Rowan Quinn

The Prime Minister has intervened to avert a messy court battle over the estate of the late Sir Edmund Hillary. Audio

The Prime Minister's chief scientific advisor says New Zealand scientists are wasting too much time competing with each other. Audio

Manukau City's mayor Len Brown doesn't want to share the assets he says his council has fought so hard to keep, with the rest of Auckland. Audio

A man who sparked a chase in which an innocent man was shot by the police wants to know when the police are going to front up for the killing. Audio

It's being claimed the race for the Auckland super-city Mayoralty could turn into a contest exclusively for the rich if candidates are allowed to spend more on their campaigns. Audio

Sleek Porsches, chunky Beetles and classic Kombi vans have shown they can more than hold their worth at a rare auction in Auckland. Audio

Early submissions on the proposals for a super city Auckland have highlighted the clash of views about putting power in the hands of a super council or keeping it local. Audio

Aucklanders have their last chance to influence the government on the supercity council today as select committee hearings begin. Audio

A group representing South Auckland businesses is worried it may face hefty water fees as the Auckland Super city brings a merger of water retail companies. Audio

The Prime Minister says protests to be held outside judges' homes are unacceptable and unfair. Audio

Defence lawyers are concerned changes to the way court hearings are carried out will lead to miscarriages of justice. Audio

A man accused of being at the centre of a passport scam has appeared in court, with his supporters saying the scheme will continue to operate. Audio

Two rusted sheds on Auckland's waterfront could be transformed into 'party central' for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Audio

The Prime Minister John Key says it would be unacceptable for Familes Commissioner Christine Rankin to become involved in a campaign to overturn the child discipline law. Audio

The jury in the Nai Yin Xue murder trial has retired for the night. Audio

The jury in the Nai Yin Xue trial will this morning begin its deliberations on whether he is guilty of strangling his wife and leaving her in his car boot. Audio

Claims in the Nai Yin Xue trial that his wife was killed in a sex act gone wrong have been called bizarre, desperate and unfounded by the Crown. Audio

A witness has told the High Court she saw murder accused Nai Yin Xue driving with what appeared to be his family - one day after the Crown says he murdered his wife. Audio

55-year-old Mr Xue is on trial for the 2007 murder of his wife An An Liu, which allegedly occurred before he fled the country and abandoned their three-year-old daughter in Melbourne. Audio

A pathologist has been questioned about a sexual practice involving restriction of the airways while giving evidence about the cause of death of An An Liu. Audio