Stories by Mei Heron

Treasury has revealed it made a "deeply regrettable mistake" by likely overstating how many children would be lifted out of poverty as a result of the government's Families Package.

There will be more electric cars, buses and charging stations across New Zealand after another round of projects received Government funding.

The Catholic Church is disappointed a Government inquiry into state abuse of children may not expand to include faith-based institutions, including itself.

People wrongly evicted from meth-contaminated state houses may be placed at the top of any waiting lists, according to the government.

The cost of upgrading two of the navy's frigates has now blown out by a total of $265 million - 70 percent of the original cost.

A letter from disgruntled Green Party staff to its MPs has revealed complaints of low morale, bad communication and unfair treatment. Audio

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has not been able to check police and court cells as often as it would like, due to a lack of funding, according to a briefing.

Demand for social housing has sky-rocketed, increasing by 72 percent in the past two years, according to a new briefing paper.

Many councils would struggle to pay for mandatory water treatment and other proposed measures to make drinking water safer.

Family Group Conferences have failed to fully involve hapū and iwi, and the services have been patchy and inconsistent, a new report has found. Audio

The biographies of Green Party MPs have been reviewed following scrutiny around Golriz Ghahraman's career.

Children will not be able to start school before their fifth birthday under changes proposed by the new government.

Government and Auckland Council officials are racing to work out how to meet Team New Zealand's America's Cup hosting requirements and avoid a contentious $190 million wharf extension. Audio

New Zealand's offer to take Manus Island and Nauru refugees is unaffected by allegations in Australian media of sex with underage girls, the government says.

The government wants to recruit overseas police officers, and fast-track their visas, in order to help fulfil its promise to expand the force.

The Green Party has turned to its members for more money as it struggles to pay its bills.

The New Zealand First board will meet on Monday, party leader Winston Peters says.

Winston Peters and his caucus will discuss different governing arrangements and ministerial positions at a meeting likely to last all day. Audio

New Zealand First has wrapped up its final coalition talks of the day with the National Party.

Underground exploration of Pike River mine with a robot is on track to begin by Christmas, Solid Energy says.

The courting of Winston Peters has begun in earnest after a series of quickfire meetings at Parliament with the leaders of National and Labour. Video

A new batch of MPs are battling the wintry Wellington weather, and some nerves, as they arrive for their first day in Parliament.

Green Party leader James Shaw will push hard to be involved with any negotiations between Labour and New Zealand First. Video

National and Labour were busy campaigning today ahead of their final debate tonight, with Bill English at big corporations and Jacinda Ardern at a union meeting.

Fewer young people have enrolled to vote compared with the last election - so far.