Child poverty is not a party political issue; it is a moral and ethical issue, writes Susan St John. "It may have been possible some time ago to bury our heads in the sand and ignore the prevalence of child poverty in NZ."

Welfare benefits will go up by just 0.61 per cent from April 1 because the Government has decided not to give beneficiaries any compensation for higher cigarette prices.

Sweeping changes to the welfare system came closer to passing into law.

The mother of a young woman who was hit by a train when her wheelchair got stuck at an Auckland railway crossing last month says people are culpable for the tragedy and should pay reparation.

The woman, now 22, overcame huge odds to get to where she could get around Auckland unaided in her electric wheelchair.

Pregnant women and mothers returning to work from maternity leave are facing illegal discrimination and losing their jobs.

The mother of tortured Rotorua three-year-old Nia Glassie has been denied parole, with the board saying she remained an undue risk to the community.

Opponents of same-sex marriage are being slammed for distributing leaflets saying legalising the move will result in more incidences of AIDS and syphilis, and see the end of titles such as "husband and wife".

A banned poker machine addict slipped through all SkyCity's safety systems to play his way to VIP status in the casino's high-roller room - blowing $500,000 in the process.

"Haven't our common concerns bound us more closely together?" asks David Hill. "Both our cricket teams have been thrashed by India."

Church leaders are making a last-minute appeal to MPs to protect teachers who believe marriage should only be between opposite sexes even if Louisa Wall's gay marriage bill is passed tomorrow.

Kids at Kamo Primary School at the northern end of Whangarei are split down the middle over an offer of free milk from New Zealand's biggest company, Fonterra.

If we've learned anything from recent history, it's that people whose own sex lives are unedifying don't necessarily let that stop them damning others' proclivities.

A UN body's list of concerns shows how much women are being disadvantaged in NZ, writes Debbie Hager.

Simon Chapman says Big Tobacco is losing ground on plain packs but is homing in on less fortunate countries.

The challenge for those in this discussion is to acknowledge and respect the values of others and to be courageous and generous in love, writes Russell Hoban.

Religion has always sought to manipulate and dictate the manner in which individuals live their lives, writes Sam Clements. The Marriage Equality Bill threatens many in the church.

There is a lot of hype surrounding the push for gay marriage in NZ, writes Douglas Pratt. Expectations of a momentous change are high.

The gambling-charity boss overseeing pokies in pubs and bars has launched a blistering attack on the problem-gambling industry.

Charities have started providing bandages and dressings for children with skin infections in poor parts of Northland and South Auckland because government funding is not enough to meet the need.

Editorial: After a number of incidents that shook public confidence, the rebuilding of the reputation of the police has not always proceeded with total smoothness.

On Monday the Financial Services Council released a report called "Exploring Underinsurance within New Zealand".

New figures show a sharp rise in gambling problems linked to Lotto, and health officials blame big jackpots.

Looking after children is expensive and most people underestimate the cost, writes David Mayes. That cost is not just in terms of the money we pay out at the time,

In the heart of the Waikato, a small health provider dared to step out from the pack. Lotto, warned Hauora Waikato, has dangers.