Stories by Sarah Robson

Preschoolers who spend too long in front of screens are more likely to be obese, visit the doctor more often and have poorer physical motor skills.

More than $100 million was paid out in hardship grants by the Ministry of Social Development in the last three months of 2018.

Budget advisers are worried short-term lenders and door-to-door salespeople are trying to cash in on people's anxiety about their finances in the lead-up to Christmas.

The first Work and Income office to have its security fully upgraded in the aftermath of the 2014 Ashburton shooting is open for business.

Organisations working with people addicted to synthetic cannabis support the government's plan to take a less punitive and more health-based approach towards them.

The father and uncle of British backpacker Grace Millane have held a private blessing in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges. Video

Children in the poorest regions still have worse teeth than the rest of the country - and there are warnings that more has to be done if real gains are to be made.

Owha the leopard seal has returned to Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, and has been stalking rowers training out on the water. Video

The former Conservative Party leader Colin Craig was defamed by Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater, a High Court judge has ruled. Video

The review follows concerns by the Privacy Commissioner and beneficiary advocates that some of the investigations could breach people's privacy.

Jami-Lee Ross doesn't have any chance of keeping hold of his Botany seat, a political commentator says.

The government is taking a bite out of the loan shark business in a bid to stop people ending up in a debt spiral.

Colin Craig's High Court battle against his former press secretary is drawing to an end, with closing arguments heard today.

Rachel MacGregor has faced a second day of questions from the former leader of the Conservative Party in his High Court case against her.

Rachel MacGregor says she never expected her sexual harassment claim against former Conservative Party leader Colin Craig to become a public scandal.

Ministry of Social Development staff acted unlawfully when they used false names and signatures on legal documents, the High Court has ruled.

Half the beneficiaries investigated for fraud by the Ministry of Social Development have to answer questions about their relationship status. Audio

The Horowhenua District Council will stop collecting soft plastics in its kerbside recycling collections from next month.

Airways New Zealand is continuing to push for compulsory registration for drone pilots, as the number of people using them grows.

Just nine property owners have re-applied for resource consent after they were caught up in a bungle by Auckland Council.

Lifeline has refused help from another helpline provider, even though it's struggling to cope with the volume of calls it's getting.

Packaging and other material that's been put in soft plastic recycling bins has ended up in storage, because the Australian company that was taking it has been inundated.

University of Otago will build a new $28 million dental training facility and treatment clinic in South Auckland.

The Department of Conservation is another step closer to deciding on a new Great Walk.

Scientists have come up with a more accurate way of counting dolphins, by identifying them using photos of the unique pigment patterns on their fins.