Steve Liddle: In a liberal democracy we trust
Comment: Social history provides essential context for political decision-making.
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Latest from Social Issues
Funeral directors say 50-person limit still unfair on grieving families
A 50-person limit at funerals is still challenging, local funeral directors say.
Budget 2020: Free school lunches needed more than ever, principals say
"It's never a 5 year-old's fault that they don't have food," said one principal.
Beneficiaries and migrant workers left out in the cold, advocates say
Advocates had hoped for a bigger lift to benefits than the $25 already announced.
'We're hidden': Jobless man one of many denied benefit
A Canterbury man says he has been shocked to see the realities of NZ's welfare system.
'They can have 100 people at a bloody restaurant but not a funeral?' - widow
The family of Dave Pīhama have been waiting for eight weeks to give him a funeral.
Under review: PM responds to funeral criticism; family says rules mean 'we cannot carry coffin'
PM says review is under way, and more information will be released this afternoon.
Numbers soar: 1000 people a day went on benefit during April
Demand for food parcels also skyrocketed by more than 200 per cent in just two months.
What does our Covid-19 reaction say about how we could respond to legal euthanasia?
"Covid-19 has uncovered the reality of how truly we care about the vulnerable."
Private schools charging full fees claim $11.7m in Govt wage subsidy
Private schools say the loss of international students during lockdown has hit them hard.
Auckland Council provides helping hand during pandemic
A video of orangutans arriving at Auckland Zoo has provided some light relief.
Make or break: Kiwi couples kiss and tell on their lockdown lovelife
Cheating, dinner dates and daddy daycare duties: did lockdown make or break Kiwi couples.
'We were second class citizens': Same-sex couples reflect on Civil Union Act 15 years on
The Civil Union Act passed on April 26, 2005, divided NZ politics and society at the time.
Kiwis have the final say on euthanasia this year. This is what it could look like if we vote 'yes'
Euthanasia could be legal in NZ by 2021, and this is what it would look like.
Cannabis referendum: What does my vote mean?
NZ is closer than ever to legalising cannabis. What exactly would that look like?
Lizzie Marvelly: No quick way out of Covid-19 trenches
COMMENT: Its when Covid-19 ends that out teamwork will become most important.
'Tsunami' of demand for food parcels, families wait four hours in Māngere
"It's almost as if a tsunami has happened," says the CEO of a budgeting service.
Does lockdown mean the return of the 'Trad Wife'?
COMMENT: With helpers no longer lightening the load, many women are buckling under stress.
Chris Farrelly: Where do homeless go when they 'stay home'?
COMMENT: Support for street whānau has changed drastically during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The face of social need: Huge demand for food parcels and food grants
People have donated more than $1.7 million to the Salvation Army's Foodbank Project.
Local Focus: At-risk families using lockdown 'to become a better family'
There are challenges, and positive behaviour, in lockdown. Made with funding by NZ On Air.
Couple under financial pressure scammed in car sale
A couple who tried to sell car to relieve financial pressure were scammed online.
Covid-19 pandemic threatens the world's wildlife
Difference lies in how people respond to the economic shock of losing their livelihood.
Anger, depression, anxiety: NZ's 'new normal' after lockdown
Life after lockdown in New Zealand has been analysed in a newly released report.
Lockdown tough on overcrowded households
At least 400,000 people are living in stressful, overcrowded homes in NZ.
Code words at supermarkets possible for victims escaping violence
Agencies seek creative ways to help those trapped at home with an abuser amid Covid-19.
Aussie investors end life in rat race, boost Whanganui social housing
The couple never set out to become social housing providers, but say it's a "win-win".
'A nightmare': Single parents told to leave children in supermarket carpark
Thought shopping was hard under lockdown? Try being a single parent.
Virus could force 100,000 Kiwis to join benefit queue, many for the first time
"Nobody is going to come out the other side without needing some support."
Disruption of grieving rituals 'heartbreaking' during lockdown
In the lockdown, it has become harder for people to grieve the loss of loved ones.
South Auckland clinic hit by theft - then mystery package turns up
"It gives us a sense of hope," says a doctor after a mystery gift to her clinic.
Simon Wilson: Beach Haven and the future of social housing
COMMENT: What's the point of solving a supply crisis if you risk creating a slum crisis?
Coronavirus: Workers in essential services say they feel unsafe
Companies flouting lockdown rules could suffer lasting reputational damage, expert says.
New photos: Bargain store visited by police during lockdown
A worker at a bargain store said she did not feel safe working during the lockdown.