Wellington, March 11 NZPA - The Government is facing criticism from Labour and the Greens because the Environment Ministry is cutting jobs. More than 80 positions are being disestablished in response to a funding cut and the scrapping of some of its programmes.

Wellington, March 7 NZPA - New Zealand's Labour Party has called for a "ceasefire in the conflict in northern Sri Lanka" going a step further the UN secretary general who last week urged a "suspension in fighting".

Wellington, Feb 20 NZPA - Around 20,000 public servants chances of getting a one-week increase in their annual leave have been sharply reduced after State Services Minister Tony Ryall ordered a clamp down on state sector pay.

Wellington, Feb 20 NZPA - State Services Minister Tony Ryall has told public service chief executives any pay increases for staff will have to be met within existing budgets. Labour say that amounts to a pay freeze across the public service.

By Ian Llewellyn of NZPA Wellington, Feb 16 NZPA - A junior minister has said the Government's razor gang wants to slice 10 percent from ministerial and departmental budgets, though she retracted this after Finance Minister Bill English said there was no specific target.

Wellington, Feb 16 NZPA - Three seasoned teenage debaters will get a chance to upstage three MPs at a debate in Parliament on Thursday.

Wellington, Feb 16 NZPA - Heritage protection issues need to be considered in light of possible job lay-offs at the National Library, Labour's state services spokesman Grant Robertson says.

Wellington, Dec 11 NZPA - Seven new MPs made their maiden speeches in Parliament today. * Nikki Kaye said she was proud to be the first National Party MP to win Auckland Central.

Wellington, Nov 20 NZPA - Labour portfolio and ranking list. 1. Phil Goff - Leader, SIS 2. Annette King - Deputy Leader, Social Development 3. David Cunliffe - Finance 4. Ruth Dyson - Health 5. Parekura Horomia - Maori Affairs, Fisheries

By Maggie Tait of NZPA Wellington, Nov 11 NZPA - A subdued Labour Party today had its first Caucus meeting after being thrown out of office.