Michael Laws
Paying tribute to Norm Hewitt
To mark sad news that Norm Hewitt has died we speak to his close friend and biographer Michael Laws who has permission from Norm's family to speak about his passing. Audio
Otago Regional Council drops Marian Hobbs as chair
Claims of dirty politics, cries of anger and disgust, and clear bitter division. The usually circumspect arena of the Otago Regional Council chamber had it all this morning, as three-quarters of… Audio
Laws criticises Otago council's $30m headquarters plans
The Otago Regional Council has been told to focus on protecting the environment, rather than build a flash new headquarters. One of its councillors Michael Laws says the council's plan to spend up to… Audio
Call for end to rodeos rejected by govt, for now
The latest call for an end to rodeos has been rejected by the Government which says it'll need more evidence for a ban. The Associate Minister for Agriculture, Meka Whaitiri says she's only had time… Audio
Michael Laws - In defence of rodeo
Former Whanganui mayor and media commentator Michael Laws is a regional councillor in Otago, representing the Dunstan Ward, and the media spokesperson for the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association. He… Audio
Michael Laws says Otago council a 'slothful beast'
Former Whanganui mayor Michael Laws, who was recently-elected to the Otago Regional Council, says he's not backing down on his election promise to shake things up.
Knife-edge election for Michael Laws in Otago
The former MP and broadcaster is just 21 votes from winning a seat on the Otago Regional Council, with dozens of special votes still to be counted.
Four questions in under 4 minutes with Michael Laws
Michaels favourite band and musical. Audio
Norm Hewitt: the violence stops here
Kim Hill talks to Norm Hewitt, former All Black, and a kahukura for E Tu Whanau, a Maori kaupapa that focuses on strengthening whanau to bring about change that stops violence. He takes responsibility… Audio
Former mayor rails at court's gang patch ruling
Whanganui's groundbreaking bylaw restricting the wearing of gang patches in the city has been deemed unlawful by the High Court. Audio
Mayor fumes after councillors accept gang invitation
The mayor of Whanganui says councillors who've accepted an invitation to the local Hell's Angels motorcycle gang headquarters are providing support for criminals and their wrong doing. Audio
Mediawatch Extra 25 September 2009
The online-only companion to Radio New Zealand's Mediawatch programme, taking in comments from listeners and updating recent stories from the show. In this edition: the 'going forward' backlash… Audio
Michael Laws doesn't think Wanganui will get an 'h'
Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws is expecting the Minister to reject the Board's decision, which he has roundly condemned. Audio
Michael Laws has no regrets
Despite the denials from Otaki School's principal and parents, he believes the children were put up to writing the letters and was taken aback by the anger they expressed. Audio
Mayor says gang patch ban a boon for Wanganui
From today, the streets of Wanganui are off limits to gang members wearing gang patches or anything else that signifies gang membership. Audio
Laws criticises MPs' expenses as a 'rort'
MPs are justifying their spending on travel and accommodation and avoiding criticising each other after the breakdown of expenses was released for the first time. Audio
Laws backs plan for compulsory council referendums
Local councils could be forced to hold referendums if they want to spend money on non-core activities. Audio
Wanganui rate payers to vote on rate increases
In what's thought to be a first in NZ, ratepayers in Wanganui will be able to decide their own rates increase this year. Audio
Wanganui's image in the media
Wanganui's political leaders are being criticised for moves to crack down on organsied crime in the city. Audio
Capping rate rises
Act Party leader Rodney Hide says he's keen to look at resurrecting a Bill which would cap rate rises. Audio
