Latest from Social Issues

Parents concerned about being treated like criminals: PM

Changes to the way welfare officers handle complaints about light smacking are likely, Prime Minister John Key said today.

PM to address smacking referendum result

Proposals to Cabinet today should give parents more confidence they will not be criminalised for smacking their children, Prime Minister John Key says.

Study: Baby-boomers risk life of poverty

The number of people aged 65-plus is expected to double in the next 30 to 40 years.

NZ family fight to keep sick mum

Filipina mother of two young NZ-born children is told she will have to leave - despite being married to a New Zealander.

<i>Tapu Misa:</i> Key needs to hold line on smacking law

Overdoses show risks of widely sold painkiller

<i>Editorial:</i> Parliament should act to define force

<i>Paul Holmes:</i> Time to declare outright war on P

Smacking referendum: PM pledges new approach

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.