
Children go hungry amid plenty
A quarter of primary and intermediate pupils in poorer Waikato areas go to school hungry, researchers have found.
A quarter of primary and intermediate pupils in poorer Waikato areas go to school hungry, researchers have found.
Teens among the first "guinea pigs" for a new money management system for welfare say they get enough for food - but not for transport, baby supplies and medical costs.
The bill pushing ahead with the Government's second wave of welfare reforms passed its first reading in Parliament today.
A disgruntled disabled Work and Income client allegedly smashed two windows at the department's Kaikohe office with a hammer.
Jack Daylight came to protest against welfare reform because he wants a job. He was arrested yesterday outside the Ministry of Social Development's office in Auckland.
Former MP Sue Bradford and four others will appear in court on Friday after a protest action at the Ministry of Social Development's Auckland regional office today.
The Government's latest welfare reforms will help get people out of the "trap" of benefit dependency, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says.
Second bill in welfare reform cancels payments for those who refuse offer of 'suitable' job.
Legislation introducing an "investment approach'' to welfare has been signed off by the Cabinet and will go before a select committee after its first reading in Parliament.
Editorial: Early education has not been a priority for this Government. But having made it compulsory for beneficiaries National will find it hard to argue against wider compulsion.
Dr Andrew Cardow says Paula Bennett appears to be working under the belief that beneficiaries do not have the wherewithal to decide what is best for their children.
Early childhood experts are in shock after a government decision to make education compulsory from the age of 3 for children of welfare beneficiaries.
Editorial: A simple breakfast is not much to ask and should be provided for all children who need it. But if it is to be public funded, the food should be distributed by agencies that know a community.
Drug testing of beneficiaries comes in next year, with penalties for those who fail. What's your view on the government's policy?
What part do facts play in the welfare debate, and how much is "truthiness" getting in the way?