The latest weapons in the police crime fighting arsenal are containers to gather samples from Auckland's wastewater treatment plants.

The law is clear. When it comes to search warrants, there is a line which protects all in society, and in some cases particularly the press.

Eventual ruling could have far-reaching implications for law governing use of the internet, from YouTube to Facebook.

It is time to recognise our common humanity, appreciate each other, and let us wish you, good readers, a happy Christmas.

Some believe the charge being set on the copper network was being artificially inflated, however there are a number of issues we need to reconsider.

The raising of interest rates by the United States Federal Reserve late last week is the best news in seven years for the world's economy.

Ko's year special by any measure and sign of what's to come but rugby heroes claim standout moment.

Search for New Zealander of Year recalls ethical dilemma of terminally-ill lawyer's legal battle for right to end her own life.

The latest report tells us 29 per cent of children lived in poverty in 2014, up from 24 per cent the previous year. About 14 per cent live in material hardship, lacking several of the items most New Zealanders would consider essential.

Getting so many nations, including "developing" nations such as China, to sign on to emissions reductions certainly makes the agreement historic.

Climate change may still seem a distant threat, but a "Super El Nino" summer is already evident.

The new heavyweight boxing champion of the wwooorld is going to get very boring very quickly.

Two petitions are circulating for the funding of the new immunotherapy drug against melanoma, Keytruda.

What more could a national holiday do except reopen old wounds and invite continued debate? We have enough of that around Waitangi Day.

For the past year, the Office of the Ombudsman has been reviewing the Official Information Act.

Judith Collins' return to John Key's Cabinet is a credit to her. It would have been easy for someone of her temperament to have reacted differently to her dismissal.

Gun sales in the US have increased. Requests for access to courses at shooting ranges are up.

Pharmac is possibly the most publicly respected body in this country.

As the Prime Minister said, "It makes no sense to be calling for emissions restrictions on one hand while subsidising emissions on the other."

When Brendon McCullum testified at the trial of Chris Cairns, the defence asked why he had not come forward with his allegations much sooner than he did.

Labour leader Andrew Little has carried out a refreshing reshuffle of his parliamentary line-up.

The origin of some of our most nutritious food does not bear thinking about. Milk, eggs, even some fruit, are nutrients intended for the young of other species.

Admit it, the ballot paper is still sitting on the sideboard while you wonder what to do.

For better or worse, National's failure to raise importance of economic considerations clearly underscores the public's bottom line.

We should welcome Australian Senator Ian Macdonald's goodwill towards improved access to Australian citizenship for New Zealanders.

These disturbing contracts seem symptomatic of an unfortunate attitude that has permeated the public service under this Government. Its "no surprises" principle seeks to control the release of any information which might be awkward to explain.

Phil Goff is the instant front-runner, if not a near certainty, to be the next mayor of Auckland.

It does not seem 28 years since legislation was passed requiring home swimming pools to be fenced.

A "hikoi for homes" in Auckland today may be the forerunner of social unrest on a greater scale.