Social Development Minister, Paula Bennett, will visit 0800 What's Up - the nation's largest dedicated child helpline - to receive about 1,300 submissions made by children as part of the consultation on the Green Paper on Vulnerable Children.

The Government has today confirmed it will not take steps to further protect the critically endangered Maui's dolphins following the recent death of one in a set net off the coast of Taranaki, the Green Party said today.

Winston Peters� comment that Whanau Ora be terminated is hugely disappointing.

It is the most promising policy for families/whanau that has emerged since that of Tu Tangata in 1977.

We know of the outstanding success achieved by that kaupapa.

Hon Steven Joyce, Minister of Science & Innovation, 9 February 2011, Speech.

Address to Asia Pacific Science Policy Studies Research Conference, Wellington

Thank you for the introduction Steve. It's a pleasure to be here this morning.

Improvements in the process for permitting exploration for oil and gas will be implemented this year.

The fall in unemployment from 6.6 per cent to 6.3 per cent in the December 2011 quarter is further evidence the economy is heading in the right direction, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce says.

John Key would do well to find a real solution, rather than an elegant one, to the jobless dilemma, Labour's Employment spokesperson Su'a William Sio says.

"When John Key says lifting the minimum wage too much might cost jobs, all he's doing is pandering to his rich mates in the Employer's Federation" said MANA leader Hone Harawira.

Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff gave support to the safeguards in the Privacy (Information Sharing) Amendment Bill when it received its first reading in Parliament yesterday.

"News that Mighty River Power is increasing its prices should set alarm bells ringing for those struggling to pay their power bill" said MANA leader Hone Harawira "because Mighty River Power is one of the five State Owned Enterprises being prepared for sale to private investors."

The awkward 'make-up, break-up' relationship between the Government and the Christchurch City Council is putting unnecessary stress on Cantabrians, says Labour's Earthquake Recovery spokesperson Lianne Dalziel.

The people of Whanganui need a guarantee from the Government that a proposal to move acute maternity services to Palmerston North is about safety and not simply about saving money, Labour's Health spokesperson Maryan Street says.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says a Ministerial Inquiry into a case of serious abuse of a nine year old, has led to major changes.

Justice Minister Judith Collins has welcomed the first reading of a bill to improve information sharing between public service agencies.

A bill which makes offending against Police and Corrections officers an aggravating factor at sentencing passed its second reading in Parliament today.

The paltry 50 cent increase in the minimum wage will do little to help Kiwis who are working hard but simply can't earn enough to support their families, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

National's decision to increase the training and new entrants' minimum wages at a time when 23 per cent of youth are unemployed is not helpful, ACT Parliamentary Leader John Banks said today.

The involvement of a National Party official, closely linked to the Prime Minister, in making decisions about a taxpayer-funded documentary on Whanau Ora - a controversial government initiative - demonstrates high level political cronyism and interference, Labour's Broadcasting spokesperson Clare

In a feeble attempt to bolster National's half-baked efforts to recover costs over the grounding of the Rena, Nick Smith has clearly breached the Resource Management Act, says Labour Deputy Leader and Environment spokesperson Grant Robertson.

Mr Speaker, I join the previous speakers in congratulating you on your appointment as speaker of the House along with your deputy and assistant speakers.

Honourable members, my fellow Pacific Members of Parliament