Health
Full-time carers' appeal for employee status upheld
Two parents who care full-time for their disabled children are, in fact, employees of the government - and should receive the same benefits and protections. Supreme Court rules.
Is laser eye surgery really all it's cracked up to be?
When filmmaker Dana Conroy's doctor suggested laser eye surgery, or LASIK, to correct her nearsightedness, it seemed like a good idea. With success rates touted near 99% and millions of people getting… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 9 December 2025
A blaze in Tongariro National Park is raging on. While crews are still battling to contain it, the local hapu says they're a lot further ahead than last time; The nurses union says people are waiting… Audio
Union says nurse shortage is causing delays in GP wait times
The nurses union says people are waiting longer to see their GP because nurses are leaving primary healthcare for better pay overseas, or in hospitals. Tracey Morgan is an NZNO delegate and primary… Audio
I accidentally got sunburnt - what should I do?
If you're glowing lobster-red, don't reach for the toothpaste or butter - here's what the experts recommend to help heal your skin.
The human toll of ACC's financial squeeze
People like father Jacob Hamlin and his family have wound up in hardship as the agency pushes more people off long-term claims to get costs under control. Audio
Kmart forced to recall more coloured sand products
Testing has found asbestos in licensed sensory activity sets, branded with popular shows Paw Patrol, Frozen and Bluey.
Calls for a new national nutrition survey
You are what you eat or so the saying goes, but it is increasingly difficult to know what New Zealanders are made of with data about our eating habits more than a decade and a half old. That's why… Audio
Appeal for people at measles locations of interest to call Healthline
Health New Zealand is appealing for people who have been at any of almost a dozen measles locations of interest to urgently call Healthline. Te Whatu Ora says anyone at the locations on the days and… Audio
Swab 'half the size of an arm' left in new mum for six weeks
The pad was found six weeks after the birth by a GP, who removed what smelled "like a dead body".
Daycare at centre of chemical burns incident reopens
Five children taken to hospital after suffering chemical burns at a Christchurch childcare centre on Friday have returned to the kindergarten today.
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 8 December 2025
The Children's Commissioner has launched what she's calling an urgent advocacy campaign to prevent children being neglected, abused and killed; Wellingtonians will soon be able to tag on to buses and… Audio
Measles awareness warnings ahead of busy Christmas party season
Health New Zealand is encouraging vigilance as more locations of interest are identified in the current measles outbreak, with the upcoming Christmas party season having the potential to make things… Audio
For better brain health, it's never too late to get active
Even beyond the age of 65, exercise diminishes dementia risk, a new study has found.
When buying cheaper puts child safety in danger
Between the high cost of living and a slew of toys failing safety tests, buying Christmas presents for kids is fraught.
Do you know what to do in these emergencies?
From heatstroke to drowning, an allergic reaction or a really bad cut, here's how to handle common summer emergencies.
Terror under the tree - the toys that can kill
Between the high cost of living and a slew of toys failing safety tests, buying Christmas presents for kids is fraught. Audio
Auckland bars among new measles locations of interest
Anybody who may have been exposed is asked to urgently contact Healthline.
How the ‘Seated Salsa’ can help relieve lower back pain
An estimated 619 million people around the world suffer from lower back pain. The exercise 'Seated Salsa' is being touted as a miracle movement to ease discomfort. Professor Ben Darlow is based at the… Audio
Forget the grindset: the power of 'productive quitting'
New Scientist journalist David Robson discusses why 'grindset' mentality can adversely affect our physical and mental health. Audio
