Latest fromSocial Issues

Who is speaking out on today's big issues?
The economy, financial crisis, inequality - they're today's big issues, so who are the people shaping the debate?

Father of 12 cited in call to push birth control
Children's advocate Dame Lesley Max wants more promotion of contraception as a step towards tackling child abuse.

From last in class to top of the tree
Ben Carson makes a difference in and out of the operating theatre, reports Andrew Stone.

Laura Gemmell: Making resolutions that may save the world
What is it about New Year's Eve that prompts us to do (or at least toy with the idea of doing) something good or perhaps more meaningful with our lives?

Life as a homeless woman
When American Brianna Karp was kicked out of home and lost her job she became that most stigmatised of people - a homeless woman.

2011: World stories that defined a year
Gwynne Dyer looks back at 2011's global events, from the Arab Spring to the euro crisis and climate change.

Kronic campaigner now pushing glam rock
The de facto spokesman for the legal-high industry has shed the nine-to-five image for his rock music alter ego

Pound becomes death row for dogs
More than 3300 dogs impounded in Auckland were destroyed in 2010-11.

NZ's $926m Lotto gamble
The Lotteries Commission wants to boost sales further after a record year.

Garth George: Thanks for reading, and goodbye
'For a tad more than 15 years, this weekly contribution has been a significant part of my life'. Columnist Garth George signs off in his last Herald column.