Stressed-out Cantabrians have been squandering Red Cross cash handouts on poker machines.

A 14-month-old girl has died at the hands of her mother, who was seeking help for substance abuse.

Katherine Irvine has found people from all walks of life doing what they can to contribute to the earthquake appeal.

Overwhelming offers of help for Christchurch are impeding the systems of non-government organisations trying to help there, says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

Several appeals have been launched to help Cantabrians following today's devastating earthquake. ANZ launched an appeal and announced it would make the first donation, $1 million.

John Key says beneficiaries who resort to food banks do so out of their own "poor choices" rather than because they cannot afford food.

Two Mongrel Mob leaders are being paid by the taxpayers to try to turn the country's gangs away from drugs and crime.

Second-generation Mongrel Mobster Layton Te Nahu is off the drug P and back with his family, thanks to a remarkable New Zealand story that involves the Prime Minister, the Salvation Army and a retired surgeon.

Two Salvation Army volunteers have been convicted of stealing groceries intended for the organisation's charity food bank.