Stories by Sarah Robson
News
More support needed for the elderly even outside lockdowns
Vulnerable older people will still need help, even after the covid-19 pandemic is over, community organisations say.
Covid-19: Thousands more granted jobseeker benefit in past week
More than 6000 more people have ended up on the benefit in the past week, but the growth in numbers is beginning to slow.
Covid-19: Will alert level 3 be any different?
Some people are gearing up for a return to work, while others have been salivating at the prospect of their first takeaway in weeks. Aucklanders spell out what level 3 will mean for them.
Nearly 30,000 more on jobseeker benefit since lockdown
In the four weeks since it was announced the country was going into lockdown, 33,000 more people have ended up on the benefit.
Most turning to Salvation Army are doing so for first time
The Salvation Army is warning of an "emerging underclass" of people who have suddenly found themselves in hardship because of Covid-19.
Covid-19: NZ doctor faces nightmare situation aboard cruise
A Hawke's Bay-based man was the expedition doctor for a cruise, which ended up with more than half of the passengers contracting Covid-19.
'It's Christmas on steroids' - foodbanks in huge demand across NZ
After four weeks in lockdown, food banks around the country say there has been a dramatic rise in the number of people needing help to put food on the table.
Families split by Covid-19 border restrictions
Most of the requests for exceptions to the country's tough border restrictions are being refused, according to figures from Immigration New Zealand.
Couple miss out on charter flight after husband declined visa
A New Zealand woman has made the tough decision to stay in Lima, because her Peruvian husband was barred from entering the country.
Auckland mother in Samoa asks government to help get her home
A New Zealand woman stranded in Samoa says she is desperate to get home to her husband and eight children.
NZ couple stranded in Israel: 'There was no way we could see to get out'
A New Zealand couple stranded in Israel is desperately hoping commercial flights will resume soon, so they can get home to Rotorua.
Plea to help Kiwis still stranded in Peru
A handful of New Zealanders who were stuck in Peru have managed to get out of the country, but they are pleading with the government for more help to get the dozens of others left behind.
WINZ benefits to be paid as usual
The Ministry of Social Development's contact centres are dealing with huge numbers of calls, but it is assuring people benefits will continue to be paid as usual.
NZers bumped off repatriation flight: 'We have no way to get home now'
Desperate New Zealanders stuck in Peru are pleading with the government for help, after they were bumped off an Australian commercial charter flight that was meant to get them home.
Coronavirus: New Zealanders in Peru desperate to return home
New Zealanders stuck in Peru because of the Covid-19 pandemic are hopeful a commercial charter flight, organised by the Australian government, is their ticket home.
Covid-19: Lockdown issues for food banks
Food banks are bracing themselves for increased demand as the country goes into lockdown - and some say their stocks are already seriously depleted.
WINZ moves to online and phone services
Work and Income offices have closed their doors, but the Ministry of Social Development is assuring people they will be able to access the help and support they need.
Extra cleaning at some playgrounds and gyms due to coronavirus
Are you tossing up whether or not to take the kids to the indoor playground, or head to the gym, as fears grow about the spread of Covid-19?
Coronavirus: Universities warn more staff cuts on the horizon
Universities are warning staff cuts could be on the horizon as they grapple with the financial losses from the coronavirus travel ban.
Too many left behind as govt services go online - new report
Over a three-month period last year, the Citizens Advice Bureau said it saw more than 4000 clients who needed help accessing services online.
New figures show little change in child poverty
One in eight children were living in material hardship in the year ended June 2019, around the same as the previous year, newly released figures show.
Why attitudes towards older workers need to change
The number of over-55s ending up on the jobseeker benefit is steadily on the rise, prompting calls for employers to change their attitudes to older workers.
Web of lies: The differing stories Grace Millane's killer told
The web of lies spun by Grace Millane's killer was unravelled during his three-week trial. Here's what he told Millane, the police and other women.
Grace Millane murder: The key evidence
This is a recap of the evidence heard in court during the trial of the man found guilty of murdering British backpacker Grace Millane.
Review: Social Wellbeing Agency to replace social investment approach
The government has finally confirmed what will replace the social investment approach for funding and delivering social services.