Latest from NZ National Party

Tui billboards headed for the axe

Irreverent Tui billboards will survive even if liquor laws are reviewed the way the Law Commission envisages: Yeah, Right.

Increase in alcohol excise tax 'extremely unlikely' - Power

The Govt says it's likely to reject a recommendation to lift alcohol prices.

Drinking age likely focus of alcohol law review

<i>Editorial</i>: Prepare for a clash of symbols

<i>John Armstrong</i>: Declaration is more bark than bite

Bitter outbursts follow backing for UN move

<i>John Armstrong:</i> National keeps Maori Party sweet

PM 'naive in the extreme' over UN declaration - Hide

The PM says the UN declaration on the rights of indigenous people that NZ signed up to overnight will have no practical effect, but Rodney Hide disagrees.

Nats give in to Maori over rights declaration

National has agreed to support the contentious UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

PM's late mother focus of Labour's welfare attack

Heatley didn't intend to deceive, says Key

Phil Heatley says he will be more careful in future after being told he was back in the Cabinet.

Heatley to return to Cabinet after being cleared by audit

Phil Heatley will return to Cabinet on Thursday after the Auditor-General found no intentional wrongdoing on his part.

Bolger removed from KiwiRail chair

Former PM Jim Bolger is to be removed as KiwiRail chairman, SOE Minister Simon Power has confirmed.

<i>John Armstrong:</i> Brownlee stews after Mallard hijacking

Gerry Brownlee had to control himself in Parliament yesterday if only to avoid Labour making him even more of a laughing stock than he had already become.

MPs quiz Govt on mining benefits

Kaye says she discussed mining opposition with Key

The Prime Minister says he is not overly concerned by his Auckland Central MP's stance on mining on Great Barrier Island.

National MP to fight gulf mine plan

National MP Nikki Kaye has criticised Government plans to open Great Barrier Island to mining, as have mayors John Banks and Len Brown.

Working with Nats is tough - Sharples

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says working with the Nats in govt is proving to be "very difficult and stressful", writes John Armstrong.