SCOOP.CO.NZ archive pages provide PLAIN FULL TEXT search access to the Scoop archives devided into CATEGORIES. The database indexes approximately 4 months of Scoop items and is updated each night. You can search Scoop's complete 8 years of data at Knowledge Basket.
Public health workers from around the country will gather in Auckland tomorrow for the annual Public Health Association (PHA) conference. The conference is a ‘must-attend’ event on the public health calendar. This year’s theme is Te Torino – Re-imagining ... More >>
Research published in the July 2007 on-line journal of the International Child and Youth Care Network confirms that the best environment for children to be raised in is with two biological married parents. More >>
National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins says Labour should explain the ballooning number of new bureaucrats being employed to deal with a shrinking number of benefits. More >>
To launch this year’s Winter Appeal the Mission is hosting the charity event ‘Fashion Rocks!’ The event is a celebration of New Zealand music and fashion and involves some of Auckland’s best designers and rock bands. Featuring at the event is the ... More >>
Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural Auckland City Mission TradeMe auction, top celebrities are again joining with other Aucklanders to raise money for the Auckland City Mission’s Winter Appeal by offering themselves – and various ... More >>
Members of Tangata Whenua, Community and Voluntary Sector organisations and groups want a Sector-led review of all funding relationships with the Sector. The call was made at a two-day forum (20-21 June) of 150 leading Sector organisation representatives ... More >>
BP New Zealand has today announced the successful applicants of the ‘BP Vouchers for Volunteers’ programme. The programme launched last month, invited applications from volunteer organisations for thousands of BP fuel vouchers. Registered charities ... More >>
Family violence intervention and creating local employment opportunities are two priorities in the Ministry of Social Development's Wellington Annual Regional Plan, says Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Luamanuvao Winnie Laban ... More >>
Labour delivers on major policies for families Prime Minister Helen Clark said that three big policies of the Labour-led Government which come into force today support families to plan and save for the future, have their children taught in early childhood ... More >>
The owner of a Porirua finance company has just launched a Web-Site, Coaching and Seminar service that will teach people how to eliminate all debt permanently. People can get out of debt using the money they are currently earning, and usually do it ... More >>
The Green Party has welcomed the NZ Superannuation Fund Guardians’ decision to review their responsible investment framework as revealed in their 2007/2008 Statement of Intent tabled in Parliament today. More >>
National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins says David Benson-Pope must explain why he’s saying a ‘new’ health programme for people on sickness and invalids’ benefits is an extension of the PATHS programme. More >>
Housing New Zealand has launched an ambitious campaign to encourage tenants living in its 68,000 state houses to install energy-saving light bulbs, Housing Minister Chris Carter announced today. More >>
United Future leader Peter Dunne has welcomed the Government announcement of a $10 million a year fund aimed at getting welfare beneficiaries swifter medical care from private health providers so the beneficiaries can get back to work. More >>
The announcement of a new fund to give beneficiaries on sickness and invalid’s benefits access to procedures and treatment to help them back to work is well-timed says New Zealand First social services spokesperson, Barbara Stewart. More >>
National Party Housing spokesman Phil Heatley is seeking new assurances from Housing Minister Chris Carter that a year-old allegation of corruption within his department has been ‘checked out’. More >>
What the moral panic creates, is a perception reinforced by the media, the police, the judiciary, politicians and Government departments, that gangs are completely out of control. It becomes the key distraction from say ... insider trading. More >>
The two New Zealand Defence Force Iroquois helicopters serving in Timor Leste are due to bring up 150 flying hours by the end of the week. More >>
Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural Auckland City Mission TradeMe auction, top celebrities are again joining with other Aucklanders to raise money for the Auckland City Mission’s Winter Appeal by offering themselves – and various ... More >>
Mercury Energy today announced a range of new initiatives to improve its ability to identify and assist vulnerable customers who are medically dependent or suffer from financial hardship. More >>
“CYF systems are failing troubled youth,” says National’s Associate Welfare Spokeswoman (CYF), Anne Tolley. More >>
The enthusiasm and commitment of community sector people to talk through issues of common concern at a forum with Government has been magnificent, says Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Luamanuvao Winnie Laban. More >>
Respite care for the caregivers of people high and complex disabilities is a $64 shame, says United Future disabilities spokesperson Judy Turner, MP. Respite carers are entitled to $64 per night for their care of people with high and complex needs. ... More >>
