Latest fromSocial Issues

TVNZ censured for standards breach
New Zealand's broadcasting watchdog has upheld complaints against two TVNZ shows - Fair Go and Band of Brothers.

<i>Inside Money: </i>How terrorism could take down pokies
The anti-money laundering rules, of course, are not primarily addressed at pokie zombies

The stolen brides turned into Stepford wives
According to some estimates, one in five Chechen marriages begins when a girl is snatched off the street and forced into a car by her future groom.

Let them eat tapas? Michelle Obama faces holiday fury
A holiday with her daughter Sasha in Spain has landed the US' first lady in the middle of a political tempest.

Benefiting who?
Dita De Boni wonders whether a food stamp scheme for those on low incomes could work in New Zealand.

Big majority for lower alcohol limit
Almost two-thirds of New Zealanders support lowering the drink-driving limit, a survey has revealed.

<i>Rebecca Barry:</i> Scare tactics put off parenthood
Perhaps it's the growing novelty factor of having babies that lends some couples to spill so recklessly about the downsides.

<i>Gareth Morgan:</i> Our approach to booze has been pathetic
The health sector is overburdened by those who don't know how to look after themselves or don't give a damn, writes Gareth Morgan.

Invalids may have to defend benefit
Those on an invalid or sickness benefit may have to defend their right to it if recommended changes to the welfare system are taken up by the Government.

Many mums on benefit since teens
Controversial new data suggests that more than half of all sole parents on the domestic purposes benefit first became beneficiaries as teens.

Drug dealer should lose home, says Crown
A man arrested during a major police drugs operation offended from his home and should forfeit it, the Crown says.

Teen torture
The teenage years are fraught for both teens and parents and research shows the adolescent years are getting longer.

<i>Deborah Coddington</i>: Time to wake up to reality of child-bashing shame
Today's column may offend, so if you're of delicate mind, turn the page now.