Wellington, March 2 NZPA - Women's Affairs Minister Pansy Wong has apologised -- before one of the largest gatherings of women at the United Nations -- over New Zealand's record of sexual violence against women.

Wellington, Sept 30 NZPA - Acting Prime Minister Bill English had family concerns to deal with when the tsunami struck Samoa today. His wife Mary is part-Samoan and they have relatives living in Samoa. He said he had been able to make contact with them.

Wellington, Sept 27 NZPA - The Government is confident New Zealand can win a seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2015, and the opposition is backing them.

This week John Key introduced himself to the American people by appearing on the popular NBC TV 'The Late Show With David Letterman.'

By Peter Wilson and Maggie Tait of NZPA Wellington, Sept 25 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key had just over four minutes to persuade millions of Americans to visit New Zealand, and he had a fair go at it.

By Maggie Tait of NZPA New York, Sept 23 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key had a surprise meeting with United States President Barack Obama at a lunch at the United Nations here this afternoon (New York time).

By Maggie Tait of NZPA New York, Sept 23 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key had a surprise meeting with United States President Barack Obama at a lunch at the United Nations here this afternoon (New York time).

Wellington, July 22 NZPA - The Government will endorse a United Nations declaration on indigenous people's rights only if it does not trump New Zealand's constitutional framework and law, Justice Minister Simon Power said today.

Wellington, July 7 NZPA - Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples seems to have jumped the gun saying New Zealand would support an international declaration on indigenous rights -- with the Government saying today it has not reached a final decision.

Wellington, July 7 NZPA - The Government is set to endorse a United Nations declaration on indigenous rights -- reversing the position of the former Labour government.