Wellington, Sept 1 NZPA - Business leaders have rated Air New Zealand this country's most reputable organisation.

Wellington, May 26 NZPA - For sole parent Kerry Tankard balancing part-time work, child-care, and her own education was so stressful, it made her sick.

By Kate Chapman of NZPA Wellington, May 26 NZPA - It would be cheaper to leave someone on the benefit if they've already been on it for 10 years than to push them into work, politicians were told today.

Wellington, May 4 NZPA - The Government will put $5 million into helping families own their homes and provide affordable accommodation for old people, Housing Minister Phil Heatley says. The $5m will go towards two projects under the Housing Innovation Fund.

Wellington, April 29 NZPA - The overnight increase in the price of cigarettes could prompt a surge in dairy robberies, a tobacco company has warned.

By Peter Wilson of NZPA Wellington, April 29 NZPA - A packet of 20 cigarettes is going to cost about $11 after overwhelming support in Parliament for a stiff tobacco tax increase which is being greeted with a chorus of praise from anti-smoking lobby groups.

Wellington, March 25 NZPA - Charities which help poor people say they are going to have to cope with the impact of the Government's welfare changes.

Wellington, Feb 16 NZPA - The Government has announced a review of state housing aimed at finding out the most efficient fair way to provide it. Housing Minister Phil Heatley says many houses are in bad shape while others are in the wrong places to meet demand.

Wellington, Feb 16 NZPA - United Future leader Peter Dunne is highlighting the case of a prisoner desperate to be rehabilitated but getting no psychological treatment. Mr Dunne got a letter from a prisoner serving a five-year sentence, which the New Zealand Herald reported today.

By Ian Llewellyn of NZPA Bangkok, Oct 22 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key will be asked this weekend to sign up to an ambitious bid to create what could become the largest multi-national free trade agreement in the world.