Russell Palmer

With Ruth Richardson no longer willing, Chlöe Swarbrick is challenging Nicola Willis to debate her instead.

The prime minister likened Labour to "picked-over box of favourites", with the good ones gone and "most of them like a Cherry Ripe".

The bill ends same-day voter enrolment, bans prisoners from voting, allows for larger anonymous political donations, and clarifies the ban on giving out food at voting places.

Buildings under three storeys and in towns with under 10,000 people will not need strengthening, remediation or warning notices.

Ruth Richardson says she "will not be party to a circus or a sideshow designed to distract from fiscal failure".

The Total Mobility scheme provides discounted taxis and public transport fares for those with long-term impairments.

The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, which set out a new system putting more emphasis on property rights, passed their first readings Tuesday afternoon.

Car parking fees are being trialled from this week at three major sites.

Documents show concerns raised by the Transport Agency, Police, Heritage NZ, and the NZ Alpine Club about people potentially parking off-road or on the state highways to avoid fees.

With a massive surge in passport applications expected next year, the government is urging people to renew early to beat the rush.

The Commission is due to hand over the first National Infrastructure Plan to ministers by the end of the year. Audio

The Taxpayers Union chair is suggesting Cameron Bagrie as a moderator.

The House continues a packed agenda as the government tries to clear through legislation before the end of the year.

The debate over the debate between finance ministers is becoming farcical, with each accusing the other of trying to get out of the commitment.

The legislation cancels an upcoming ban on farrowing crates, which keep mother pigs confined to avoid them accidentally crushing piglets.

The plans under the "Local Water Done Well" model now been signed off.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says one specific aspect of the fast-track regime "didn't go down well with people".

Analysis - There are key differences, but the main thrust of how it works is based on the same principles as the model set out under Labour.

The replacement includes a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill which will be sent to select committee next week.

The Resource Management Act is going, and the government has revealed what will replace it. Audio

The government has unveiled its proposed replacement bills for the Resource Management Act. Here's five key details.

NZ First's Mark Patterson has clashed with opposition and coalition MPs alike over the Waikato Medical School, Jobs for Nature, and school buses.

The government intends to pass the legislation by the end of the year.

Under scrutiny week questioning, ministry CEO Andrew Kibblewhite said it was a hypothesis, but that more investigation was needed.

The amount brings New Zealand's total monetary contributions for the country's war efforts to more than $53m, more than half of it for weapons and ammunition. Audio