Wellington, July 1 NZPA - The Government is promising more frontline welfare staff despite cutting nearly 600 positions in the Ministry of Social Development. Staff were told yesterday 590 jobs would be disestablished but 360 new roles were being created.

By Sharon Lundy of NZPA Wellington, June 30 NZPA - Nearly 600 Ministry of Social Development (MSD) staff have been told their positions are being axed, chief executive Peter Hughes said today.

Wellington, June 29 NZPA - Heavier trucks could be on the road by 2010 if an amendment is passed following a successful trial, Transport Minister Steven Joyce says.

Wellington, June 2 NZPA - Labour is accusing the Government of playing smoke and mirror games with welfare agency funding, but National says it is providing the money to get the sector through the recession.

Wellington, May 27 NZPA - The National Party caucus supported Christine Rankin's appointment to the Families Commission, documents released tonight show.

Wellington, May 26 NZPA - The Government was challenged in Parliament today to say whether it would remove Christine Rankin from the Families Commission if it turned out she had been lying about rumours swirling around her private life.

Wellington, May 26 NZPA - ACC has been asked to continue funding the Auckland sexual abuse helpline for another three months although the corporation is acting outside its legal boundaries, Parliament was told today.

Wellington, May 20 NZPA - National Party MPs are being told how to answer questions about Christine Rankin as the Government handles the heat over her appointment to the Families Commission, it was reported tonight.

Wellington, May 20 NZPA - Voluntary organisations have welcomed the Government's handout to help them through the recession but the Labour Party says they will soon have to beg for more.

Wellington, May 20 NZPA - Women's Refugee and the association representing New Zealand psychotherapists have joined the chorus of concern about the appointment of Christine Rankin to the Families Commission.