A year on from the Ministry for Regulation's creation, the average salary for its staff continues to top $150,000 - well above the sector-wide average of just over $100,000.
Fewer than 50 families are likely to receive National's full $252 fortnightly tax break, based on the FamilyBoost scheme's lower than expected uptake, The Council of Trade Unions says.
The father of a US PhD student who died after being attacked at an Auckland bus stop says his son was a "gentle and caring soul" who was deeply committed to his science.
Police are seeking photos of a Russian stuntman who went missing in 2002 in the hope of being able to identify human remains located near Lake Taupō earlier this year.
Christchurch Hospital staff who have been left with life-long health effects after being exposed to toxic fumes at work have been let down by their employer, their union said.