Dene Mackenzie

The Government's much lauded, but also criticised, emissions trading scheme legislation should pass into law today, leaving Prime Minister Helen Clark with no further excuse to delay naming an election date, except she does not have to yet.

University of Otago associate law professor Andrew Geddis will chair a newly-established panel of experts to review electoral administration and political party funding.

Act New Zealand leader Rodney Hide has raised the stakes in the battle he is waging against New Zealand First leader Winston Peters by laying a complaint with the police against the party.

The imitation election campaign continues in Parliament as the Government rams through last-minute legislation it needs passed under urgency.

Maori Party candidate Derek Fox yesterday laid down a challenge for Business New Zealand to include more Maori in its organisation and in the way its policies and strategies were formulated.

Cuts in both business and personal tax rates look likely to continue, whatever the outcome of the election later this year.

As New Zealand First leader Winston Peters reappears before the privileges committee this morning to answer questions relating to a $100,000 donation from expatriate billionaire Owen Glenn, Prime Minister Helen Clark has raised concerns about the politicisation of the process.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters escaped a major beat-up in Parliament yesterday, mainly because he was not there, and National leader John Key decided to try to make some dents in the credibility of Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Introducing 780 amendments to the complex emissions trading legislation days before it became law was reckless and irresponsible, National Party climate change spokesman Nick Smith said yesterday in Parliament.