A new government funded service that provides Christchurch teenage parents with better access to the support services they need was launched today by Christchurch East MP Lianne Dalziel on behalf of Social Development and Employment Minister David Benson-Pope. More >>
Legislation to carry out the most comprehensive and positive social assistance reform since the design of New Zealand's system almost 70 years ago has been passed in Parliament today. More >>
The Salvation Army is backing further investigation of the Minister of Finance's suggestion to limit the tax credits able to be claimed by residential property investors as one factor that could improve housing affordability. More >>
Wellington, 20 June 2007 - The Salvation Army is welcoming the Government's moves to tighten the net on loan sharks. More >>
Wellington, 20 June 2007 - The Salvation Army is welcoming the Government's moves to tighten the net on loan sharks. More >>
Audio: Selwyn Manning and 95bFM's Paul Deady discuss how the Govt's move to regulate the fringe lenders is a positive step, but certainly not far enough to address the exploitative practise of loan sharks feeding off the financially vulnerable. More >>
Radio Adelaide Audio: Scoop's Selwyn Manning & Radio Adelaide's Peter Godfrey discuss: How the government has moved to regulate loan sharks and fringe lenders. Also discussed: the ongoing diplomatic stoush between Fiji and New Zealand. More >>
Taloha ni, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka, Namaste, Kia orana koutou katoatoa, Ia Orana, Gud de tru olgeta, Talofa, Kia ora tatau and Warm Pacific Greetings to you all this evening. Thank you Peter for your kind introduction. ... More >>
Taloha ni, Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka, Namaste, Kia orana koutou katoatoa, Ia Orana, Gud de tru olgeta, Talofa, Kia ora tatau and Warm Pacific Greetings to you all this afternoon. Thank you to Jan Harrison, Ruth ... More >>
Further disturbing allegations about loan sharks operating within casinos have shown the need for a much stronger net than the Government's new so-called 'get tough' crack-down. More >>
Police today (19 June 2007) released a practice guide on the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act which comes into force this Friday. More >>
"Visiting UK experts on welfare have gone home and described practices at Work and Income as 'dangerous'," says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins. More >>
This week, ANZ National Bank staff all over the country will be rolling up their sleeves and getting out into their local communities this week in recognition of Volunteer Awareness Week 2007 (17-23 June). More >>
The ever increasing number and diversity of organisations seeking the services of volunteers is an important contributor to the continuing demand for more volunteers according to Tim Burns, Executive Director of Volunteering New Zealand. More >>
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata e. If you pluck the heart of the flax Where will the bell bird feed? It was once asked of me What is the greatest treasure in this world? It is people, it is people, it is people. More >>
A new book The Outcomes of Income Transfers assesses the benefits of state redistribution. Economist Mark Harrison examines not only the financial cost of income transfers but the link between happiness and income as revealed by economist-led 'happiness ... More >>
An Internal Affairs investigation into the Christchurch casino should be widened to include the whole gambling industry says Problem Gambling Foundation CEO, John Stansfield. More >>
Volunteer Wellington has worked with more than 300 volunteers who are employees with corporates and small businesses throughout greater Wellington, during the past four months. More >>
New Zealand Red Cross has welcomed the New Zealand Government’s support to assist victims of conflict in Iraq as the humanitarian crisis in the country deepens. More >>
New Zealand has pledged $1.4 million to assist people worst affected by ongoing conflict in Somalia and Iraq, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said today. More >>
Christchurch East MP Lianne Dalziel is celebrating the work of volunteers as part of Volunteer Awareness Week (June 17-23). "Volunteering is a part of Kiwi life – it is a part of our identity as a nation. Volunteers contribute to our sense of well-being ... More >>
Volunteer Awareness Week (17 23 June 2007) is a time to celebrate and thank our many thousands of volunteers for the wonderful work they do in our communities, says Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Luamanuvao Winnie Laban More >>
United Future leader Peter Dunne says today marks the start of Volunteer Awareness Week (June 17-23). "Budget 2007 lifted the cap on tax rebates for charitable donations... Our work in this field is not over yet." More >>
Too many older New Zealanders suffer abuse and neglect, Acting Senior Citizens Minister Lianne Dalziel said, marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. More >>
The army of volunteers freely giving up their time and energy are a significant force in the ability of charities like the Sallies to keep on helping others, says The Salvation Army's New Zealand head. More >>
