Budget 09

The National Government announced its first budget for ten years today against the backdrop of a black economic global forecast; its projections include a decade of deficits against a background of shrinking growth, falling revenue and higher borrowing.

Promised tax cuts have file to materialise, but the short-term belt tightening will pay off in the long run, according to Finance Minister Bill English.

Budget - Full Coverage

AFP Somalia journalist wins key press award

NEW YORK (AFP) - An AFP journalist who is among the few independent reporters still working in war-torn Mogadishu received Tuesday a key press award for his work, along with three other correspondents.

November 25, 2009, 4:07 pm

ETS legislation passes
The Government's emissions trading scheme has been passed through Parliament.
November 25, 2009, 3:56 pm
Rudd defends Labor on people smugglers
The recent charging of two Indonesians with people smuggling is evidence the government is cracking down on the illegal trade, Kevin Rudd has told parliament.
November 25, 2009, 3:38 pm
New visa will attract young skilled workers to NZ
A new "silver fern visa" will lure young highly skilled workers from around the world to New Zealand, Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman announced today.
November 25, 2009, 3:36 pm
NZ company says Fiji doing right thing in crackdown
A New Zealand company has defended its report that prompted Fiji's interim military government to cancel all existing broadcast licences in the country.
November 25, 2009, 3:03 pm
Public input on adventure tourism review wanted
People can now have their say on a review of adventure tourism.
November 25, 2009, 3:01 pm
Fight not over for Hamilton-Auckland passenger train trial
A trial passenger rail service between Auckland and Hamilton has been canned because of the cost but the concept has not abandoned.
November 25, 2009, 3:00 pm
No rush on gay civil unions: McClelland
There is no rush to settle the negotiations between the ACT and commonwealth over same-sex civil unions, federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland says.
November 25, 2009, 2:55 pm
Kisses for Katie as Greg Bird walks free
As Greg Bird's reckless wounding conviction was quashed, he turned and reached for the hand of the woman he was alleged to have glassed in the face.
November 25, 2009, 2:45 pm
Khmer Rouge jail chief set to address court
PHNOM PENH (AFP) - The Khmer Rouge prison chief was to give his concluding remarks on Wednesday in final arguments at Cambodia's war crimes court, nearing justice for the "Killing Fields" atrocities three decades ago.
November 25, 2009, 2:22 pm
Ryall trumpets increase in elective surgery
Health Minister Tony Ryall is trumpeting record levels of elective surgery being performed this year.
November 25, 2009, 2:20 pm
Men and boys to take anti-violence vow
Australia's men and boys have been asked to swear they will never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
November 25, 2009, 2:15 pm
Senate begins emissions trading debate
The Senate has begun the protracted process of debating amendments to the government's package of 11 emissions trading bills.
November 25, 2009, 1:51 pm
Qualification target for registered teachers dropped
A requirement for early childhood education (ECE) providers to work towards having all staff qualify as teachers has been dropped.
November 25, 2009, 1:51 pm
Obama vows to 'finish' Afghanistan job
President Barack Obama, vowing to "finish the job" in Afghanistan, has promised he will soon announce his decision on troop deployment.
November 25, 2009, 1:17 pm
"Climate realists" petition against ETS
A group calling themselves "Climate Realists" petitioned against the emissions trading scheme (ETS) at Parliament today.
November 25, 2009, 12:57 pm
Tongan man to be deported at end of rape sentence
A Tongan man convicted of raping a Christchurch woman has been sentenced to more than eight years' prison and will be deported when he becomes eligible for parole.
November 25, 2009, 12:56 pm
Scorching heat kills contractor
A 19-year-old Sydney man has collapsed and died of heat exhaustion while installing roof insulation.
November 25, 2009, 12:55 pm
Vic channel deepening project completed
A controversial project to deepen Melbourne's shipping channels has been completed ahead of schedule and $200 million under budget.
November 25, 2009, 12:54 pm