COMMENT: Your columnist has a soft spot for those born into less blessed homes and difficult circumstances. But not for gang members.

COMMENT: Oxfam tells us that the world's richest eight people have as much money as its 3.6 billion poorest people. But what does it really mean?

What do you wish you had known when you were young? Here people have revealed the heartbreaking life lessons they learned too late.

His comments drew a sharp reaction from beggars in central Auckland yesterday.

A pregnant, homeless woman said Sir Bob Jones' idea of outlawing begging won't stop people from hitting the streets.

Readers have responded to controversial remarks by businessman Sir Bob Jones whose comments included that beggars were "fat Maoris" and a "bloody disgrace".

Two New Zealanders own more wealth than the poorest 30 per cent of the adult population, according to new research by Oxfam.

COMMENT: What was a good-natured little interaction between two people, has suddenly been warped into something strained.

Miller Patane's long lost sister "bawled her eyes out" when she saw her long lost brother's photo in the Herald after he was given food by newlyweds.

The 'Family First' group has put an interesting idea into debate for this election year.

Almost 60 per cent of Kiwis want subsidies for stay-at-home parents introduced, according to a new poll conducted by Family First.

In case you missed it: This was one of Lifestyle's most popular stories of 2016

Why hello there! Happy New Year! Welcome back! Here's to 2017!

Three quarters of Kiwis say they would pay more for organic, sustainable and ethically produced products. The latest Colmar Brunton

A 71-year-old man on the waiting list for a state house said he was told to "live in his car and then call back" to speed up the process of getting a home.

A McDonald's customer received a hero's reception after pouring his drink over a girl who was 'fat shaming' another man.

Every week I entreat you to write and you have and you do. Sometimes you've been cross, occasionally cruel, mostly, though, you've been thoughtful and you've been kind.

COMMENT: Every family is divided into richer and poorer members simply because some people are luckier or more talented and hard-working than others.

Parents are urged to stop forcing their children to hug and kiss other adults at Christmas family gatherings.

These sex workers and sugar babies share what it's really like, from raunchy fun to emotional scars.

The fall in itself was nothing special. It was more the terrible inevitability of it, toppling so sickeningly slowly. Four stricken

There is a horrible new meme trend making the rounds on Facebook.

Lady Gaga has praised rumoured rival Madonna for her "inspiring" speech in support of feminism at Billboard's Women in Music awards.

Tests on brains of 3-year-olds can reveal who is likely to become part of the minority of adults to use the biggest share of social services, says study.

But the new Prime Minister says he should not be confused as "Labour light."

A 27-year-old turned to Reddit for advice on how to make it up to his girlfriend after she was 'disgusted' at him for being at a bachelor party where strippers were present.

A man who was hired to portray Santa as resigned from the position, after fat-shaming a boy who visited him during a photo event last weekend.

My son didn't like the shorts I had bought him. Wrong colour, apparently.

It could be a scene from Bad Santa. A nine-year-old boy says a St Nick in the US told him to "lay off the burgers".

A man claims a loving kiss from his wife at a heated indoor public pool was too much for lifeguards.