Latest fromSocial Issues
Prison guard on corruption charges
A Rimutaka Prison guard faces corruption charges after allegedly smuggling drugs and KFC into the prison in exchange for sex, wine and cash.
Police dodge firework missiles at Rotorua party
An officer was injured as police dodged fireworks at an out-of-control party early this morning.
Tobacco crime argument dismissed
There is no evidence of a spike in tobacco-related crime due to price increases, and claims of potential organised crime are being overblown, says Maori affairs select committee chairman Tau Henare.
Unemployment drops to 6.4pc, dollar jumps
Unemployment numbers just released show NZ's jobless rate has fallen from 6.9 per cent to 6.4 per cent - better than many were expecting.
NZ Melbourne Cup jockey banned after drug test
A top Zealand-born Melbourne Cup jockey has been suspended for three months after testing positive to a banned substance.
<b>Two Drinks Max:</b> Alcohol changes getting closer
Legislation introducing the change to a split drinking age will be one step closer after it is tabled in Parliament next week, Simon Power says.
<i>Eric Thompson</i>: Maxed out on two drinks campaign
I won't be signing up to this. Get behind something that will do some good.
Councils getting tough over ciggie breaks
Growing numbers of local authorities in Britain are forcing their staff to 'clock out' every time they take a cigarette break.
Support worker regrets not telling of Kahui concerns
The Kahui twins' support worker has expressed deep regret for not telling her colleagues about seeing their mother "dump" her baby in his cot while changing his nappy.
Referral warned of Kahui twins risk
The Kahui family's social worker warned it was possible twins Chris and Cru could be at risk before they returned home a month before they died, but the warning was not acted on.
Kahui inquest: Hospital staff had no concerns
Professionals who worked with the Kahui family prior to the deaths of twinsChris and Cru had no cause for concern other than the parents' infrequent hospital visits, an inquest hears.
Oz PM to argue for Corby clemency
Australian PM Julia Gillard is today trying to convince the Indonesian President to grant clemency to convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby, according to a report.
Backing for mandatory reporting of suspected abuse
Medical professionals are supporting a coroner's suggestion that it be mandatory for them to report suspected child abuse cases to CYF.
Health sector could reduce child abuse, Kahui inquest told
Engaging the health sector could reduce the "shameful" child abuse rate in NZ, an inquest into the deaths of the Kahui twins has heard.
Carbon footprints in the sand
Dita De Boni wonders what the environmental impact of having children really is.
<b>Two Drinks Max:</b> Stories of horror flood in
Victims of drink-driving have flooded the Herald with tales of broken families and lasting mental trauma. Read their stories.
Kahui coroner concerned about child abuse
A coroner conducting an inquest into the deaths of Chris and Cru Kahui has turned his attention to the phenomenon of child abuse in NZ.