Emile Donovan
Holidays Act no longer fit for purpose - businesses
Businesses are calling for the Holidays Act to be rewritten, saying it's too complicated and costs them time and money. Audio
Foster parent shortage hurting kids, caregivers - Oranga Tamariki
New figures from the Ministry for Vulnerable Children show there are now more than twice as many children in state care as there are foster parents to look after them. The ministry admits the lack of… Audio
Foster parent shortage hurting kids - Oranga Tamariki
New figures obtained under the Official Information Act show there are more than twice as many children in state custody as there are available foster parents. Audio
Paula Bennett apologises for criminals' 'human rights' comment
Mrs Bennett has admited she blundered by saying serious criminals should have fewer human rights and has apologised to Bill English, after National's leader said her remarks were a mistake. Audio
Volunteer rescuers criticise police efforts in Kaimanawa Forest
Volunteers from the Mongrel Mob say police are hindering rescue efforts of two men lost in the Kaimanawa Forest, but police say they're doing all they can. Audio
Government told to fund driving lessons in schools
The government is being urged to pay for driving lessons for high school students to boost their employment prospects. Video, Audio
Report shows Kiwis too trusting of public wi-fi
Are New Zealanders too relaxed when it comes to their security when using public wifi? Internet security company Norton thinks so. It's released a survey showing many people think their privacy is… Audio
Report reveals historical abuse of disabled in state care
The release of a new Human Rights Commission report into abuse of disabled people in state care over five decades documents thousands of stories of people who suffered sexual, physical and… Audio
Disability Commissioner adds to calls for abuse inquiry
The Disability Commissioner has added his voice to calls for an inquiry into historical abuse of intellectually disabled people in state care, with the release of a report detailing stories of… Audio
Employers told to step up mental health efforts
Employers are being encouraged to talk more frankly with staff suffering from mental illness. The calls follow a survey which says some 600,000 people - or about a fifth of all workers - have been… Audio
Companies accused of exploiting loopholes to avoid paying ex-staff
An employment consultant, David Collins, says many cash-poor companies will shut themselves down if an Employment Relations Authority decision goes against them. Audio
Govt called on to condemn Australia's detention centres
Amnesty International is accusing the Government of abandoning its own principles by refusing to condemn Australia's policy around asylum seekers. Video, Audio
Doggy daycares: SPCA calls for stronger industry regulations
A new doggy daycare code of conduct is being drawn up, but the SPCA says current regulations are too general, and don't go far enough. Video, Audio
Gull agrees big petrol companies are charging too much
As a Government inquiry is released into whether we're paying too much at the petrol pump; independent retailer Gull says it needs to be easier for new players to enter the market if we're to see a… Audio
Rugby players to be tested for concussion
Provincial rugby players will be tested for concussion before being injured as the national sport tries to tackle the problem of brain injuries. Audio
NZ rugby urged to embrace Maori and Pasifika culture
A new approach to managing Maori and Pacific Island rugby players is starting to emerge. A seminar in Palmerston North looks at how rugby stereotypes need to change to better connect with Maori and… Audio
Lions fans disappointed by results, optimistic for second test
So far the Lions have won just half of their matches - four wins from eight. Twelve years ago the Lions lost just four from 11. Audio
Lions to bring $30 million to Wellington
The Lions tour is rolling into Wellington, where it's expected to bring an economic windfall to the capital. They're playing the Hurricanes tomorrow night and the All Blacks on Saturday. Video, Audio
NZers want "better-managed" immigration - survey
A new UMR poll on immigration shows many are dubious about how well-equipped the country is to deal with the growth in the country's population. David Talbot from UMR says that concern is mainly… Audio
Foster carers made sceptical "broken" system will ever be fixed
Foster parents say they're still waiting for change from the new Ministry, Oranga Tamariki, and are increasingly sceptical that the desperately needed support is ever going to arrive. Audio