Damien O'connor

Parliamentary chief reporter Jane Patterson takes a look at the push from the National-led government for more mining in New Zealand, and the tensions between creating jobs and revenue, the… Audio

Opposition MPs say the appearance of Don Elder and John Palmer at the Commerce Select Committee yesterday has not diminished their call for a full select committee inquiry into Solid Energy. Audio

The Labour Party is laying blame at the feet of the Government for the perilous state of state coal miner Solid Energy. Audio

With farmers' advocate Janette Walker and Damien O'Connor, Labour's Primary Industries spokesperson, who has written to bank CEOs about this issue Audio

The Economic Development Minister, Steven Joyce, says people lamenting the loss of mining jobs at state-owned Solid Energy should back plans to fast track the development of new open cast mines on the… Audio

The West Coast MP says the miners who have been trying to find a way to keep the Spring Creek coal mine open may find the company has already made up its mind. Audio

West Coast-Tasman MP, Damien O'Connor, says he 'smells a rat' with the decision to suspend operations at Spring Creek, and is blaming the National Party's asset sales programme - not the price of… Audio

Listening to that was the Labour MP for the West Coast, Damien O'Connor. Audio

We're joined by the Labour Party's biosecurity spokesperson, Damien O'Connor. Audio

Calls from bereaved families for tougher regulation of the adventure tourism sector are being rejected by the Tourism Minister. Audio

The Government's opponents are decrying its dairy farm sale decision today as unpatriotic and adding to a land grab by foreigners. Audio

The voters in Greymouth will have the chance to give their judgement on how the government has handled the tragedy and its aftermath at the general election in just over a week. Audio

Is the Government's handling of tragedies in Christchurch and at Pike River Mine starting to falter? Audio

Stricter rules for freedom campers are one step closer to becoming law. Under the Freedom Camping Bill, councils will be able to fine illegal campers and prosecute them for dumping sewage from their… Audio

Labour says the government 3.5 million dollar contribution to a sports and event centre in memory of those who died at Pike River is ''frugal at best, mean at worst'. Audio

Current Labour list MP, Damien O'Connor, isn't on the new list, but will stand in West Coast Tasman, a seat he lost at the last election. He speaks to Morning Report. Audio

The Labour list MP for the West Coast, Damien O'Connor, says it's disturbing to hear the receivers of the Pike River coal mine do not have the funds to participate fully in the Royal Commission into… Audio

Two local MPs have been giving their community every support they can in the past trying days. We're joined by the MP for West Coast-Tasman, Chris Auchinvole and by the Labour list MP from the West… Audio

West Coast Labour Party MP Damien O'Connor. Audio

There is increasing frustration as the disaster enters its sixth day and no rescue crews have entered the mine. Audio