Latest fromSocial Welfare

Economy reality kicks in for new graduates
Double accounting major forced to go on the dole after job-seeking desperation.

Turia: Opening ACC could benefit iwi
The Maori Party will not rule out supporting moves to open accident compensation to competition.

Further ACC negotiations today - Key
John Key says there will be further negotiations on supporting ACC legislation with the Act Party, and possibly the Maori Party, today.

ACC founder blasts 'predatory' changes
The father of NZ's accident compensation scheme says changes announced last week are 'uncaring and predatory'.

Govt admits: We're looking at ACC fee
The Government has confirmed that accident victims may have to pay the first $50 or $100 of their costs.

Motorcyclists say ACC rises unfair
Motorcyclists say they are being blamed for accidents caused by other drivers and steep ACC increases are not justified.

Safety bonus as drivers face big ACC rises
Motorists and motorcyclists face hikes in ACC levies, but a carrot is being dangled at owners of safe, modern cars.

Drop in jobless total lifts recovery hopes
NZ's dole queue has shrunk for the first time this year, raising hopes that employment might pick up sooner than expected.

State tenant 'owned two properties'
A man is facing allegations he lived off the taxpayer in state housing while he was a landlord owning two properties.

'Positive signs' despite dole numbers rising, says Bennett
While the number of people on benefits is rising, there are positive signs, says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.