“Students are warning that National should in no way change the interest free policy on student loans should they become government in 2008” stated Josh Clark from New Zealand Union of Students Associations (NZUSA) More >>
Volunteer Awareness week (17-23 June) provides New Zealand Red Cross the opportunity to acknowledge and thank its pool of 25,000 volunteers operating across the country fulfilling many roles. More >>
The Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards offer recognition to volunteer and not-for-profit groups for their important contributions to the region. More >>
On Friday 15 June, superannuitants receiving KiwiSaver-like pensions from overseas, angry at their reduced NZ Super payout, will commemorate the second annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by protesting outside WINZ service centres across the country. More >>
Wellington, 14 June 2007 - The Salvation Army and Rialto Distribution have teamed up for three charity screenings of the movie Amazing Grace in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch ahead of its general release. More >>
Some seniors are starving and facing poverty, depression and health breakdowns through neglect, most due to their own families intentionally depriving them. More >>
This year’s Volunteer Awareness Week, which runs from Saturday 17 June to Friday 23 June, is a timely reminder that many organisations in New Zealand would not be able to sustain their workloads without the input of volunteers. More >>
National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins says the Social Development Minister has been forced into an embarrassing admission that he has been deliberately blocking the flow of public information. More >>
Te Ururoa Flavell, Member of Parliament for Waiariki: "Kia ora tatou. He whai haere i te ia o te korero, me tuku i nga poporopoaki ki te Whaea kua ngaro nei i te tirohanga kanohi i nga wiki kua hipa." More >>
The National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) is delighted to host a delegation from the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) during their three-day visit to New Zealand. More >>
Mighty River Power chief executive Doug Heffernan has welcomed the conclusion of a police investigation into the death of Mrs Folole Muliaga on Tuesday 29 May. The police today ruled out criminal proceedings saying there was no evidence to justify ... More >>
Anniversary activities on 23-24 June include marching in the Queenstown Winter Festival parade, the guest appearance of a 1960s Corps (church) officer, a dinner and concert, church service, and display of the Army's work in the community. More >>
"No house in New Zealand should have the power turned off, full stop, because it endangers people's health and safety, especially children, the ill and the vulnerable." More >>
Mercury Energy welcomes new strengthened guidelines for electricity disconnections, as announced by the government today. A spokesman said Mercury Energy looked forward to working with the Electricity Commission on their design and implementation. More >>
Electricity retailers are to be subject to new guidelines for dealing with consumers who have difficulty paying their bills and who face possible disconnection, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today. More >>
Wellington, 11 June 2007 - The Salvation Army will be out in force at Fieldays, with staff and volunteers providing a missing persons service, rest area, nursing mother's space, and site transport. More >>
Every year businesses get better at ‘giving back’ to their local community, says Janis McArdle of the Manukau Community Foundation. “There are members of our business community who have a great amount of respect and consideration for the wider community ... More >>
Folole Muliaga's death was a tragedy not only because of the devastating hole she leaves behind for her family but because it was preventable. More >>
The news this week has been largely dominated by the case of Folole Maliaga, the Mangere woman who died just hours after her power was cut off by a Mercury Energy contractor. More >>
St John ambulance officers, calltakers, dispatchers and their fellow St John members are very humble. They’re usually the last to talk about the difference they make to communities all over New Zealand - 24/7, 365 days a year. Instead they quietly ... More >>
Nominations have opened for the Infratil – Waitakere City Community Awards 2007. The awards are designed to recognise volunteers are the heart of our community and aim to acknowledge and celebrate the work they do. More >>
New Zealanders now have easier access to free budget advice thanks to 0800 SORT MONEY (0800 767 866), a service provided by the Retirement Commission with the New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services. More >>
KiwiFM Audio: Wallace Chapman talks to the Prime Minister about Mrs Folole Muliaga, 44, died following her power being disconnected by a contractor employed by Mercury Energy. More >>
As New Zealand braces for a predicted cold snap, the Alliance Party has attacked out of control electricity price hikes that are leaving families struggling to pay the power bill. More >>
A forum with church agencies working for social justice. Open to all those who hope for a world where justice and peace can be made real in our city. More >>
DCM Director Stephanie McIntyre continues her "Wet" house research trip... "I was hosted by the Philadelphia City Council who coordinate the whole of services geared at addressing homelessness in the city." More >>
Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope today officially launched a programme aimed at helping recipients’ of Sickness and Invalid’s Benefits in Wanganui back into work. More >>
Family First is supporting the Green Party’s call for the Families Commission to publish research which has been funded by the Commission, and which highlights the concerns of solo parents on the DPB. More >>
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) strongly supports proposals to improve regulation of electricity provision for vulnerable families with young children, and congratulates Prime Minister Helen Clark for taking a strong stance with power companies. More >>
We are seeing the positive impact of youth workers especially with hard-to-reach young people. More >>
If the Muliaga family were aware of their rights as a low income domestic consumer of electricity, Folole Muliaga might be alive today. Last year the Electricity Commission released its “Guidelines on arrangements to assist low income domestic consumers.” ... More >>
The Green Party is alarmed by reports of censorship of state funded research that appears to have become the victim of political interference. More >>
Whilst the government promotes its Kiwisaver scheme to the young as a scheme to save for their retirement, they omit to advise New Zealander's of the schemes real intent. More >>
“We’ve all had trouble paying our bills and received final notices and threats about the phone being cut off, but you don’t expect other people to pay for it - hell no. You don’t get electricity, water and all these utilities by right.” More >>
Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope today congratulated the Ministry of Social Development on last night winning a Vero Excellence in Business Support award. More >>
95bFM Audio: Mikey talks to John Key about NZ as a religion neutral country; Mercury Energy cutting to the power to the home of a gravely ill Mangere woman; and what National thinks about a total ban on drinking while driving. More >>
The United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development ( IFAD ) has announced that it will support a new $11.5 million development project in Cambodia aimed at helping the rural poor.“The project will not only boost incomes, it will also lay ... More >>
A new Vietnamese-New Zealand partnership that produces natural products from native medicinal plants has won a prestigious United Nation's award, with a support package that includes US$8000 to further develop the partnership. More >>
State Owned Enterprises and Acting Energy Minister Trevor Mallard said he was extremely concerned about reports of the tragic death of a Mangere, Auckland resident, following the disconnection of power to her home by a contractor employed by Mercury Energy. More >>
Federated Farmers of New Zealand is taking calls from farmers able to supply or needing feed due to drought conditions on the east coast of the North Island. More >>
Downtown Community Ministry's Director Stephanie McIntyre writes that employing a housing first strategy is paramount to further success. More >>
Refugees are a living testimony to how this country has always made a stand on the international stage on matters of humanitarian concern. More >>
Community and voluntary organisations are urged to get in early and apply online when this year's Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS) funding round opens on June 1, says Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban. More >>
Wellington, 25 May 2007 - The Government's decision to make certain statistical information freely available is good news for the charity and community sector, reckons The Salvation Army. More >>
Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor this week announced substantial new funding in Budget 2007 to boost New Zealand's ongoing battle against the tobacco epidemic. In New Zealand, there are around 4500 smoking related deaths each year - every one ... More >>
Kate Wilkinson today demonstrated when it comes to the Paid Parental Leave scheme established by the Labour-led government in 2002, she is cut from the same cloth as deposed National Party leader Don Brash, said Labour Minister Ruth Dyson. More >>
A substantial increase in overseas aid was supposed to have been one of the key announcements in last week’s Budget. A special slot was identified in one of Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ increasingly brief visits to New Zealand to make a formal announcement. More >>
This week current affairs show Eye To Eye looks at three terms of a Labour government. Former Labour Cabinet Minister John Tamihere, who will be a panellist on the show, says that Labour has run out of puff. Mr Tamihere who enjoyed the perks of being ... More >>
Retirement Issues for Women An open forum to discuss issues for women for the 2007 Review of Retirement Income Policies National Library of New Zealand Wellington More >>
Maori make up 19 percent of the 16-19 year-old population but 54 percent of 16-19 year-old parents on welfare. More >>
The folk at Downtown Community Ministry need your Books and DVD's for Wellington's annual Bookfair. More >>
Charities and tax-exempt organisations with paid employees will receive the KiwiSaver employer tax credit, Acting Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Rick Barker says. More >>
