The Ministry of Health has apologised to the Associate Minister of Health for failing to inform her that one of its officials advising her on tobacco reform had a conflict of interest.
A year after losing power in the election, Labour says it has spent the time listening and that a major party address next month will reveal its new direction.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has opened the party's 31st annual convention in antagonistic style, calling out opponents and the media alike.
Schools won't be able to hold teacher-only days during term time and parents of students absent for 15 days could be prosecuted, the government has announced.
Support for Labour leader Chris Hipkins has taken a big dive in a new poll that shows small gains for National and Labour, and mostly small losses for minor parties.
Cabinet has issued a new directive to create a "colourblind" public service that focuses solely on need, not race, and doesn't prioritise Māori businesses when awarding government contracts.