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Photo: 123rf Helen, whom RNZ has agreed not to identify, is facing retirement with just $1000 in savings. She and her former partner have separated and he is living in their family home. She has to rely on the New Zealand Superannuation to get by. "Much of my life was spent caring for others without pay," she said. Over the years, she looked after their autistic daughter and her elderly parents, as well as her in-laws. Her partner worked full-time, in what she describes as a "very traditional" household economic arrangement. "All of this support and care was without any financial compensation. I think that women in my situation should be compensated for loss of income through caring for babies, children, and elderly parents. Women who have disabled children need an additional top-up beca...

State Highway 2 median barrier protesters in July. Photo: Blake Judson Median barriers on State Highway 2 near Katikati are "severely limiting" access and hurting horticultural and agricultural businesses, farmers say. The flexible wire rope barrier was installed on SH2, south of Katikati, in July as part of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) safety improvements. Sections of the new median barrier can be found between Katikati and Ōmokoroa. The barrier has drawn criticism and protests because it limits cars and trucks from turning into side streets. Rick Burke, who has farmed on Lund Rd for 40 years, said the barriers would have an economic impact. "With vehicles having to unnecessarily travel a considerable distance further to get back to their roads, the vehicle running cost an...

Photo: 123rf The Commerce Commission has given telecommunications companies 12 months to come up with standardised coverage maps for all providers so customers can compare the signal reach each one is offering. It also wants universal definitions of coverage quality, like excellent, good and non-existent, as well as hang up clauses; so if consumers find their calling experience in real world is not what is promised they cancel their contract at no charge. Judy, who lives on a farm near Lake Waikaremoana in the Wairoa District, told Checkpoint she only had about 30 percent phone coverage. "It's a health and safety issue. We've got employees and contractors on the farm on a regular basis," she said. She had supplied her employees with locator beacons, which were only suitable for emergency...