National Party MP Judith Collins' understanding of New Zealand's benefit support system is so shallow she is only interested in its form not its substance, Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope said today. More >>
"David Benson-Pope is unable to explain why the single core benefit still hasn't been implemented, despite repeated promises by Labour stretching back two decades," says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins. More >>
Youth experts say the label of selfishness that has been given to an entire generation of young people is a myth. New Zealand Association for Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD) executive officer Sarah Helm says young people actually have very high rates ... More >>
Minister of Revenue Hon Peter Dunne Address to the Not-for-Profit Special Interest Group (Wellington Branch) New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants Embargoed to 12.30pm, Tuesday 22 May 2007 More >>
The history of New Zealand politics has been the history of a conflict between the progressive Left promoting wealth-creation via national economic development, social justice and human liberty versus the forces of reaction. More >>
The changes to the tax rules on charitable giving, announced in last Thursday's Budget, will help build a stronger culture of giving in this country, said David Wilson, Director of AUT University's Institute of Public Policy. More >>
“The epidemic of sickness and injury gripping New Zealand is forecast to continue under this Labour Government,” says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins. More >>
The aims expressed in the Budget for working with families and communities affected by poverty, social exclusion and family violence are good ideals. Properly implemented these initiatives will assist in developing a more just and compassionate society, ... More >>
The fact that those on the top 39c tax rate can take advantage of the corporate tax cut, divert money into portfolio investment entities and reap a considerable tax advantage at 30 cents in the dollar is merely one example of the basic unfairness ... More >>
Revenue Minister Peter Dunne says the KiwiSaver changes announced in Budget 2007 will bring further benefits for New Zealand charities. More >>
National Party Community Affairs spokeswoman Paula Bennett is puzzled by Labour’s about-face on the tax treatment of charities and volunteers. “Given the Budget announcements yesterday, why did Helen Clark insult the sector by describing National’s ... More >>
United Future leader and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne has welcomed today's report that philanthropist Jan Cameron, former owner of the Kathmandu clothing company, is returning to New Zealand. More >>
“The single core benefit which Labour has been talking about for 20 years, and which was rolled out as an election promise in 2005, is sliding further and further down the agenda,” says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins. More >>
The raft of measures announced in today's budget relating to charitable giving have been a long time coming, according to the Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations. The social services umbrella group says that there is still so much more that the ... More >>
The Government is to be congratulated for its budget commitments in promoting a culture of giving and generosity, members of COmVOiceS, an independent network of Tangata Whenua, and the Community and Voluntary Sector said today. More >>
Wellington, 17 May 2007 - The Salvation Army is welcoming Budget announcements that will make it easier for people to make charitable donations and encourage retirement saving. More >>
Charitable giving in New Zealand was given a boost today with the announcement that caps on tax rebates for donations are being removed. More >>
Lisa Cescon, Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand's largest aid agency, World Vision, is pleased with the removal of the rebate limits on charitable donations announced in the Budget today. More >>
Budget 2007 strengthens the Labour-led government's investment in creating a bright, healthy and secure future for our families, young and old. It builds on our work since 1999 to give all New Zealanders a stake in society, and to ensure the benefits ... More >>
Budget 2007 lays the foundation for a stronger culture of charitable giving in New Zealand, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne said today. More >>
Sustainable growth is the hallmark of Budget 2007. It takes significant further steps to transform our economy and provide higher living standards for all families, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today. More >>
New Zealand families will benefit from a range of initiatives in Budget 2007, which underlines the Labour-led government's commitment to strengthen the community sector, and provide greater support for young people at risk. More >>
More than a few surprises, signs of innovation and a big savings sell in a far-sighted budget designed not to frighten the bankers. More >>
Total benefit debt has increased by 65% since 1999 to more than three quarters of a billion dollars, or $2,800 for every working-age beneficiary, says National's Welfare spokeswoman, Judith Collins. More >>
An address by Rt Hon Winston Peters to the Whakatane District Grey Power Association on Wednesday 16 May in the Reception Room at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall on Short Street at 2pm More >>
