Latest from Ministry of Social Development

Nats starting to look 'plain nasty'

Toby Manhire says slash a parent's benefit and you hurt their children - children who, chances are, already have it extremely tough. To argue otherwise is fantasyland.

Huffing deaths: 'A lost generation'

The Government has done nothing to stop a "lost generation" of youths from killing themselves by sniffing butane-based solvents, the Chief Coroner says.

Bennett out-nannies Labour

Dr Andrew Cardow says Paula Bennett appears to be working under the belief that beneficiaries do not have the wherewithal to decide what is best for their children.

Editorial: Compulsory pre-school a boon for all

Editorial: Early education has not been a priority for this Government. But having made it compulsory for beneficiaries National will find it hard to argue against wider compulsion.

Fraudster would take over 63 years to repay debts

$78b for a lifetime of benefits - report

A new report shows all people who were receiving a benefit from June last year would cost a total of $78 billion over their life-times if they stayed on a benefit.

Fear over beneficiary child changes

Early childhood experts are in shock after a government decision to make education compulsory from the age of 3 for children of welfare beneficiaries.

Breakfast is not too much to ask

Editorial: A simple breakfast is not much to ask and should be provided for all children who need it. But if it is to be public funded, the food should be distributed by agencies that know a community.

Beneficiaries on warrants face cash cut