Wellington, March 10 NZPA - A scheme aiming to improve Housing New Zealand's role in assisting the public into housing is being implemented in parts of the country today following a trial.

When Jenny Shipley was appointed health minister in the previous National government, she confidently told Parliament she would be judged on hospital waiting lists.

This was unwise, because the waiting lists didn't improve and she was indeed judged, loudly and often, by the Labour Party.

Wellington, Feb 26 NZPA - The Government has released a discussion document outlining proposals for amending the Building Act. The Act has been reviewed, and Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson said today the proposals were open to debate and change.

By Maggie Tait of NZPA Wellington, Feb 26 NZPA - Ministerial Services warned former minister Phil Heatley about his work credit card use.

Wellington, Feb 26 NZPA - Shamed former minister Phil Heatley was warned repeatedly about his ministerial credit card spending which led to his resignation from Cabinet.

Wellington, Feb 26 NZPA - Whangarei MP Phil Heatley's resignation from the Cabinet has puzzled his constituents and his electorate chairman says the reason appears to have been no more than a technical issue.

Wellington, Feb 25 NZPA - More than 100 people, some carrying transistors tuned in to Radio New Zealand, turned up outside Parliament today to protest a funding freeze.

By Maggie Tait and Ian Llewellyn of NZPA Wellington, Feb 25 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key is not ruling out Phil Heatley returning to Cabinet, but is waiting to see if a high level investigation clears him.

(Pix avail ex nzpa images.co.nz) By Maggie Tait of NZPA Wellington, Feb 25 NZPA - Phil Heatley resigned his ministerial roles after Prime Minister John Key asked him about a claim for bottles of wine.

Wellington, Feb 8 NZPA - Statistics New Zealand has made it easier for businesses to get information they need. Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson welcomed the changes on the agency's website.