95bFM Audio: The Wire's Paul Deady and Scoop's Selwyn Manning discuss why Michael Cullen is being laden with this Budget 07 burden. Really, should we demand tax cuts? What's it all about then? More >>
Scoop co-editor Selwyn Manning writes: The burden Michael Cullen carries into Budget 07 is the dilemma: how to deliver to Labour's historical constituency at a time when political pragmatism insists Labour must seduce center/centre-right voters. More >>
It really is a privilege to be speaking at your 100th anniversary conference. To me, Plunket is the premier example of how a volunteer-led community group can effect change and make a real difference in New Zealand. More >>
As the Right Honourable Winston Peters said in his speech to this house, the Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill is the next step in the process of making the SuperGold Card a reality. More >>
Today is an auspicious day to be debating the Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill. The 15th May was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, as ‘International Day of Families’. More >>
As the Right Honourable Winston Peters said in his speech to this house, the Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill is the next step in the process of making the SuperGold Card a reality. More >>
Minister of Social Development, David Benson-Pope, today claimed youth unemployment had dropped 92 percent under Labour with only 1,424 18 and 19 year-olds on an Unemployment Benefit at the end of April. More >>
Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today on the value of communities and the importance of NGOs. It is a topic I am very keen to address. But before I do so, I cannot let this centennial conference of Plunket pass without a few comments ... More >>
120,000 Messages calling for an end to poverty given to Winston Peters - Make Poverty History Aotearoa hands over petition. Two years of campaigning paid off today when Foreign Minister Winston Peters accepted a representative petition from members of ... More >>
“Unions were proud to have played a key role in the campaign to Make Poverty History,” CTU vice president Maori Sharon Clair said today. More >>
May 15 is Families Day and the Families Commission would like to see celebrating families become an important event on the New Zealand calendar. More >>
Wellington, 13 May 2007 - The Salvation Army is encouraging Kiwis to mark United Nations Day of the Family (15 May) by getting back in touch with loved ones with whom they may have lost contact. More >>
"Surely alcohol is in our faces enough already. Everywhere I go, the supermarket, the local dairy - I can't get away from it." says 21 year old Amie Baker "I don't drink so am not interested in the stacks of cans, rows of wine bottles, TV ads,internet ... More >>
Ngapuhi leader David Rankin is furious that the Ngapuhi Runanga ran a social services arm which spent its funding on investing in a gay nightclub in Auckland, boats and failed tourism ventures one of the board members rather than on providing assistance ... More >>
In response to questioning by Rodney Hide in Parliament today the Prime Minister said she was not aware of any public polling since the 'anti-smacking' compromise amendment deal was struck with John Key. More >>
National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins says she’s suspicious about the sudden decline of 900 beneficiaries collecting the sickness and invalids benefits during April. More >>
The number of people receiving Sickness and Invalid's Benefits has fallen over the past month More >>
"Winston Peters' Super Gold Cards will be able to be embedded with microchips if the law passes as it is currently written. The potential for sinister misuse of the information is huge and underestimated," said ACT Deputy Leader Heather Roy today. More >>
Some 8,657 working-age people have been shunted from the unemployment benefit to the sickness benefit in the past year alone, says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins. More >>
New Zealand is to contribute $2 million to the United Nations Development Programme in Papua, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced after meeting his Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirajuda in Jakarta today. More >>
In considering the complex web of issues entangled in our social security system, I sought some conventional wisdom from the Waitangi Tribunal. More >>
Artworks created by Canterbury prisoners as part of a Department of Corrections rehabilitation programme, have raised more than $30,000 for the Family Help Trust - an agency committed to helping the children of at-risk families in Canterbury. More >>
United Future deputy leader Judy Turner commends the Red Cross for starting a food in low decile schools programme, but questions why it has become necessary. "Where are the parents in all this? When we spend billions a year on payments to families, ... More >>
The Red Cross’s announcement today of a breakfast in schools programme shows how wrong Labour was to criticise National’s drive to make sure children in low decile schools don’t go hungry, says National Party Leader John Key. More >>
The authors of a publication launched in the Grand Hall, Parliament tonight believe it has the power to change the educational outcomes of thousands of New Zealand children. More >>
