Ruth Hill
Ministry of Social Development investigating privacy breach
Thousands of files containing highly sensitive personal information about children in the care of Child Youth and Family, beneficiaries and contractors employed by the Ministry of Social Development… Audio
MSD told about security problem a year ago - advocate
A beneficiaries advocate says the Ministry of Social Development was told of a major security problem with public computer kiosks at Work and Income offices more than a year ago. Audio
World economic outlook darkens but not for New Zealand
The International Monetary Fund has cut its global growth forecast to the weakest level since the peak of the 2009 financial crisis, but it predicts New Zealand's economy will grow 3.1 percent… Audio
IMF says New Zealand the one to buck global economic trend
New Zealand's economy is set to grow more than three percent next year - unlike most other developed economies, which are at risk of recession. Audio
Labour accuses govt of stone-walling over housing crisis
The Labour Party MP Annette King is accusing the Housing Minister Phil Heatley of arrogance and obfuscation when it comes to answering questions over what she says is a growing crisis in the state… Audio
Unions say Green Party's plan to print money a sterling idea
Trade unions and some economists are backing the Green Party's proposal to tame the dollar and pay for the Christchurch rebuild by printing more money. Audio
Economist says printing money no panacea for dollar woes
The Institute of Economic Research's chief economist, Shamubeel Eaqub, says quantitative easing, or printing more money, may not help contain the high New Zealand dollar. Audio
Civil rights advocates: protection orders breach human rights
Civil rights advocates and lawyers say a new law to keep the worst violent and sexual offenders locked up indefinitely would breach international human rights legislation. Audio
Maori unity over water rights in doubt
Cracks may already be appearing in Maori unity on water rights in the wake of two national hui last week. Audio
Economists debate Bollard's legacy
After ten years as Reserve Bank Governor, Alan Bollard steps down this month to take up a new role as head of Apec. Audio
Patchy economy likely to keep lid on interest rates
The Reserve Bank Governor, Allan Bollard, today delivers his final statement on monetary policy ahead of a new job with Apec - he will also set the Official Cash Rate which is expected to remain… Audio
Australian workers should get first pick of jobs, say unions
Miners facing redundancy from Solid Energy's coal mines in Huntly and Greymouth are already signing up with Australian recruitment companies. Audio
Hundreds of jobs threatened by Solid Energy's cost-cutting
The mining towns of Huntly and Greymouth are in shock with the news that hundreds of jobs are likely to be axed as Solid Energy desperately cuts costs. Audio
Paedophile's lawyer says Govt agencies failed to act
Several government agencies investigated allegations of sexual misconduct by Northland primary school teacher James Parker three years before he was finally arrested last month. Audio
Kaitaia teacher guilt shows schools need to act on suspicion
The head of the Principal's Federation says a Northland primary school teacher who admits sexually abusing boys in his care has irreparably tarnished the teaching profession. Audio
Wellington Warlords mark 40 years of playing with toy soldiers
The Wellington Warlords wargaming club celebrated its fortieth anniversary at the weekend. Audio
Multiple errors contributed to baby's death
A midwife who texted instead of talking to a woman who was having serious problems with her unborn baby has been criticised by the coroner. Audio
Dentists "pressured" woman into expensive treatment
A woman who says she was pressured into expensive dental treatment after being told her face would collapse without it has had her complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner upheld. Audio
Dashboard breathalysers 'won't stop hardcore offenders'
Judges will soon be able to impose zero alcohol limits on repeat drink drivers and install breathalyser devices to disable their cars if they've been drinking. Audio
Firefighter say Govt bludging off Fire Service
Firefighters say the Government is the biggest freeloader when it comes to the Fire Service and it's ordinary householders who are being forced to pick up the tab. Audio