Prime Minister John Key has accused the Labour Party of "backing rapists" in an extraordinary attack in Parliament this afternoon.

Prime Minister John Key said it was likely New Zealanders were involved in the riots, but he did not have official confirmation of that. "My office has had an update...we're obviously aware of what's taking place there. It's a difficult situation to get all the facts on," he said. "My understanding is that there could be a small number of New Zealanders involved but we haven't been advised of any injuries to New Zealanders."

New Zealanders involved in riots at a Christmas Island detention centre could be harming any chance they had of staying in Australia, Prime Minister John Key says.

New Zealand plans to table a resolution at the United Nations Security Council to end a new wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the draft resolution would also reiterate the security council's commitment to a two-state solution. Addressing the council this morning (NZ time), Mr McCully said a formal resolution had not been made by the UNSC on the issue for six years. Supplied: UNSC

The Government has pulled off its promised surplus for the 2014/15 year after Crown accounts released today confirmed a $414 million surplus - a turnaround from the forecast deficit in May's Budget. Video: Mark Mitchell

Helen Kelly has delivered her last major speech as Council of Trade Unions president - receiving a standing ovation at the union's conference after a fiery address.

Prime Minister John Key says the Trans Pacific Partnership will not technically prevent a future Labour Government from banning the sale of residential properties to foreigners.

Wellington City's Mayor is showing her support for a flag change by raising the five alternatives above the Wellington Town Hall. Video: Josh Price

A powerful cyber-attack has targeted certain officials in a government department in a possible effort to access sensitive information.

Councils will be able to decide whether retailers can open on Easter Sunday.

New Zealanders could be paying GST on iTunes and Netflix before Christmas.

The Corrections Department has today confirmed plans to take over Serco's management of Mt Eden Correctional Facility.

Government ministers who were at a marae when kereru was served were unaware that the protected bird was being offered up as food, Prime Minister John Key says.

Conservative Party leader stands down as leader so party can review the position.

Labour leader Andrew Little says the party will consider means testing superannuation but he did not agree with increasing the age of eligibility despite concern about the rising costs. Speaking at a post Budget business breakfast, Mr Little accused the Government of recklessness for failing to address superannuation in the Budget, the rising cost of which he said was "terrifying."

Reactions to the 2015 budget release including the editor from North Shore Greypower, and the President of the Auckland Chinese Community Centre.

Mr English has set aside $52 million in contingency funding to fund work with private sector developers to build affordable houses on under-utilised Crown land - Housing and Building Minister Nick Smith will begin meeting developers on May 29 to discuss potential partnerships. Mr English said it was likely that iwi would get first right of refusal on some of the land.

One of the Budget surprises was the introduction of a levy on travellers leaving and entering New Zealand to boost biosecurity funding by $100 million a year. The $6 for departing passengers and $16 for arriving passengers will be added to the cost of an airline ticket. The other Budget surprise was the axing of the $1000 kickstart payment for people when they sign up to Kiwisaver which is estimated to save $500 million over four years.

NZ First MP Ron Mark has apologised after he was caught swearing on a live microphone in Parliament's debating chamber. See the moment - and the sign language interpreter's own take - at the four minute mark in this video.

Labour leader Andrew Little penned a lengthy poem that poked fun at National ahead of tomorrow's Budget, and read it out in the house today. Watch his poetry efforts in this video, starting at around the 2:30 mark. Video / Youtube / in the house

Greens co-leader Metiria Turei speaks about what she would like to see in this year's budget, and says that the Prime Minister needs to focus on making life better for the country's children. Video / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister John Key outlines the 2015 budget. He says that the budget "will be about sticking to a plan that's working for New Zealand".

New Zealand soldiers will not be withdrawn from Iraq even if the Islamic State reaches Baghdad, Prime Minister John Key says, after huge gains by the extremist group brought the conflict closer to the capital.

A three-bedroom North Shore "do-up" has earned its owner nearly $1000 a day - just shy of the salary of a High Court judge - in Auckland's red-hot property market. A Weekend Herald investigation into soaring house prices comes amid warnings from the Reserve Bank about the housing market and calls for immediate action by the country's chief human rights watchdog.

John Key says new claims around intelligence collection are wrong - but he won't say why. He also says the GCSB is acting legally - but won't say how. And he says we are spying - but won't say on who. The Prime Minister has fronted media after a day of controversy caused by the publication of documents taken by whistleblower Edward Snowden while a contractor for the United States' National Security Agency.

The New Zealand Herald goes to the streets to find out what the public thinks about the allegations that New Zealand is spying on other nations.

Tony Abbott and John Key held a press conference after the talks where Mr Abbott's leadership troubles and the fight against Isis (Isil, Islamic State or Daesh to Australia) dominated.

Murray McCully speaks with Julie Bishop on the bi-lateral relationship between New Zealand and Australia

John Key speaks on New Zealand's possible involvement in the fight against Isis.

Prime Minister John Key says Andrew Little's comments at Waitangi on Maori sovereignty were advancing "separatism."