Some of the Conservative Party's key policies are so similar to New Zealand First that leader Colin Craig has been accused of plagiarism.

A hardline law and order policy by NZ First would offer greater protection to homeowners, farmers and shop keepers who shoot to kill intruders during home invasions or burglaries.

The Corrections Department has confirmed it is investigating a complaint about a staff member, said to be NZ First MP Asenati Lole-Taylor's husband Dennis Taylor.

The suspected illegal sale of a Northland island is further evidence of the Government's free-for-all attitude to selling land to foreign interests, Winston Peters says.

Winston Peters accused Brendan Horan of "disgraceful" conduct after it was revealed NZ First will not face sanctions over allegations of misuse of taxpayer funding.

Most Labour voters prefer the Green Party to NZ First if Labour only needs one of them after the election.

A spat between MPs in a TVNZ green room propelled weatherman Brendan Horan into the voting booth for the first time at the age of 44.

So predictable has Winston Peters become in timing his beating of the anti-immigration drum near an election that you can almost set your watch by it, writes John Armstrong.

Taxpayer funding for National and Labour's election campaign broadcast advertising has been cut for this year's election but the Greens and NZ First will enjoy a substantial boost.

The chairman of a Maori Trust at the centre of claims from Winston Peters of misspending has stepped down as an independent audit of its finances is launched.

A Mana Party contender claims Winston Peters was among those who helped pay a $632 fine Hone Harawira received last year at an Glenn Innes housing protest.

Winston Peters refused to answer questions about his ugly parliamentary put-down of his rogue former MP Brendan Horan in his first day back in the House.

David Cunliffe has tried just about everything to put a dent in the Government's poll ratings without success, writes Brian Rudman. He's now dipping into Winston Peters' murky bag of trick

Brendan Horan has made fresh allegations that his former boss, Winston Peters, is breaking parliamentary rules by having taxpayer-funded staff working on party business.

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters is calling for an inquiry into finances at a $30 million-a-year South Auckland Maori disability support services trust.

Prime Minister John Key is predicting a "tight and tough" election with the Government up against a "left wing block" of parties.

While he denied he was running away from a fight, NZ First leader Winston Peters left his MPs to defend the party against claims by rogue former MP Brendan Horan.

Prime Minister John Key has declared previous ownership of a racehorse, days after Winston Peters was accused of hiding his interest in a horse.

Justice Minister Judith Collins is back in Parliament today, and is set to face more questions from the Opposition.

NZ First leader Winston Peters is rejecting allegations from a former colleague that he misused party money and failed to declare interests in a successful racehorse.

Parliament’s Speaker says he has had to accept that NZ First MP Denis O’Rourke is not in a relationship with his taxpayer funded employee and housemate.

National has taken a 6 point dive in the latest Roy Morgan poll, below the combined support of Labour and the Greens at 45.5 per cent.

NZ First leader Winston Peters has defended one of his MPs who wrote to a police boss to voice 'concerns' over the transfer of a sergeant she knew.

New Zealand First MP Denis O'Rourke is under further pressure after being caught out over a fake testimonial on the Trade Me page of his classic car rental business.

A New Zealand First MP is the subject of a complaint to Parliament's Speaker over the employment of a person who lives at the same property.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has accused the Green Party of attempting to destabilise the Labour Party over its approach to Labour for a pre-election coalition agreement.

Prime Minister John Key has disputed a suggestion that the issue of absentee foreigners buying houses in New Zealand has always been a bottom line for Winston Peters'.