic Community leaders have told MPs they are seeing early signs of Islama-phobia because of the debate over tough new terrorist laws and muslims perceived association with Islamic State. Audio

The Minister in charge of the SIS has had to apologise for calling public submissions on a foreign fighters Bill "chit-chat." Audio

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security has come out in defence of her own report today in the face of John Key saying her findings are contested. Audio

The Labour Party's new leader has given the new intake on his front bench a year to prove whether any of them is good enough to become his deputy. Audio

Labour's new leader, Andrew Little, is adamant he has the backing of his caucus, despite winning by the narrowest of margins from Grant Robertson. Audio

The Government says it has no intention of selling Housing New Zealand and will use increased returns from the corporation to extend housing subsidies to more people. Audio

Conservationists say it would be a huge international embarrassment for New Zealand if it allowed our national bird to become all but extinct. Audio

The Minister of Finance says financial lending restrictions imposed on low deposit mortgages are on the way out, a move the Opposition says will help first-home buyers. Audio

Legislation banning under 18 year olds from using sunbeds has unanimously passed its first reading in Parliament. Audio

The Labour Party is watering down a private member's bill on paid parental leave to try to gain Government support. Audio

The Prime Minister, John Key, says the fastest way to get people out of poverty is for the Government to pay more rent subsidies rather than building more state houses. Audio

The Government has pushed through big changes to labour laws. Audio

Opposition parties have again tried to pin the Prime Minister down over his relationship with the blogger Cameron Slater. Audio

New Zealand's Parliamentary Service is reviewing security in the wake of the shooting at Canada's parliament in Ottawa. Audio

The race for the Labour Party leadership is on with the four candidates posing for a photograph to launch the campaign this afternoon. Audio