Latest fromSocial Issues

Drive to stem generations of welfare dependency
The Govt is likely to continue with further reform aimed at reducing long-term welfare dependency, John Key says.

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.

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.

Couples split to get extra on benefit
A growing number of unemployed couples are living apart so one can claim the domestic purposes benefit to get more money, say beneficiary advocates.

Tidy up your act, soccer chief tells boozers
The man in charge of soccer in NZ says Kiwi crowds need to tidy up their drinking behaviour.

Brothel for women - readers respond
Pam Corkery's brothel-for-women idea generated some fierce debate. Here's what our readers had to say.

Maori unemployment figures 'shocking'
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has reacted with horror to new figures showing Maori out of work is up from 14.2pc to 16.4pc.

Unemployment jump puts pressure on RBNZ
Pressure is going on the Reserve Bank to stop hiking interest rates, after today's surprise jump in the unemployment rate.

Dollar tumbles on jobless stats
New Zealand's unemployment rate surged back to a 10-year high in the last quarter, rising from 6 per cent to 6.8 per cent, a leap which surprised analysts.

<i>Justin Vaughan</i>: All Black fans shameful
A portion of the NZ contingent were focused on consuming vast quantities of alcohol as rapidly as possible, as well as baiting and abusing Australian spectators.