Labour leader David Shearer has outlined his party's plans to
work on policies such as ensuring school children can move
seamlessly from school to a job or further education, and to
develop an alternative White Paper on child poverty to
challenge the Government's.
West Coast mining proposals have again attracted headlines,
after the Government confirmed a large aerial minerals survey
includes swathes of Te Wahipounamu South West, a world
heritage area.
Labour leader David Shearer has assured MP Shane Jones he
would be reinstated to the front bench if the Auditor-General
found he acted properly granting citizenship to a Chinese
businessman now accused of immigration fraud.
Labour has been left red-faced after the latest disclosure of
MPs' financial interests revealed eight Labour MPs took free
tickets and hospitality from SkyCity casino during the Rugby
World Cup.
Front-line police officers are going to be put under immense
pressure a result of this year's Budget, which will slash
police funding by around $120 million, the Labour Party says.
Labour leader David Shearer has set out a significant policy
shift, saying his party will not restart contributions to the
Super Fund until the country can afford to do so.
Labour leader David Shearer has again attacked the
Government's direction for state assets and land sales,
saying: "You can't sell your way to a brighter future''.
It was the new Labour leader's first major event in Maoridom.
David Shearer was endowed with his Maori name Rawiri Kutikuti
("David Sheep-shearer'') - and managed to prove to those
gathered at Ratana Pa yesterday that he had at least mastered
the art of marae-style humour.
Labour's donations from unions last year included $18,500
from the Maritime Union, but the union says it does not
expect greater support from the party over the Ports of
Auckland because of the grant.
The Labour Party's deputy leader, Grant Robertson, is
preparing for a busy year ahead as Labour starts its
rebuilding process. Mr Robertson, formerly of Dunedin, sits
down with Otago Daily Times political editor Dene
Mackenzie.
