Ruth Hill

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

The Earthquake Recovery Minister is refusing to comment on accusations from owners of red zone properties that the Government could profit from their insurance policies, after they were forced to… Audio

Financial advisers are warning first-time investors to be cautious about buying shares in the state-owned energy companies. Audio

New Zealanders with birth defects caused by the drug Thalidomide, who have never received compensation, could now do so after a ground-breaking settlement in Australia. Audio

Victims of sexual abuse and therapists say a new report backs up their claims that the Accident Compensation Corpration is still too slow in dealing with claims and that many people simply give up. Audio

A new report by Unicef New Zealand on the plight of children criticises the Government for its narrow focus on fixing abuse, while ignoring the underlying causes, such as poverty. Audio

A fresh legal challenge in underway to the Government's controversial decision to allow a Chinese company to buy the 16 Crafar farms. Audio

A national museum about whaling has been launched at the old Perano Whaling Station in the Marlborough Sounds. Audio

The millionaire-founder of file-sharing service Megaupload, Kim Dotcom, who's fighting extradition to the United States, has announced plans for a new online enterprise. Audio

The widow of Feilding farmer Scott Guy has told a jury she was so terrified by vandalism of their new home during construction that she wanted to leave the area. Audio

The Professional Boxing Association says the dearth of laws covering kickboxing, cage-fighting and other martial arts is putting lives at risk. Audio

Aged-care providers say improving pay rates and implementing other recommendations made by the Human Rights Commission can't happen without a big cash injection from the Government. Audio

The Prime Minister says the budget will strengthen New Zealand's economic resilience - and have the books back in surplus. Audio

Stretching the household budget could be getting marginally easier with cheaper prices for milk, cheese and butter on the back of a global slump in dairy prices. Audio

Grieving families are backing calls by the Bay of Plenty coroner for a major revamp of maritime law in the wake of a young jetski passenger's death. Audio

A group of parents who have had their right to be paid to care for their disabled children upheld by the Court of Appeal say it's time for the Health Ministry to stop litigating and start talking with… Audio

Victims of the former Auckland commune leader and convicted paedophile, Bert Potter, say his legacy of abuse continues to affect new generations. Audio

Students say further restricting access to student allowances means only the wealthy elite will be able to enter some professions. Audio

The Union of Students' Associations says some graduates are already struggling to make the minimum repayments to their student loans because of the rising cost of living. Audio

The Government has today announced plans to boost the supply of affordable social housing in quake-devastated Christchurch. Audio