Wellington, March 16 NZPA - Concern is mounting over the intended use of council-controlled organisations (CCOs) to manage the bulk of Auckland's assets under the new super city structure.

When Rodney Hide complained last year that the Government "wasn't doing anything" the point he was trying to make was that it hadn't set a course for the sort of economic reform it had talked about before the election.

Wellington, March 12 NZPA - The Government has moved quickly to appease pensioners concerned their SuperGold card privileges may be eroded because of the scheme's escalating costs.

Wellington, March 12 NZPA - Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres has again criticised Hone Harawira for making racially offensive comments, saying in a report released today political parties should have codes of conduct that did not tolerate such behaviour.

By Alastair Bull of NZPA Auckland, March 11 NZPA - An Auckland academic says smoking rates in New Zealand would plummet if tobacco products could not be displayed at shops.

By Alastair Bull of NZPA Auckland, March 11 NZPA - Amid a barrage of Maori people calling for tough controls and the eventual banning of smoking, a tobacco company today asked for current sale display rules to remain the same.

Wellington, March 10 NZPA - The latest poll shows National still retaining very high levels of political support. The latest Roy Morgan NZ poll put National on 53.5 percent, up 1.5 percentage points since the last poll.

Wellington, Feb 28 NZPA - Hone Harawira has again been criticised by his party leaders, this time for encouraging people to take "whatever action necessary" to protest against a planned sea turbine project.

Wellington, Feb 25 NZPA - MPs trimmed back their taxpayer funded expenses in the last three months of last year due to the start of the long summer break and more discipline.

Wellington, Feb 25 NZPA - The Youth Court has been given new sentencing options for serious young offenders under legislation passed by Parliament today.