Health
Is paracetamol safe? What New Zealand says about Trump's claims
Explainer - Donald Trump claims paracetamol causes autism, while the US has also made cuts to vaccine access and research. What could it all mean for NZ? Audio
Doctors block out Health Minister's message
A pointed message in Simeon Brown's electorate office window has been covered with placards, as senior doctors lament the lack of New Zealand-trained doctors opting to stay here. Audio
Health NZ checking credentials of staff working with children after whistle-blower case
A hospital staff member told the Ombudsman child safety checks for contractors had not been carried out for some years at the hospital where they worked.
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 23 September 2025
In today's episode, The government is loosening work-to-residency visa settings, creating two pathways to residence for skilled migrants that will start next year, Six thousand doctors and dentists… Audio
Experts reject paracetamol risk for pregnant women
In a public announcement this morning, US President Donald Trump claimed there is a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and increased autism risk. Associate Professor, Dr Scott White… Audio
Doctors strike as Health NZ pushes binding deal
Six thousand doctors and dentists are on strike until midnight Wednesday, in the hope of better pay and conditions from Health New Zealand. Wairarapa doctor Neils Dugan spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Trump links autism to paracetamol, despite evidence it's safe
New Zealand health officials say it's the "safest medicine to take in pregnancy" for pain relief, despite what Trump claims.
Doctors hit the picket line in 48-hour strike
But the Health Minister has criticised striking doctors and left a message at this office. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 23 September 2025
In today's episode, senior doctors and dentists have walked off the job in a 48-hour strike that began at midnight, we've been talking about the decline in people learning to drive manual cars, but in… Audio
Calls grow to expand meningitis vaccines after 2 deaths
The government's being urged to expand access to meningococcal meningitis vaccines after two recent deaths from the disease. The Meningitis Foundation's NZ Chair Gerard Rushton spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Intensive care bed shortage delays cardiac surgeries
RNZ is aware of one Christchurch patient who has had their surgery delayed seven times, due to a shortage of beds. Audio
Senior doctors and dentists begin 48-hour strike
Senior doctors and dentists have walked off the job in a 48-hour strike that began at midnight. Laywer Mai Chen spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Fewer ICU beds leave Christchurch heart patients waiting
Christchurch cardiac patients awaiting life-saving operations are among those having their surgery delayed, sometimes multiple times, due to a lack of ICU beds. Rachel Graham reports. Audio
Attacks on hospital workers up 30 percent in two years
Health NZ blames "complex societal factors" for the rise and has spent $31m on extra security over the past two years. Audio
Sharp rise in assaults on hosptial workers
Each year thousands of hospital workers are assaulted on the job. New figures obtained by Checkpoint show a 30% rise in assaults in just two years to over 7000 in the 12 months to June. One frontline… Audio
Woman's unbearable pain as epidural line comes out during labour
Midwives told a junior midwife looking for advice the woman "just needs to push her baby out".
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 22nd September 2025
In today's episode, Australia, the UK and Canada have all formerly recognised a Palestinian state, we speak to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, The government's announced 100 million dollars will go… Audio
ER nurse's surprising side-hustle:
Rebecca Schnell's regular job is as an emergency room nurse in St Louis, Missouri. But she has a side gig that's even more adrenaline-filled: strapping into a five-tonne Monster Truck. Audio
Hawke’s Bay clinic sees surge amid cost of living strain
A free walk-in health clinic in Hawke's Bay is seeing a sharp increase in demand due to people struggling with the cost of living and GP availability. Alexa Cook reports. Audio
New funding for EDs, but where does the money come from?
An emergency doctor is concerned the $20 million funding injection could mean cuts to other areas of Health New Zealand. Audio
