Wellington, July 26 NZPA - An examination of local government and its role -- including further amalgamations -- was announced by Local Government Minister Rodney Hide this morning.

Wellington, July 21 NZPA - Rodney District Council's last ditch bid to avoid being swallowed up by Auckland has failed.

Wellington, July 9 NZPA - As Government MPs and Auckland Regional Council butt heads over plans for a Rugby World Cup "party central" on the city's Queens Wharf, Prime Minister John Key says he wants constructive discussions.

Wellington, July 8 NZPA - The venue for next year's World Cup "Party Central" is likely to be changed after Auckland Regional Council's about-face on plans for Auckland's Queen's Wharf, Prime Minister John Key says.

Wellington, June 24 NZPA - If Auckland Mayor John Banks manages to win the super city mayoralty in October he can expect a pay rise of almost $80,000.

Wellington, June 22 NZPA - New Zealand should be opposing Chinese efforts to export nuclear reactors to Pakistan, says Labour's disarmament spokesman, Phil Twyford.

Wellington, June 17 NZPA - Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson got drilled on how mining protected land is impinging on her environmental responsibilities today.

Wellington, June 14 NZPA - Labour leader Phil Goff will sack Shane Jones and Chris Carter over the credit card spending saga, Prime Minister John Key predicted today.

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.

Wellington, June 9 NZPA - Labour says a $900,000 funding cut for non-government organisations (NGOs) that manage overseas aid undermines their ability to do an effective job but Foreign Minister Murray McCully is rejecting criticism.