It came after the Children's Commissioner told often-harrowing stories about uplifts.

"At this point, we cannot rule out a risk of community transmission."

Law change would make it easier for trans people to change sex on their birth certificate.

Meth-related offending has now overtaken cannabis in New Zealand.

The shift towards developers comes as the wait list for social housing nears 12,000.

Further temperature records could tumble in the South Island this week, say forecasters.

Country of origin labelling in NZ is back on track, but with a few changes.

Family members are responsible for three-quarters of elder abuse cases, figures show.

More than 100 cases of abuse were recorded on hospital staff in a month.

A family finally has access to legal, medical cannabis. But the costs are crippling.

Housing NZ's response to the meth contamination scare will be reviewed.

A 600-bed boost to prisons will not solve overcrowding, unions say.

The Govt spent, taxed and borrowed more in the Budget for little gain, National says.

Greens counted around $610m in Budget wins, compared to $2.8b for NZ First.

Extra cash 'critical to turn around tragic family violence record'.

The Government wants to limit farming run-off and intensification.

"Target of zero deaths is audacious, and it's also been successful," Health Minister says.

The National Party will build 10 new major highways if it returns to power in September.

Jacinda Ardern is promising that Labour will run the "campaign of our lives".

Conservationists have won a major victory in the Supreme Court. But Govt isn't happy.

A third of NZ's native birds could soon go the way of the moa, a damning report reveals.

The Green Party has taken a punt on its young, high-profile women candidates.

Labour MP Stuart Nash has deleted a Facebook post suggesting a prisoner should be scalped.

Judy Richards, whose son Rhys Middleton was killed by a tourist driver last year, is leading calls for testing foreign motorists.

Patients seeking medical cannabis for pain relief will no longer need to get approval from a minister, the Government confirmed this morning.

New Zealand will go to the polls on September 23, Prime Minister Bill English announced this afternoon.

More communities will get fibre faster as the government speeds up its rollout programme.

Simon Bridges and Amy Adams have received big promotions in a new Cabinet as Judith Collins falls down ministerial rankings. Read the full list here.

John Key is resigning as PM saying it's time to "take a step back in my career and spend more time at home".

INTERACTIVE: John Key says he is disappointed New Zealanders have voted to keep the current flag but has promised his Government will not revisit the issue.

The Government will ban all synthetic drugs within two weeks until they can be proven to be low-risk, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne has revealed.