Latest from Social Welfare

Editorial: Child poverty needs more direct action

The latest report tells us 29 per cent of children lived in poverty in 2014, up from 24 per cent the previous year. About 14 per cent live in material hardship, lacking several of the items most New Zealanders would consider essential.

#itsnotchoice support campaign takes off

The Children's Commissioner is overwhelmed by the public response to his new social media campaign.

One in three Kiwi children 'living in poverty'

The number of NZ children living in households earning below 60 per cent of the median household income has almost doubled.

NZ families crowded into one house

An alarming number of Auckland families are being forced to live together in one house so they can afford rent and living expenses.

Greater funding for housing developments

The Government has a long-term plan of introducing "milestone payments" for non-government providers which improved the social outcomes of their tenants.

Selwyn in line to run council flats

One of New Zealand's biggest aged-care providers is believed to have been picked by Auckland Council to take over managing the council's 1412 pensioner flats.

Govt unveils plans for 508 units

Pensioners, disabled people and low-income families will benefit from a surprise Government decision to fund 508 social housing units in Auckland.

Former foster child driven by upbringing

When Daryl Brougham was 11, his social worker said: "Daryl, the way you're going, you're going to end up in jail."

The Big Read: Fighting for a home

Having lived a life on the streets, Sue Henry believes in the right to a home. She's been fighting for state housing tenants since the 1980s.

Kerre McIvor: Even beggars deserve dignity

They don't deserve to be swept off the streets like just another pile of rubbish, writes Kerre McIvor.

'Cash cow' boy loses transport

The disabled boy social workers said was being used by his alcoholic mother and her boyfriend has lost access to a vehicle specially modified to meet his needs.

Alcoholic mum used boy as 'cash cow'

Severely disabled child used by his alcoholic mother and her boyfriend to access up to $80,000 in benefits.

Analysing catalogue of misery

It is a grim glimpse of the front line of social work - an 1100-page dossier of abuse and misery cataloguing the life of Benjamin*.

Holding girl in cell for days 'unacceptable'

It is extraordinary that a West Auckland teenager was held in police station cells for four days because CYFs could not find a bed for her, Labour says.

Camper must quit city pitch

Rangi Tikitiki's is tired of "being a refugee in my own country", he's been on a waiting list for a Housing NZ home since before he began camping at the park.

Mapping the cost of our at-risk kids

Every person in the country aged up to 17 has been screened for factors that could later see their life take a turn for the worse - and cost taxpayers.