Ratepayers face a tax bill of tens of millions of dollars because of Govt plans to have much of the Super City run by commercial bodies, the Auckland City Council says.

If Govt projections over our petroleum sector bear fruit, NZ could be the oil sheikhs of the Pacific, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

Long-term unemployed, sickness beneficiaries and single mothers on the DPB with children over six are about to come under extra scrutiny under new Govt reforms.

Some Great Barrier locals say mining will destroy the island's "fragile" environment, while others say the jobs created will be a blessing.

Business leaders have urged Kiwis to take a rational approach to the debate over the Government's proposed plans to open conservation land up to mining.

The Government is proposing to open up more than 7000 hectares of conservation land for mining on Coromandel, and Paparoa National Park on the West Coast.

The oldest son of a mother-of-five killed by a woman fleeing a police check point says it's time to crush drink-drivers' cars.

The US House of Representatives is poised for a historic vote that could bring into law the biggest changes to the country's healthcare system in half a century.

Joyce is easily the third most powerful man in Cabinet - a remarkable achievement after just 16 months, writes Audrey Young.

Japanese lawyers are lined up to defend incarcerated anti-whaling protester Peter Bethune, but an environmental group still hopes Japanese authorities will send him home.