Auckland
No ‘alarm bells’ about Malachi before his death, daycare says
The daycare took photos of Malachi's bruising but did not alert authorities.
Latest from Ministry of Social Development
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
New health cadetship is opening doors for Wairoa job seekers
The paid scheme creates employment pathways where job growth has weakened.
‘Huge upheaval’: Big Govt department's tech team to be cut
The Ministry of Social Development says most of those affected will be redeployed.
Bruce Cotterill: Is our bloated bureaucracy hindering economic growth?
OPINION: Net core Crown debt is projected to rise to 45.5% of GDP by June 2029.
Government tops up $75 a week flagship tax promise, now reaches ‘thousands’ more
Willis said thousands more will get hundreds of dollars from the scheme.
Exploitation scam: Employer charged $7500, forced woman into sex work to repay debt
Ava Young falsely claimed a Thai worker was her relative.
‘Disappointed’: Māori advisory group says there was a 'breach' in relationship with Minister
It's put staff in an "invidious position", says the group.
Minister ditches agency's Māori name, forming new group instead of ‘Māori-only one’
She wants the group to represent more than just Māori.
MP slams hospital discharge after homeless woman had to sleep in car
Nicola sought emergency housing but was told she was ineligible in Rotorua.
Northland retirement village residents rally for urgent law changes
Public consultation on the Retirement Villages Act review began in 2023.
Immigration NZ alerted to child smuggling, families adopting more than 10 kids
Reports and warnings to ministers show concerns about motives of some adoptive parents.
King’s Service Medal for Men Against Violence group co-founder Tim Marshall
Tauawhi leader recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours.
Mental health facility with crisis beds opens in Hastings
Waiorua should help to ease pressure on Hawke's Bay emergency departments.
How much did Seymour's public sector savings contribute to Budget 2025?
'The coalition certainly hasn't saved as much as Act would save.'
'Won’t be enough': Foodbanks react to $15m Budget boost
One organisation welcomed the money but said it is 'not a full solution'.
Minister reluctant to detail possible exceptions to 18-19yo benefit cuts
The Government saves more than $160m through the change.
Nearly 9000 teens to lose welfare if parents can support them under new test
A 'parental assistance test' will be introduced for single 18- and 19-year-olds in 2027.
Police response to family violence questioned: NGOs considering ‘stab vests’ for staff
Minister Karen Chhour's advisory group is flagging serious risks of injury or death.
Businessman faked firms to claim $1.8m Covid subsidies, funding luxury lifestyle
SFO boss Karen Chang described Im’s offending as 'deliberate and wide-reaching'.
Children as young as 6 adopted, made to work as house slaves
Social worker who has helped teens who escaped slavery fears others are in danger.
'Disruptive' change: Andy Coster’s new role in reshaping social sector funding
Andy Coster says his agency will not manage the new social investment fund for long.
Andy Coster talks about the new social investment fund
Social Investment Agency boss Andy Coster has responsibility for a new $190 million fund to tackle social problems. Video / NZ Herald
MSD office in lockdown after new threat, police on site
Last week, a man fired a gun at someone at the Ministry of Social Development’s office.
Watch: Smoke fills Auckland shopping centre as fire breaks out in govt offices
Police have cordoned off carpark, and shopkeepers have been told to close their doors.
Gun allegedly fired in MSD office, man charged
No one was injured during the incident, police confirmed.
'Real barriers': Surging benefit sanctions raise concerns
Sanctions for missed MSD appointments rose to 9042 in March 2025.
Editorial: It is time to remove the weeds from our ministerial portfolios
OPINION: A leaner Cabinet could sharpen NZ's focus on key issues.
Man used fake passport to swindle nearly $1m in Covid wage subsidy fraud
The case is believed to be the largest scam of its kind.
'People are working their hearts out': The struggle of Northland's workers
Of Northland's workforce, 66% earn $50,000 or less annually.
Bruce Cotterill: MMP system failing to serve NZ's majority
OPINION: Critics argue MMP leads to disproportionate influence by fringe parties.