By Kate Chapman of NZPA Wellington, July 20 NZPA - The ideological battle over the proposed extension of the 90-day trial period for new employees continued in Parliament today.

Wellington, July 20 NZPA - A United Nations indigenous human rights expert says he's seen some initial positives during an official visit to New Zealand, but will take a few months to comprehensively report on developments since his predecessor visited in 2005.

By Kate Chapman of NZPA Wellington, July 1 NZPA - "I was not pushed," Police Commissioner Howard Broad says. He announced last night he would not be seeking a second term. Today he shot down media reports that he was forced out.

Wellington, July 1 NZPA - Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is setting up a youth council to advise him on issues affecting young Maori.

Wellington, June 16 NZPA - Maori Development Ministry Te Puni Kokiri (TPK) is well capable of administering Whanau Ora without affecting its core duties and will mainly play a hands-off support role, Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples has told a select committee.

Wellington, June 15 NZPA - The Maori Party today brushed off criticism of the foreshore and seabed agreement by one of its MPs while in Parliament the Government said it had restored to a fundamental human right taken away by the 2004 Act.

By Maggie Tait of NZPA Wellington, June 15 NZPA - Labour MP Chris Carter's apology this afternoon -- after a sharp reprimand from leader Phil Goff for how he talked to news media -- has saved him from further demotion within the party.

Wellington, June 15 NZPA - The Maori Party today brushed off criticism of the foreshore and seabed agreement by one of its MPs while in Parliament the Government said it had restored to a fundamental human right taken away by the 2004 Act.

By Maggie Tait of NZPA Wellington, June 15 NZPA - Labour MP Chris Carter has issued a public apology after scoring a massive own goal this morning, mishandling his response to demotion over the credit card expenses scandal. Mr Carter said his apology was unreserved.

Wellington, June 15 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key is not worried that Maori Party MP Hone Harawira thinks he is "pandering to the rednecks" over a proposed replacement for the Foreshore and Seabed Act.