http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ Latest Politics headlines from nzherald.co.nz en-nz Copyright 2010 APN HOLDINGS NZ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:00:11 +1200 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss APN RSS Generator webnews@nzherald.co.nz webmaster@nzherald.co.nz http://www.nzherald.co.nz/images/nz_little_logo.gif http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/headlines.cfm?c_id=280 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670885&ref=rss Prime Minister John Key is downplaying comments from Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson that opponents to land sales to foreigners were sometimes being racist, saying it was a case of humour backfiring.In a speech to... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:01:27 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670804&ref=rss A request from New Zealand soldiers in Afghanistan to have spy drone planes was rejected despite their use by private companies and coalition forces.The informal request for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) was rejected by Defence... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:00:49 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670748&ref=rss Super City mayoral contender John Banks is facing heat over his liquor policy on top of revelations that his son Alex was among those who "egged on" a schoolmate who died after binge-drinking.Last week, Mr Banks flip-flopped over... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:30:20 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670682&ref=rss When Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt and Va'aiga ("Inga the Winger") Tuigamala press their handprints in wet cement outside Henderson's civic chambers this month, they could be carrying out the last rites for what is known as "The... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:30:18 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670831&ref=rss The Government will spend $3.5 million on improving tsunami preparedness and warning systems across the Pacific in a programme which Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully describes as a major upgrade.Mr McCully is in Samoa at... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670756&ref=rss Child support payments could be deducted automatically from pay under proposed changes by the Government.Revenue Minister Peter Dunne yesterday released a discussion document, Supporting Children, outlining wide-ranging proposals... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670705&ref=rss The fact that $2 billion is owed in unpaid childcare payments and penalties speaks volumes about the shortcomings of the child support system. Clearly, many parents are not only alienated by the present arrangements but are easily... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670693&ref=rss A man whose desire to set up a cafe in Piha led to court action is among the "new blood" seeking to represent residents of Auckland's west coast villages and towns east of the Waitakere Ranges.The Environment Court case last year... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670691&ref=rss A Pacific Islands community leader who is anxious to uphold the voice of minorities in the Super City is one of 26 candidates seeking the eight seats on the new Henderson-Massey Local Board.Sailauama Cheryl Talamaivao stood unsuccessfully... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670688&ref=rss Rodney Hide seemed like he was running for the mayoralty himself on Monday, the way he hijacked Watercare Services' announcement about cheaper water for all in the new Super City and made it his own.Given the scepticism surrounding... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670647&ref=rss It has been billed as a fight between the smooth-talking showman and the wily old political veteran.But neither Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker nor the man trying to take his job, Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton, care much... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670608&ref=rss Michael Cullen still regards himself as somewhat of a monarchist, but accepts that there is inevitability about New Zealand eventually becoming a republic.Addressing the 'Reconstituting the Constitution' conference in Parliament... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:00:22 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670547&ref=rss The Government is to overhaul the child support system.Revenue Minister Peter Dunne is to release a discussion document, Supporting Children , outlining proposals to change the system this morning.Parents owe $2 billion in... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:02:45 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670512&ref=rss The Government has recognised how much money an iwi missed out on through unfair perpetual leases and made a $5 million payment. Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples and Ngati Rarua Atiawa Trust signed a memorandum of understanding... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:35:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670567&ref=rss The Government intends using increased data matching abilities between departments and will introduce mandatory automatic payments as it seeks to crack down on what is now $2 billion in overdue child support payments.However,... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670526&ref=rss Auckland Super City mayoral candidates John Banks and Len Brown argued last night over who had a better relationship with the Prime Minister.The two heavyweight candidates, with businessman Colin Craig, spoke to people in Mission... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670445&ref=rss Environment Minister Nick Smith will announce tomorrow that he is putting Auckland's $1.4 billion Waterview motorway project on a fast track for resource consent hearings.He is expected to announce a board of inquiry, headed by... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670440&ref=rss Franklin has been dragged kicking and screaming into the Super City, with many residents doubtful whether their voice will make it up the Southern Motorway and into council chambers.Like the northernmost ward in the new council,... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670439&ref=rss A councillor of Indian descent whose family was drawn to New Zealand by the prospect of working fertile soil says Franklin needs to stay "as green as possible".The parents of Magan Ranchhod, a Franklin District councillor, arrived... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10670438&ref=rss Q. We have saved a lot of money this winter by taking advantage of free firewood from the Waitakere Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station. Next year as part of the Super City, will this still be available to us? - Roger Blennerhassett,... newsfeeds@nzherald.co.nz Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:30:00 +1200