More than 40,000 New Zealand parents with a child support debt are being asked to contribute only $14.03 per week, and half of them failed to pay even that, says National's Welfare spokeswoman, Judith Collins. More >>
Working together to help those who can’t always help themselves has long been the ethos behind much of the work of New Zealand Red Cross, and that will be emphasised tomorrow, 8 May, on World Red Cross Red Crescent Day. More >>
Total benefit debt has now reached a staggering $750 million, says National’s Welfare spokeswoman, Judith Collins. More >>
National MP Phil Heatley seems totally confused about the valuations of properties owned by Housing New Zealand Corporation and has mislead the public, Housing Minister Chris Carter said today. More >>
A recent case of a lady convicted for benefit fraud, claiming the service provided by her budget adviser was to blame for her financial crisis, highlights a gaping hole in current legislation. More >>
What is the ‘market valuation’ of three different state houses, each worth over a million dollars, was a question the Minister of Housing spent 20 minutes avoiding in Parliament today, says National’s Housing spokesman, Phil Heatley. More >>
It would appear from the outset, that the Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill has not exactly taken the nation by storm. I understand that three submissions have been received and one heard. More >>
Trust Us – a new show exploring the work of grant-maker ASB Community Trust – is set to begin showing on Triangle Television from May 8, 2007. More >>
Some of my fellow New Zealanders are feeding P to their pitbulls to make them more aggressive. This is thrilling news for armchair spectators of suburban mayhem, although I couldn't blame Damian for keeping his cat indoors until the matter is resolved. ... More >>
I submit this brief proposal with all the humility I can muster. As citizen of the United States of America, I have no desire to interfere in New Zealand politics. Far from it! Along with tens of millions of Americans, I admire your principled and ... More >>
Unemployment levels in Hawke’s Bay continue to plummet, Labour MP Rick Barker said today. “While there have been outstanding results in getting unemployment benefit numbers down right across the Bay, a couple of figures are extraordinary,” says ... More >>
Audio: Scoop's Kevin List on Radio Active delivers his weekly New Zealand news roundup. Item discussed today: Observations of Section 59 weirdness, and state housing policy revisited - 1990s style! More >>
Minister of Labour and ACC Ruth Dyson today congratulated the innovation of the finalists and winners at last night's New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards run by Safeguard magazine with the support of the Department of Labour. More >>
The more money Labour spends, the more people end up on sickness and invalids’ benefits, says National’s Welfare spokeswoman, Judith Collins. “The Social Development Minister can’t possibly explain how he is spending $128 million to reduce sickness ... More >>
The Labour Government is allowing tenants to live in 145 state houses each worth over $1 million dollars, while another 11,000 families languish on the Housing New Zealand waiting list, says National’s Housing spokesman, Phil Heatley. More >>
Colin James ponders in today's Herald whether the impending Budget will mark the start of a move by Labour to haul itself out of its slump. It's a reasonable question in a year where, um, Clayton Cosgrove has a claim as the party's best performing ... More >>
For more than four years, the genocide in Darfur has demanded greater international action, and today, the violence continues unabated. On the first day of May 2007, the U.S. will begin its month-long presidency of the United Nations (UN) Security ... More >>
Downtown Community Ministry Bulletin 1st May 2007 Wet house research trip begins… Downtown Community Ministry’s Director Stephanie McIntyre embarks this Friday on a seven week trip to research operational issues in the management of wet houses. ... More >>
Applications are now open for the Lottery Community Facilities Fund and Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker is urging community groups wanting to upgrade or build multi-purpose community facilities to apply. More >>
National Leader John Key wants to take money from working families to pay for tax cuts for his rich mates, Finance Minister Michael Cullen warned today. More >>
It gives me great pleasure to launch the research report Mahi Aroha: Maori Perspectives on Volunteering and Cultural Obligations. More >>
Auckland’s biggest grant-maker, ASB Community Trust, has set closing dates for when it will accept grant applications. More >>
New Zealand secondary school teachers with an interest in human-animal relations will finally have comprehensive humane education resources readily at their fingertips. More >>
Speech to the Southern Regional Conference, Invercargill More >>
Wellington, 26 April 2007 – His Excellency the Governor-General The Honourable Anand Satyanand has praised business leaders for their continuing support of The Salvation Army, enabling it to keep offering services that help people in need. More >>
The financial review of the Social Workers Registration Board has supported National's concerns about the poor numbers of Child, Youth and Family social workers obtaining registration, says National's Associate Welfare spokeswoman, (CYF) Anne Tolley. More >>
