Wellington, July 21 NZPA - Labour MP Damien O'Connor is taking over the agriculture portfolio in the shadow cabinet, party leader Phil Goff said today.

Wellington, June 27 NZPA - The Progressive Party has re-registered as a political party but its members will continue working closely with Labour as leader Jim Anderton's tenure starts winding down.

Wellington, June 24 NZPA - Opposition MP Jim Anderton was told in Parliament today he was jumping the gun by asking how much of Northland's coastline would come under Maori customary title when the Foreshore and Seabed Act is repealed and replaced by new legislation.

Wellington, June 19 NZPA- Former Labour ministers Mita Ririnui and Parekura Horomia were sent 186 reminders between them about their credit card spending, it was reported today.

On Friday, June 4, in the electorate of Helensville, Prime Minister John Key was asked whether he could rule out the sale of Kiwibank at any time in the future and he replied: "Under my leadership, yes." Thanks John. That will save a lot of trouble between now and the next election.

By Peter Wilson of NZPA

Wellington, June 3 NZPA - Opposition MPs are accusing Prime Minister John Key of breaking an election promise because he won't rule out selling Kiwibank after the next election.

By Maggie Tait of NZPA Wellington, June 2 NZPA - The sale of Kiwibank remains a live issue after Prime Minister John Key refused to rule it out when pressed in Parliament today.

Wellington, May 27 NZPA - Standard & Poor's assesses the chances of a privatisation of Kiwibank as low and is keeping its AA minus rating of the state-owned bank unchanged as a result. But it said any change in ownership of the bank would trigger a review of its credit rating.

Wellington, May 21 NZPA - Finance Minister Bill English is being accused of "economic vandalism" after saying today the Government was conducting a stock-take of its assets.