Latest fromSocial Issues

MP wants rethink over RWC beer plans
Jim Anderton fears that opponents of the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup could be forced to avoid a hailstorm of beer cans.

NZ youth losing out in health, education, jobs
NZ has one of the highest school dropout rates, with the sixth-lowest high-school completion rate in the developed world, a report has found.

The F word
Remember feminism? The 70s movement led to huge social change but is the women's rights movement still relevant in the era of Lady Gaga?

Toddler's accused attacker in court
A 27-year-old Tongan man made a brief appearance in North Shore District Court this morning accused of attacking a toddler.

Police charge US woman with assisting NZer's suicide
Police have charged a US citizen with assisting the 2007 suicide of Auckland woman Audrey Wallis.

Man charged with assault after child hospitalised
Police have charged a man with assault as a 2-year-old girl fights for her life in hospital.

Chief families commissioner resigns
Jan Pryor has resigned as Chief Families Commissioner, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announced this morning.

Attorney-General: Welfare changes in breach
Work testing sole parents on the DPB is an unjustifiable breach of human rights, Attorney-General Chris Finlayson told Parliament today.

Welfare reforms to add pressure to unwilling workers
Long-term unemployed, sickness beneficiaries and single mothers on the DPB with children over six are about to come under extra scrutiny under new Govt reforms.

Air NZ apologises over claim on Tongan drinking
Air NZ apologises for a crew manual which suggested flight attendants watch Tongans who wanted to "drink the bar dry".

Liquor store widow calls for gun ban
A shop assistant was held at gunpoint last night - prompting the widow of a slain liquor store owner to call for imitation firearms to be banned from sale.

Right-to-die talks banned in Ireland
An Australian euthanasia advocate is meeting plenty of vocal opposition as he tours Ireland.

Customs reviewing party drug imports
Customs is reviewing the way it targets rising levels of imports of the party drug mephedrone, which has been linked to deaths in Europe.