Wellington, Aug 24 NZPA - Legislation allowing workers to trade in their fourth week of leave for cash and giving employers the right to demand a medical certificate for one day of sick leave passed its first reading in Parliament today after protests from the Labour Party and the Greens.

Wellington, Aug 19 NZPA - Joan Withers has been named deputy chairman of Television New Zealand (TVNZ) and advertising agency guru Roger MacDonnell is joining the board.

Wellington, Aug 18 NZPA - There is no evidence of a high level of foreign investment in the agricultural sector, KPMG said in a report. The report sees no value in tightening rules for inbound investment and argues there is a lack of equity in the agriculture sector.

Wellington, Aug 16 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key is setting out a compelling case for compulsory superannuation and says public opinion has shifted since it was rejected in a 1997 referendum.

The Investment Savings and Insurance Association (ISI) is progressing work on developing a standard for reporting the performance of managed funds.

Wellington, Aug 4 NZPA - The Investment Savings and Insurance Association (ISI) is progressing work on developing a standard for reporting the performance of managed funds.

Wellington, July 27 NZPA - Career diplomat Rod Harris will be New Zealand's next ambassador to Saudi Arabia accredited to Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said Saudi Arabia had a long-standing and warm relationship with New Zealand.

Wellington, July 27 NZPA - A review of the overseas investment regime is likely to look at how to stop the sell-off large tracts of land to foreign buyers, Prime Minister John Key indicated today. The review was started by Finance Minister Bill English in March last year and aimed at:

Wellington, July 27 NZPA - Career diplomat Jan Henderson has been appointed as the next high commissioner to India.

Wellington, July 27 NZPA - Transport Minister Steven Joyce still thinks existing legal alcohol limits for drivers are "ridiculous" but he's not changing them.