The survival of fernbird in Marlborough will be ensured by the purchase of a block of land in the Wairau Valley, Conservation Minister Sandra Lee said today.

Police Minister Hon. George Hawkins this afternoon met with senior police and the police association president to ensure deputy police commissioner Rob Robinson’s “smooth transition” into the acting commissioner position.

The Canadian Minister of Defence, the Hon Arthur Eggleton has arrived in Wellington this morning on a two-day visit to New Zealand.

Health Minister Annette King today visited Newtown School in Wellington to mark the first day immunisation registers take effect in primary schools.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said today that the Leader of the Opposition appeared to have a fit of amnesia about the nature of 'golden handshakes'.

State Services Minister Trevor Mallard said today that the unacceptable high cost of consultants under the former National Government highlights the need to crack down on their use.

Corrections Minister Hon.

The fate of several immigration policy changes mooted before the election was announced today by Immigration Minister, Lianne Dalziel.

The establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Group was announced today by Immigration Minister, Lianne Dalziel.

Conservation Minister Sandra Lee today released the Department of Conservation's post-election briefing to the new Government on conservation.