Govt ministers co-sign the first of three treaty deals today, settling claims to Tamaki Makaurau. The deal transfers Crown ownership of 11 volcanic cones to Maori.

Report shows living standards have changed little.

Two Auckland iwi could become landlords of Paremoremo and Mt Eden Prisons under Treaty deals which will be signed today.

Workers shut down schools, grounded flights and walked out of hospitals yesterday to protest against austerity measures brought on by the nation's staggering debt.

Labour and Maori Party strongholds will be hit if prisoners are stopped from voting, a prison reform group says.

John Key has defended a proposed rise in GST after a Herald video revealed he had ruled it out in 2008.

Italy's Agriculture Minister and the Slow Food movement battle over the McItaly burger - made of Italian beef, Asiago cheese and artichoke spread.