Stories by Sarah Robson
News
Conversion therapy ban could be considered - Justice Minister
Justice Minister Andrew Little says a ban on conversion therapy could be considered as part of a review of the Human Rights Act.
Law Society apologise after confidential info sent to wrong person
The Law Society has apologised after a staff member accidentally sent confidential information about a sexual harassment allegation to the wrong person.
'They feel inadequate that they can't fend for themselves'
Pensioners are increasingly turning to Work and Income for help to pay for essentials like food, power and housing.
Govt looking for safer credit options to help people buy cars
The government is taking a closer look at ideas aimed at preventing people from ending up in huge amounts of debt when they need to buy a car.
Capsicum shortage hits supermarkets
Capsicums could be in short supply in supermarkets over the next few weeks, after biosecurity concerns were discovered at the border.
Young politician: 'You can't treat homosexuality or bisexuality'
Young Labour and the Young Greens are throwing their weight behind calls for the government to ban gay conversion therapy.
Pressure mounts for government to ban gay conversion therapy
The government is under pressure to follow Britain's lead and ban gay conversion therapies.
Student loan cap lifted to 10 years
The government will lift the student loan cap for medical students and others doing long undergraduate courses, Education Minister Chris Hipkins has announced. Audio
Benefit suspensions drop after new policy
The number of people whose benefits are suspended or cancelled each day has dropped by more than a fifth in just a matter of weeks, the Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says.
More than 4000 IRD, MBIE public servants to strike
Employees at both organisations will take part in two two-hour stoppages on 9 and 23 July after this afternoon's vote.
City Mission secures nearly $17m for treatment facilities
Auckland City Mission will get almost $17 million from the government so it can increase the number of beds it has for alcohol and drug detox.
Woman has benefit wrongly suspended for second time
An Auckland mum who was told by Work and Income that her benefit had been cut because she'd been on two Tinder dates has had her payments wrongly suspended for a second time.
Complaints against loan sharks not forthcoming
A dispute resolution service for complaints against lenders says it's surprising more people aren't coming to them for help with loan sharks.
Govt eyeing debt collection changes
Tighter regulations could be in store for debt collectors, amid concerns about their treatment of people they're chasing for money.
Interest rate cap not enough to stop 'debt spiral'
An interest rate cap alone won't work to stop people ending up trapped in a cycle of debt, budget advisers say.
Law change failing to crack down on loan sharks
Law changes made three years ago to crack down on loan sharks and other high cost lenders aren't working and many people are still struggling with spiralling debts, budgeting services say.
Benefit abatement rates a 'disincentive to work'
The government is under pressure to move quickly to let beneficiaries earn more money without being penalised.
New phone support service launched for carers of at-risk children
The Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki, has launched a new round-the-clock support line for caregivers.
New child poverty law too narrow - community groups
Community groups have told MPs the proposed law to measure and reduce child poverty is too narrow.
Uni magazine pushes boundaries with menstruation cover
The editor of Otago University's student magazine says he's "really angry" copies of it were destroyed by the university. Audio
Pilot's poor communication blamed for 'panic' during landing
A passenger on board an Air NZ plane that had to circle over Tauranga Airport for almost two hours says there needed to be better communication from the crew.
Seismic risk of Middlemore's Galbraith discussed in closed meeting
The latest assessment of the quake-prone Galbraith Building at Middlemore Hospital has been discussed at a closed meeting of the Counties Manukau DHB today.
Budget could be cold comfort for poorest citizens
Added extras to alleviate poverty are unlikely in this week's Budget - and social welfare advocates say the previously-announced families package will not help those most in need.
Middlemore will prioritise maternity services if needed - Board
Pregnant women won't be turned away from Middlemore Hospital if the DHB is forced to remediate or rebuild the quake-prone Galbraith Building, the board says.
'Tooth decay is a socio-economic disease'
Dentists in despair over the growing number of children with rotting teeth say the only real cure is ending poverty.