Latest from Social Issues

NZers vote 'NO' for smack as criminal offence

Almost 90 per cent of people who participated in a national referendum asking New Zealanders whether smacking should be illegal have voted no, preliminary results show.

Country divided over gay adoption issue

Readers of nzherald.co.nz are clearly divided over the call this week for gay and lesbian couples to be given rights to adopt children.

Lotto winner delays claiming big prize

<i>Diane Robertson:</i> Changing face of desperation as tough times hit home

Judge: Time to let gay couples adopt

The acting head judge of the Family Court has called for gay and lesbian couples to be given rights to adopt children.

'No' vote campaigners divided on way forward after likely win

Polls have shown more than 80 per cent of voters planning to vote 'no' to the referendum.

Police may end school rugby sponsorship

The police say they might drop their sponsorship of Auckland secondary schools rugby if violence on the field continues.

<i>Steve Watt:</i> Brawl does not diminish achievements

Nine suspended after brawl hearing