Employment law changes will swing the balance in favour of bosses and expose workers to easier dismissal, an expert says.

John Key says extending the 90-day trial period is about "giving prospective employees a shot", but the Greens say National is breaking one of its pre-election policies by doing so.

The Government today announced sweeping changes to labour laws, including changing the test for reasonable dismissal to make it easier for employers to fire workers.

Great poverty still affects pockets of NZ, ministers were told yesterday - shortly before their sumptuous three-course lunch.

John Key is keeping tight-lipped over who he will be voting for in the race to be mayor of the Supercity.

Gerry Brownlee says that the mining industry in New Zealand is certain to grow - but will do so in a 'sensitive manner'.

Bill English has warned National Party delegates that the Govt will come under pressure to spend more in election year - and will need to resist.

Political commentator John Armstrong says nothing happening in politics this week had a hope of upstaging the fall and fall of Chris Carter.

The Govt will introduce a new property title that can be claimed over the foreshore and seabed.