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.

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

Becroft thinks lowering the voting age will engage youth in democracy earlier.

Tutaki, a social enterprise, uses a gym to fund extra community services for young people in Stratford. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Two young Aucklanders will get the chance to spread more of their message of hope after receiving $30,000 in Jetstar's Flying Start grant programme.

The story of two five-year-old boys, one white and one black, is teaching people about racial harmony.

Individualism trumps community and the world's moral compass has been set to "anything goes". Kim Knight meets the people who think it's time to teach ethics to New Zealand teens.

Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with a series of robberies in the Waikato region

Cereal was scattered throughout the lounge, and cupboards were bare in neglectful mother's house.

Years ago, a Maori boy was caught stealing lollies at the local Four Square. A report labelled him a "thug". He was 10 years old, writes Dame Susan Devoy.

The hard work, uniforms and final kapa haka performance at Te Matatini is what represents Te Reanga Morehu o Ratana as an iwi. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

COMMENT: I greatly resent Family First attempting to use experiences of sexual violence in order to advance its anti-trans agenda.

Taika Waititi says he is "really happy and proud" to be chosen as New Zealander of the Year.