New ZealandMinistry man investigated over blogA public servant is under investigation over allegations that he said beneficiaries were "stupid" for having children.28 Aug 05:00 PM
New ZealandNats include 18, 19-year-olds in schemeA further 3500 young people on welfare could have their spending tightly controlled by an adult supervisor if National is re-elected.11 Aug 05:00 PM
New ZealandNational to extend control of teen beneficiaries' financesThe Government is to extend its control of spending by young beneficiaries to all teen parents and many 18 and 19-year-olds.11 Aug 07:52 AM
New ZealandCalls to helplines went unansweredA Hastings woman who died following an overdose made two calls to emergency helplines that went unanswered before her death.16 Jul 07:18 AM
New ZealandGovt restores incentives for solo parent studentsSocial Development Minister Paula Bennett has released plans to restore some incentives for solo parents who take up full-time study.10 Jun 04:53 AM
New ZealandDying mum: 'It's a struggle'An Auckland mother with terminal cancer who is sharing a two-bedroom flat with her four sons is worried they won't cope in the small space as her condition deteriorates.22 Apr 05:30 AM
New Zealand'Mindset change' cuts benefit rollA single parents' group says "a complete change of mindset" has helped reduce the number of people on the sole parent benefit to the lowest level in more than 20 years.18 Apr 04:15 PM
New ZealandBennett criticised over beneficiary tripsBeneficiary advocates say Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is unfairly trying to paint beneficiaries as extravagant after she disclosed how many had benefits suspended for unapproved trips abroad.03 Apr 03:15 PM
OpinionEditorial: Figures on benefits don't actually tell whole storySocial Development Minister Paula Bennett is naturally happy to attribute a big reduction in the state's welfare liability to the Government's efforts.27 Jan 04:30 PM
New ZealandLow drug result a victory: BennettOf 8,001 beneficiaries sent for jobs requiring drug testing, only 22 tested positive or refused to take tests, a result that has been greeted as a victory by the Social Development Minister.10 Jan 04:30 PM
New ZealandAlarm at CYF's bungled numbersNZ's child abuse rates are higher than anyone ever realised, officials admit, after bureaucrats bungled the numbers for more than two years.23 Nov 04:30 PM
New ZealandWelfare snooping bill criticisedNew powers allowing welfare officials to secretly approach beneficiaries' banks or workplaces if they suspected them of committing fraud are being questioned.13 Nov 04:30 PM
New ZealandFood work payoutFast-food giant McDonald's has been paid $272,000 by the Government to help unemployed people get back to work.19 Oct 04:30 PM
New ZealandHome survivors sue GovtFormer residents of a home for troubled kids have launched a $500,000 lawsuit against the Govt for claims of physical and sexual abuse.28 Sep 04:30 PM
New ZealandWelfare cuts for almost 100 fugitivesNearly 100 beneficiaries on the run from police have had their welfare cut in the six weeks since the policy was introduced, says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.24 Sep 04:36 AM
New ZealandCompulsory screening for child workersA major law change which will introduce compulsory security screening of up to 376,000 people working with children has been unanimously backed in Parliament.18 Sep 12:29 AM
New ZealandMiddle NZ 'subsidises' the restCrusading doco-maker Bryan Bruce returns to TV screens this week to claim that New Zealand's middle class is subsidising the rich and the poor through a terrible tax burden.25 Aug 12:02 AM
New ZealandFines at lowest level in a decadeThe amount fines and reparations owed has dropped to the lowest level in almost a decade.23 Aug 10:40 PM
New ZealandAlarm over depression therapy cutsFunding for talk therapy is drying up just as increasing numbers of Kiwis are feeling comfortable talking about their problems.27 Jul 05:30 PM
New ZealandTroubled youngsters failed by poor careAn Auckland teenager who has spent much of his life in state care is warning poor quality caregivers are responsible for filling our jails with criminals.27 Jul 04:02 AM
OpinionEditorial: Doctors' help for jobless now healthierA doctor's certificate is often a ticket to social welfare. From this week it becomes a recipe for work. At least - that's the hope.17 Jul 05:30 PM
New ZealandGovt will pay to shift mentally ill into workMentally ill people will be moved off state-funded benefits and into work using private employment agencies who will earn hefty fees for the service.29 Jun 05:30 PM
New ZealandKiosk breaches: Prisoners accessed netPrisoners in privately run Mt Eden Corrections Facility were able to access the internet through faulty computer kiosks a security review of public sector computer systems has found.05 Jun 12:39 AM
New ZealandKiosk report finds 12 weak pointsA review of Government information systems' security found weak points in 12 agencies which have now been addressed.04 Jun 10:40 PM
New ZealandP chemicals in kids' roomsA drug and alcohol educator says P-making chemicals are often stored in food and drink containers, within reach of unsuspecting children.01 Jun 05:30 PM
New ZealandCharities cleared to join state house marketPeople who apply for a state house may be directed instead to a charitable housing provider under a bill introduced in the wake of this week's Budget.17 May 05:30 PM
