Inequality
MSD spends $5.5m on IT to charge for emergency housing
The government's being criticised for spending $5.5 million on IT changes so it can charge people who would otherwise be homeless for their motel stays.
In October the Ministry for Social Development… Audio
Pharmac chief executive on possible changes to child cancer drug funding
Drug buying agency Pharmac is considering scrapping a special rule that allows hospitals to give children with cancer any medicine their doctor asks for and Pharmac pays the bill.
The change is being… Audio
Covid-19: Customs on workers fired for not getting vaccine
Nine Customs workers have been fired for not getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
The government agency says it has not found roles either within Customs or the wider public service to redeploy them to.
… Audio
Covid-19: Employment advocate not happy with Customs workers' firing
The firing of Customs workers from their roles for refusing the Covid-19 vaccine, has been described as a breach of their rights.
Nine officials have lost their jobs, and the government agency says… Audio
Royal Commission in Abuse in Care: State-run homes in spotlight
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care resumes this morning with the focus now on State-run children's homes.
The public hearing will be held in Auckland.
Reporter Andrew McRae will be… Audio
TAIC lost 13 investigative staff over five years
An ageing workforce alongside claims of a toxic work culture has seen the Transport Accident Investigation Commission lose 13 investigative staff in the last five years.
Since 2016, nine accident… Audio
China tries charm offensive in reply to growing pressure over Uighur treatment
Under growing pressure from governments around the world over its treatment of Uighur Muslims, China this afternoon went on a charm offensive.
There have been mounting calls for China to end what… Audio
Govt urged to provide social help for all in emergency housing
A social housing provider says it is ridiculous the government is not already providing social workers for everyone living in emergency accommodation.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today indicated a… Audio
Govt warned housing shake-up could hurt renters
The government was repeatedly warned by officials its massive housing shakeup could hurt vulnerable renters - resulting in rent hikes or overcrowding.
Newly released documents show Housing Minister… Audio
NZ households spend $34 a week on 'risky products' - slavery research
More than $3 billion worth of goods linked to forced or child labour are being imported by New Zealand each year, according to new research by World Vision into modern slavery.
Motelier on emergency housing troubles
A Waikato woman who runs her motel as emergency housing is speaking out about how tough and dangerous the job can be.
It's costing $1 million a day for emergency and transitional housing prompting… Audio
Vodafone explains erratic cellphone signal across Aotearoa
Vodafone spokesperson Nicky Preston speaks to Lisa Owen about reasons why mobile phone or internet data coverage can be erratic in parts of New Zealand.
Spark was not available for an interview but… Video, Audio
Phone users around Aotearoa frustrated by dodgy reception
On Tuesday Invercargill man Russel Bell told Checkpoint he has had a gutsful of his bad cell signal - his provider is Spark, but his story connected with many who shared his frustration.
Many people… Video, Audio
Collins says her party won't stand for 'racist separatism' New Zealand
National Party leader Judith Collins says her party will not pursue policies of 'racist separatism' when dealing with poverty and lack of opportunity in New Zealand. Audio
'Pervasive racism' meant UK's Black and Asian war casualties not remembered - report
As many as 350,000 Black and Asian service personnel who died fighting for Britain might not have been properly commemorated because of "pervasive racism", a report says.
Stats NZ apologises for mistake in child poverty statistics
Stats NZ has discovered an error in last year's official child poverty statistics.
Data points to unequal recovery and entrenchment of poverty - Unions
Recent inflation affected poor people more than the rich, with rises in everyday goods and falls in big ticket items, the Council of Trade Unions says.
Terminal cancer sufferer struggling to find rental in Christchurch
A Christchurch woman with cancer has a massive hurdle to get through and it's not just chemo, but finding a home to live in.
Krystal Brown has been staying in a sleep-out and needs a bigger place to… Video, Audio
Ex-inmate takes Serco to court over mistreatment claims
A former inmate is taking prison operator Serco to court for allegedly treating him in a degrading and inhumane way. It is something Serco categorically denies.
Peter Rerekura has now completed his… Video, Audio
Benefit increase: $25 rise had 'negligible effect' for some
A year on from the government's $25 increase to benefits, some solo parents and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses say it has made very little difference to their budgets.
