Stories by Sarah Robson
News
'Deeply disturbing': More than 200 children abused - reports
For the first time, Oranga Tamariki has laid bare just how much harm and abuse is being done to children in its care.
Families weigh up cremation against beliefs: 'We have no choice'
The high cost of burials is leaving low income families with no choice but to cremate their loved ones even if it's against their beliefs, the Funeral Directors Association says.
Sallies truck shop hopes to stamp out 'predatory loans'
The Salvation Army is launching its own truck shop, in a bid to stamp out unethical mobile traders who are trapping people in a cycle of debt.
Piha's dotterel chicks battle against the odds
Despite the odds being stacked against them, three New Zealand dotterel chicks have managed to make it through the peak summer period on one of Auckland's busiest beaches.
More screentime for youngsters leads to obesity - study
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.
Hardship grant rise 'related to housing cost'
More than $100 million was paid out in hardship grants by the Ministry of Social Development in the last three months of 2018.
Loan sharks targeting vulnerable borrowers this Christmas season
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.
First refitted Work and Income office opens in Ōtara
The first Work and Income office to have its security fully upgraded in the aftermath of the 2014 Ashburton shooting is open for business.
Addiction services back govt move on synthetic cannabis
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.
Grace Millane's father and uncle attend blessing at crime scene
The father and uncle of British backpacker Grace Millane have held a private blessing in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges. Video
No improvement in childhood tooth decay rates
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 curious seal makes waves in Waitemata Harbour
Owha the leopard seal has returned to Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, and has been stalking rowers training out on the water. Video
Judge rules Colin Craig was defamed by Cameron Slater
The former Conservative Party leader Colin Craig was defamed by Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater, a High Court judge has ruled. Video
MSD reviews how it investigates benefit fraud
The review follows concerns by the Privacy Commissioner and beneficiary advocates that some of the investigations could breach people's privacy.
Botany by-election: 'It's not as if there is a cult of Jami-Lee'
Jami-Lee Ross doesn't have any chance of keeping hold of his Botany seat, a political commentator says.
'We don't know where it will end'
The government is taking a bite out of the loan shark business in a bid to stop people ending up in a debt spiral.
MacGregor the victim of an 'unprecedented attack' - lawyer
Colin Craig's High Court battle against his former press secretary is drawing to an end, with closing arguments heard today.
Rachel MacGregor: 'Nothing I did was inappropriate'
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: 'I had no interest in the political side of this'
Rachel MacGregor says she never expected her sexual harassment claim against former Conservative Party leader Colin Craig to become a public scandal.
MSD staff's use of fake names was unlawful, court rules
Ministry of Social Development staff acted unlawfully when they used false names and signatures on legal documents, the High Court has ruled.
MSD needlessly probing beneficiaries' personal lives - lawyer
Half the beneficiaries investigated for fraud by the Ministry of Social Development have to answer questions about their relationship status. Audio
Horowhenua council to stop collecting soft plastics in recycling
The Horowhenua District Council will stop collecting soft plastics in its kerbside recycling collections from next month.
10,000 drone pilots voluntarily register details
Airways New Zealand is continuing to push for compulsory registration for drone pilots, as the number of people using them grows.
Nine re-apply for resource consents after Auckland Council botch-up
Just nine property owners have re-applied for resource consent after they were caught up in a bungle by Auckland Council.
Lifeline turns down help offer
Lifeline has refused help from another helpline provider, even though it's struggling to cope with the volume of calls it's getting.