A charity ball will raise money for local charities. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A scathing report has slammed New Zealand for its overuse of solitary confinement.

Maori and Pacific youth mental health research is getting $2 million in funding.

Generous locals just keep giving as Hawke's Bay kids get a sporting chance.

New Education Minister Nikki Kaye plans to be a 'modernising' Minister of Education.

Social Development Ministry reveals fewest people on the benefit in 20 years.

One in six Kiwi 15-year-olds is now online for at least six hours every weekday.

Crackdown on forced marriages: "It's hell on Earth for some of them."

Cyclone Cook disrupted the National Youth Jazz Competition - but the bands played on.

Anything that protects our young people is good, writes Andrew Austin.

Judge found guilty of misconduct refused for offering to pay her fine.

Meanwhile, a plan to require all NGOs to give up their private data has been criticised.

News in brief from around Northland

COMMENT: Welfare, drugs and booze are issues for many Maori, argues Alan Duff.

A member of the public managed to catch a person who allegedly robbed a South Auckland BP.

Woman filmed in disturbing drugs video speaks out for the first time.

The abuse suffered by five children has been slammed as "abhorrent" by CYF.

Two sentenced for "cruel" abuse of five children, which left them bruised and starved.

Comment: Will new Ministry for Vulnerable Children get it right, asks Lizzie Marvelly?

Two years since Winston Peters won the north, can his reign continue?

When he graduates university next year, Tristan Pang will be 16. What's next?

Brother blames synthetic drugs for sister's distressing behaviour.

Local woman reports grandson to police after recognising him in CCTV footage.

Phil Tataurangi is one of the most respected golfers in New Zealand. After an illustrious career, he's giving back to the community. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Youths as young as 11 helped themselves to beer from a liquor store.

COMMENT: Rape culture doesn't exclusively hurt our young women, it harms our young men as well, says Lizzie Marvelly.

Gisborne district councillor Meredith Akuhata-Brown has some fun with winning rumours.

Overhaul of the child protection laws puts emphasis on placing children in a safe, loving home.

COMMENT: Rape culture is a stain on the entire western world.

"Many girls believe their bodies are purging evil spirits": Actress Meghan Markle speaks out against the shame surrounding menstruation.