Groups working to help new migrants and refugees settle in to life in New Zealand have gained extra financial support for their work. More >>
National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins says figures showing an appalling rate of collection for outstanding child support debt should have been ringing alarm bells long before now. More >>
Scoop's Selwyn Manning & Radio Adelaide's Sarah Tomlinson discuss: ANZAC Day, remembrance, and how thousands have turned out at dawn services around NZ. Also discussed was Scoop's new very cool re-design, and also our big story on loan sharks targeting ... More >>
Department of Labour research shows that despite the percentage of migrants relying on benefits dropping, an increasing proportion are going on DPB or sickness benefits. More >>
“Results of the 2007 OECD Economic Survey of New Zealand confirm the urgent need to address what the report describes as a “persistent gap in living standards with the rest of the OECD”’ stated Dr Pita Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party. More >>
Ministry of Consumer Affairs has written to Scoop stating that while its report into loan sharks exploiting communities in south Auckland will not be released as planned at the end of April, it has not been shelved. More >>
“The mountain of unpaid child support debt remains unconquered, despite promises from Labour that it will deal with it,” says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins. More >>
State Of It: A long-awaited Government commissioned report that examined loan-sharks and lending shysters who prey on low socio-economic communities has been put on hold - almost on the eve of it being publicly launched by two Labour ministers. More >>
Charles Waldegrave currently leads the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit and is joint leader of the New Zealand Poverty Measurement Project Internationally large social inequalities in societies tend to be destabilising and in extreme cases ... More >>
The lead Minister for Families Young and Old, Steve Maharey, says non-government organisations (NGOs) have a crucial role in working with government to deliver social services, and it intends to step up that relationship. More >>
Every client will be offered a benefit spot check next week at Downtown Community Ministry. More >>
“The latest figures show Labour is running on the spot with its efforts to shift sickness and invalids beneficiaries off welfare and into work,” says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins. More >>
The New Zealand Defence Force aircraft loading team which has worked to assist the Solomon Islands aid effort for the past week returned to New Zealand tonight. More >>
The number of people receiving an unemployment benefit has dropped by a further 35 per cent, or some 16,000, since March last year, Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope has announced. The number of people receiving an unemployment benefit ... More >>
“David Benson-Pope should explain why more than half the people on the ‘temporary’ sickness benefit have been there for more than a year,” says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins. More >>
A new report showing that 90 per cent of non-profit organisations in New Zealand are run entirely by unpaid volunteers proves how important these people are to our society, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban said today. More >>
National Party Housing spokesman Phil Heatley says Housing New Zealand is putting tenants with low incomes in a terrible position by allowing debt to snowball. “Everyone understands that when you’re on a low income it becomes even harder to catch up ... More >>
There were 97,000 non-profit institutions operating in New Zealand in 2005, Statistics New Zealand said today. The largest number were in culture, sport and recreation (45 percent), followed by social services (12 percent) and religion (10 percent). More >>
The famous Billy Connolly trike is to be auctioned for charity during the opening dinner of the Vector Arena in Auckland on Thursday night, April 19th. In March 2004 Billy Connolly completed a 2-month, 25 date sell out tour of New Zealand. More >>
Strong communities; Strong nation Address to Lions New Zealand 47th Annual Convention, 2.15pm, Saturday 14 April 2007, Invercargill. More >>
Well, horsewhip mum of Timaru, that Joan of Arc of parental discipline, put-upon victim of the child-stealing state, etc, etc, is back in court - accused, along with her husband, of assaulting another son. You can read the particularly depressing ... More >>
Contrary to popular belief, Sue Bradford's so-called ‘anti-smacking’ Bill has already been defeated by the parliamentary process. Having been the recipient of numerous "anti ‘anti smacking’" or "anti ‘pro beat your kids’" emails I thought ... More >>
In defence of growing incapacity benefit numbers, Minister of Social Development, David Benson-Pope, is claiming the growth has slowed. Welfare commentator, Lindsay Mitchell, says this is not so and either the Minister is badly advised or he has ... More >>
National Party Welfare spokeswoman, Judith Collins wants a full audit of the pilot schemes that Labour is running to move sickness and invalids beneficiaries from welfare to work. More >>
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