Opinion
David Harvey: How to decode ministers who say they are 'taking advice'
OPINION: The phrase often signals delay and strategic ambiguity rather than clarity.
Latest from Ministry of Social Development
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Govt law change to hit debt payments for 40,000 people
The coalition has introduced legislation that reverses a High Court ruling.
MUMA bullying allegations: Board backs its CEO as she takes extended leave
'We will not tolerate attacks and lies about our chief executive,' the board said.
'Unsanitary conditions': Residents evicted from 'dangerous' building
'This kind of action is very rare.'
‘Bureaucratic bullying’: Trustee says thousands in dividend funds inaccessible during recovery work
Maree Brownlie says barriers to accessing trust funds after disaster had been exhausting.
Retail crime group chair picked pricier Auckland office over advice
The group chose a $131,000 Symonds Street office over a cheaper site.
Motels used as taxpayer-funded emergency housing don't have resource consent
Govt officials say council action could put much-needed accommodation at risk.
'Wake-up call': Public service told to check all personal data deals
A separate review led by Paul James will look at current policy and operations settings.
Northland's 'tsunami of support' takes recovery to cut-off communities
Agencies from the MSD to Health NZ are offering on-the-ground help and advice.
Formal US withdrawal from WHO is decried as ‘scientifically reckless’
All US staff working inside WHO offices have been recalled from their posts.
Open letter: Supporting early learning now is one of the most powerful investments our country can make
OPINION: Up to 400 early childhood centres could shut their doors by June 2026.
'They have taken over': CBD grapples with growing homelessness issues
Owners report aggressive acts, damage, daily clean-ups and frustration.
Police involved after women complain about public servant's post-Christmas party conduct
The staff member at the centre of the complaints has since resigned.
Public servant quits after women complain of ‘unacceptable behaviour’ following Christmas party
A whistleblower claimed there was 'excessive' alcohol consumption at the event.
‘Too harsh’: Social service providers warn new emergency housing rules fuelling homelessness
Tighter restrictions on emergency housing came into force in August 2024.
'I'm a pauper': Controversial NZ pension deduction rule saves Govt half a billion a year
Jim Wolfson says he can't afford to meet his grandchildren due to the deductions.
Tasman floods recovery expected to cost $50m, take two years
Road crews have tackled 4500 jobs, yet four key routes remain closed.
Golden Mile returns: Major milestone hit in city's bid to restore reputation
Rotorua's 'MSD Mile' era ends as the final emergency housing motel contracts wind up.
Landmark win: Supreme Court backs disabled family carers as homeworkers
Christine Fleming said she was "thrilled" with the court's unanimous decision.
Father of four finds long-term career through Hawke’s Bay horticulture programme
The MSD-funded Core Talent scheme gives up to 10 locals fulltime roles each year.
NZ Herald Headlines | Wednesday December 3, 2025
Afternoon Headlines | Majority of jobseekers are meeting benefit conditions, US business summit begins | Wednesday December 3, 2025 Video / NZ Herald
'Hottest trophy site in Ponsonby': Top emergency housing provider sells $6m in motels as Govt grants dip
The 17-bedroom property valued at $4m is the second an Auckland couple have sold in 2025.
Diana Clement: How to qualify for NZ Super if you plan to return to NZ for retirement
Kiwis born after July 1, 1977, must live 20 years here to qualify for NZ Super.
On The Up: Hawke’s Bay security guard shortage eased by MSD training initiative
'If he stays on the road that he’s on, he’s going to be with me for many years.'
'Tone deaf': Labour hits back at Govt over Rotorua housing claim
Tama Potaka says the city’s turnaround shows 'deliberate, co-ordinated action'.
Majority of emergency housing applications in urban Auckland being declined
Tama Potaka: 'I'm not going to put up with the motel generation.'
What officials told Govt about 'move-on' orders for homeless
Ten ministers were told public disorder offences were at a 10-year low.
Cut projects, rising need: The fight over Northland’s lost state homes
Up to 450 new Kāinga Ora homes were recently scrapped but new building is still under way.
Hillside headache: The drafty, damp and cracked rental property that's near a slip zone
The Nelson tenants have won $6000 after the rental fell short of healthy home standards.
Deadline day: Will the Govt move to close Gloriavale’s school?
Lake Brunner School has 58 students: a Gloriavale influx could completely change it.