Stories by Catherine Hutton
News
Social worker shortage leaving children at risk, say lawyers
A shortage of Child Youth and Family social workers and a lack of resources is leaving children at risk of abuse and neglect, say family lawyers.
GP censured for failing cancer sufferer
A family doctor twice failed to notify the hospital of a man's cancer symptoms in his referrals - and by the time he got surgery it was too late.
Push to reduce brain damage in newborns
ACC is trying to reduce the number of newborns sustaining brain damage in newborns, which can cause lifetimes of hardship and cost hundreds of millions of dollars in medical misadventure claims.
Mental health service failings frustrate patient's father
The father of a man who killed himself while under the care of Wellington's mental health services says a new review shows little has changed since his son's death.
Mixed reaction from parents, teachers to 'cohort entry' proposal
Starting five-year-olds at school in groups rather than on their birthdays would be less disruptive for children and their teachers, parents say.
End of fifth birthday school starts could hit preschools in pocket
The prospect of children having to enrol in school at set times, rather than when they turn five, has early childhood centres worried.
Petrol companies should show all fuel prices - AA
The AA is calling on petrol companies to display all their petrol prices and says the government should force them to if they don't.
Top 1% of NZers own 20% of wealth
The country's two richest people, billionaires Graeme Hart and Richard Chandler, have as much wealth as the poorest 30 percent of New Zealanders.
App to help you organise your death
An app for pregnancy and birth has proved so popular, Internal Affairs is working on one for death.
Dairy NZ to appeal decision on Greenpeace ad
An advertising watchdog dismissed complaints the advert about water pollution was false and misleading, but one group plans to appeal.
AA wants random drug driver tests
It's our silent killer, now the Automobile Association says there needs to be random roadside testing for drugs, similar to alcohol.
Residents allowed back into apartments after quake
Occupants of a Wellington apartment block evacuated after the earthquake have been allowed back home.
Some vulnerable Wgtn residents to get cheaper rents
In a first of its type in this country, a cheaper housing option is to be available for the capital's most vulnerable residents.
Budget service says it's been hit in pocket for helping working poor
A budgeting service that has missed out on government funding says it lost the contract because it deals with the working poor rather than beneficiaries.
Concerns new law will further strain court system
A new law designed to modernise and streamline the courts and judiciary could just place more strain on the already stretched system.
Family Court delays at tipping point, lawyers say
Long delays in the Family Court are evident at every court in the country and the government can no longer ignore the problem, lawyers say.
Quad bike deaths at record high
The number of deaths from quad bike accidents has reached a record annual high, and an agriculture experts says the rate is predicted to rise.
'Greying workforce' could create crisis for Family Court
A looming workforce crisis in the Family Court could add to delays and uncertainty for vulnerable children, psychologists say.
Presidential debate over beer and a plate
While the second rhetoric clash between Clinton and Trump was not a game-changer, Wellington bar patrons were surprised by The Donald's performance.
Waikato mental heath services not 'right', says new DHB member
The Bremner fatal stabbing attack and allegations of underspending shows there is something 'not happening right' in Waikato mental health services, a newly elected DHB member says.
Lack of charges over Pike River 'unprincipled'
Not charging Pike River's chief executive over the mine disaster was unprincipled, a lawyer for some of the victims' families says. Video, Audio
NZers biggest group in Australian detention centres
For the first time, New Zealanders are the biggest group being held in Australian immigration detention centres.
Countdown plans 'incredibly upsetting' for workers
Woolworths is being called on to reveal which of the country's Countdown supermarkets it plans to close as staff fear they may soon be out of a job.
Figures show 20,000 declined surgery
More than 20,000 people were declined access to surgery and other treatments at the end of last year, new figures show.
DHBs deny 'phantom' waiting lists exist
District Health Boards deny the existence of so-called phantom waiting lists and say they would like to hear from anyone who has evidence of them. Audio