Latest from Social Welfare

Unemployment rate remains steady
The New Zealand labour market remained relatively steady in the June 2011 quarter, Statistics New Zealand said today, with the unemployment rate remaining at 6.5 percent. The unemployment stats, just released, were largely expected by economists...

Sir Peter Blake awards: Dame Margaret Bazley
Today the Weekend Herald salutes the winners of the annual Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards, which honour one of the country's greatest leaders, the late Sir Peter Blake.

Revealed: $100k-plus beneficiary homes
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has ordered an investigation into at least 50 households...

David Farrar: Working group poses welfare reforms
Some of the proposals from the Welfare Working Group are anathema to the parties of the left.

PM: Welfare system must be clearer on work
John Key says proposed reforms of the welfare sector will be rolled out in the lead up to the general election, and he says the system should make it clear that people must support themselves if they can.

Unemployment rate falls to 6.6pc, dollar jumps
New Zealand's official unemployment rate has fallen from 6.8 per cent to 6.6 per cent, says Statistics NZ.

Move cuts help to anti-violence groups
Women's refuges say some women fleeing from violence may no longer be able to get...