Wellington, July 15 NZPA - The latest unemployment benefit figures are a worrying sign that New Zealand is falling further behind Australia, the Labour Party says.

By Chris Ormond of NZPA Wellington, July 8 NZPA - Concerns about what might come out of the Government's Welfare Working Group (WWG) have sparked a drive from a group of welfare organisations and academics so that those affected will get to have a say.

Wellington, July 5 NZPA - The Labour Party has moved early to confirm a list of electorate candidates for next year's election. Labour has confirmed 17 candidates, with others having received a nomination but awaiting rubber stamping in 10 more electorates.

Wellington, July 5 NZPA - The Labour Party has moved early to confirm a list of electorate candidates for next year's election. Labour has confirmed 17 candidates, with others having received a nomination but awaiting rubber stamping in 10 more electorates.

Wellington, July 1 NZPA - Police Minister Judith Collins thanked outgoing Police Commissioner Howard Broad for his "considerable contribution" in the position. Mr Broad announced last night that he would not seek a second term of office when his term ends next April.

Wellington, June 24 NZPA - Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today declined to comment on Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff's decision on Tuesday to refer a privacy complaint against her to the Director of Human Rights Proceedings.

Wellington, June 17 NZPA - The Government is vigorously defending its decision to allocate $4.8 million to a little-known agency which says it can raise the living standards of Pacific Island people in New Zealand.

By Kate Chapman of NZPA Wellington, June 15 NZPA - As the Welfare Working Group explores ways to improve the welfare system and get beneficiaries into work Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has had to defend the reform.

By Peter Wilson of NZPA Wellington, June 14 NZPA - Labour leader Phil Goff is expected to announce today a caucus reshuffle that will see the demotion of at least two of his MPs.

By Peter Wilson of NZPA Wellington, June 13 NZPA - Labour leader Phil Goff is moving quickly to deal with the fallout over the spending of some of the party's former ministers.