Latest from Social Welfare

<i>Garth George:</i> High hopes for poor dashed by reality

Welfare review to consider unemployment insurance

The govt-appointed Welfare Working Group will consider unemployment insurance among options for reforming the social security system.

Should NZ have compulsory unemployment insurance?

Shorter dole queue only part of the picture

<i>Matt McCarten</i>: Whanau Ora a masterstroke for the Maori Party

<i>John Armstrong</i>: Whanau Ora - nanny state in drag?

Timetable tight for Whanau Ora plan

Questions marks over Whanau Ora funding

The Maori Party's flagship policy is a step closer - but major details still have to be sorted out.

<i>Kerre Woodham</i>: Giving some benefit of doubt

<i>John Armstrong:</i> At last, Key's Govt shows some spine

John Armstrong writes that the backbone displayed by Brownlee and Bennett will please the National traditionalists, but we'll have to watch it bend again in election year.

<i>Cartoon:</i> The week that was, part 1

Economist says Govt wrong about savings

<i>Susan St John:</i> Govt's sums on welfare savings don't quite add up

Susan St John, associate professor in the economics department of the University of Auckland Business School and spokeswoman for the Child Poverty Action Group, questions the results claimed for new rules on benefits.

Wife of former gang boss admits fraud

An ex-gangster's wife has admitted using documents to dishonestly claim $12,000 from taxpayers.

Some welfare reforms do breach rights, says Bennett

Paula Bennett admits that part of her welfare reforms breach the Bill of Rights Act but says it would not bother most people.

<i>Editorial</i>: Benefit reform a step in the right direction