The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board is starting 2012 as it means to go on - reaching out to its communities to meet locals face-to-face, understand their issues and seek their views.

A ceremony to rebury the remains of a New Zealand soldier was held at Messines Ridge British Cemetery near Ieper, Belgium on Friday 3 February.

The Government should be prepared to do all it can, including considering law changes along the model of the United Kingdom, to stop the illegal practice of forced marriages, says Labour's Women Affairs spokesperson Sue Moroney.

The role of NZ on Air is back in the spotlight with intense public scrutiny expected over the appointment of its new chair, and questions about its ability to perform its statutory functions being raised, says Labour's Broadcasting spokesperson Clare Curran.

The number of people on benefits in New Zealand remained relatively steady over the last month says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

A new advertising campaign that hits television screens on Sunday highlights new consequences for people that refuse to pay fines and reparation, Courts Minister Chester Borrows says.

The flood of Kiwis voting no confidence in the National-led NZ economy continues to rise, Labour's Economic Development Spokesperson David Cunliffe says.

Gary Cross, Head of Trade and Supply Chain, at HSBC New Zealand says: "2012 marks the fourth anniversary of the signing of the Free Trade Agreement with China and the auspicious Year of the Dragon, so it is fitting that we now have a formal strategy in place to double trade between the two countr

The '1,000 days campaign' calls for increased, and more effective, investment in the early years of a child's life - the first 1000 days.

Waitangi Day should be a time when we come together as a nation to celebrate our cultural diversity and everything that's so great about New Zealand, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

Government inaction on climate change is damaging New Zealand's international reputation, placing an impossible burden on future generations says Labour's Climate Change spokesperson Moana Mackey.

The Maori Party is today releasing a primer to raise awareness amongst the public on the impact of recent proposals affecting treaty interpretation within the Crown consultation with Maori document.

The Government's 'roads of national significance' are tipped to become increasingly insignificant as high oil prices take their toll on road use, Labour's Transport spokesperson Phil Twyford says.

Christchurch City Council is introducing a raft of new measures to streamline its consent process ahead of an expected increase in earthquake-related applications - predicted to be an additional 10,000 a year for at least three years.

Police Minister Anne Tolley has turned the sod for a new police station at Rolleston, near Christchurch.

The total cost of the project is $1.6 million, and is set to be completed by September.

The Briefing to the Incoming Minister of Transport shows that the existing transport funding shortfall is likely to grow massively if oil prices are high, the Green Party said today.

Labour's Sport and Recreation spokesperson Louisa Wall says SPARC's briefing paper is disappointingly short-sighted.

The annual Lantern Festival should be a time when the Asian community rejoices, yet this year's celebration looks set to be anything but with the spotlight on the rising numbers of unemployed, says Labour List MP Raymond Huo.

Rotorua District Council (RDC) wants the city's popular Eat Streat precinct to become a permanent CBD feature and is working with local designers to develop it into an iconic Rotorua landmark.

National's inaction on pay equity will see Kiwi women left behind, says Labour's spokesperson for Women's Affairs Sue Moroney.