Culture and society news

Engage in good faith on the Treaty

How we approach te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi has become one of the most contentious challenges facing the country.

Tougher theft laws hit women hardest

The number of women behind bars is forecast to jump by 63%, almost double the overall rate.

AUT student journalists live on TVNZ

Third-year journalism students have been researching, producing and presenting news stories for Breakfast in an industry collaboration with TVNZ.

MICHELIN win for students & alumni

AUT is celebrating the recognition of all NZ’s new MICHELIN star restaurants and some of our alumni and hospitality industry partners are in the spotlight.

Should Fiji reinstate the death penalty?

Fiji is facing a drug crisis but calls to bring back the death penalty for offenders are based on moral panic and fail to address the underlying issues.

Can Wegovy help NZ's obesity crisis?

Wegovy has drawn much media attention - but its popularity raises questions about next-generation drugs and what they mean for a worsening obesity crisis.

Move on orders revive Victorian era

A proposed law rejects homelessness as a social issue, instead deeming homeless people a public nuisance who must be managed through the justice system.

Does gaming make young people violent?

Parents worried that roleplaying violence in video games might radicalise their child should instead be concerned about desensitisation and online chat.

More prisons aren’t the answer

More than half of those given remand will not receive a prison sentence once their case is heard. This shows they don’t present a risk to safety.

Is it time for compulsory voting in NZ?

Research shows compulsory voting can help overcome low voter turnout, but NZ would need to weigh the costs and benefits before implementing it here.