Child Welfare
I am a journalist and have dealt with the issue of child welfare and domestic violence for near on decade. Many separated parents contact me with their stories and I am very concerned with what is happening to children in these situations. If someone leaves a marriage because there has been abuse they are typically forced into 50/50 shared care situations (especially if they can't afford lawyers or emotional grief that goes on for years).The mantra is bad partner good parent but this is not the reality and that parent then has free reign to behave badly to their child - legally and the other parent often does not know what is happening when the child is with them. For this reason I have also heard people have been told by social services agencies (being aware that the status quo is 'shared care' and the dangers this puts children in) that they stay in the relationship as they have more control over what happens to their child. If people see or hear a child being treated in an improper manner please report it. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a village to keep them safe. Similarly I have also had reports of police suggesting to a child they are wrong for not wanting to be with one parent and that legally they will force them to. This is invalidating their experience. A child often does not want to be with one parent because they are behaving badly towards them or abusing them. When a adult says no it is listened to, it should be no different for a child. Please keep kids safe and call the authorities if you see or hear a child being mistreated.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
-
80.4% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
-
19.6% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
