Wellington, Dec 19 NZPA - The Government's plan to introduce a bill to strengthen the Crimes Act to deal with violent offending against children have been welcomed by the Children's Commissioner.

Wellington, June 26 NZPA - As politicians and industry watchdogs warn about the potential for "smart" electricity meters to go wrong, energy companies are defending their use.

Wellington, June 22 NZPA - There needs to be a process for referenda questions to be altered so they are more clearly worded, Prime Minister John Key says. The debate was reignited after the introduction of the so-called smacking referendum.

Wellington, May 13 NZPA - Criticism of Christine Rankin's appointment to the Families Commission is being brushed off by ministers who say she will be just one voice at the table.

Wellington, May 13 NZPA - Christine Rankin's appointment to the Families Commission is the beginning of the end for the organisation, Labour MP Annette King says.

Wellington, May 12 NZPA - Controversial figure Christine Rankin is surprised by, but intends to ignore, intense criticism of her appointment to the Families Commission.

Wellington, May 12 NZPA - The father of the Families Commission, United Future leader Peter Dunne, is outraged by the appointment of controversial figure Christine Rankin to the Crown agency and says she should turn it down.

Wellington, May 12 NZPA - Christine Rankin is the wrong person to be appointed to the Families Commission, as she is divisive, has a troubled record and is unrepresentative, Labour leader Phil Goff said today.

Wellington, May 12 NZPA - Christine Rankin is the wrong person to be appointed to the Families Commission, as she is divisive, has a troubled record and is unrepresentative, Labour leader Phil Goff said today.