A new, more activist Families Commission is emerging with the appointment of league great Ruben Wiki as an "ambassador" against domestic violence.

More than half of the 8000 houses insulated under the Government's scheme belong to low-income earners, Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee says.

Big earners are lining up for the home insulation subsidy, a survey suggests, prompting fears middle income earners will miss out.

US housing officials have fired 4 employees after helping a 'prostitute' and 'pimp' get around tax forms to set up a brothel.

A former All Black too drunk for a breath test suffers fractures to his face in a fight after a crash.

While the number of people on benefits is rising, there are positive signs, says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce hints at tougher drink-driving laws, describing existing alcohol limits for drivers as "ridiculous".

Facebook may give your brian a good workout claim scientists.

Bristol City Council asks its constituents to answer a referendum on whether graffiti in the city should stay - or be removed.

Police are prosecuting a company for allegedly supplying alcohol to minors at school after-balls.

A detective with personal links to Kristin Dunne-Powell should not have worked on the Tony Veitch investigation, according an official report.

Gunmen broke into a drug rehabilitation centre, lined people against a wall and shot 17 dead in Mexico. Photo / AP

Britain has the biggest drink problem among 13-year-olds in the Western world, according to a major study on child wellbeing published today.