Health
Govt's puberty blockers move attracts strong reactions
Cabinet has signed off on plans to halt new prescriptions for puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria, pending the results of a major clinical trial in the United Kingdom, expected in…
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 20 November 2025
The coalition government has announced a ban on new patients accessing gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues - also known as puberty blockers - from next month; Anti-stalking campaigners are… Audio
Ultra Processed Food - what should we be eating instead?
Yesterday on the show we started a conversation with Professor Boyd Swinburn about ultra processed foods, and new research he has been part of that shows just how damaging these foods are. Lots of you… Audio
Should I kick my diet soft-drink habit? Where do I start?
Here are three evidence-based strategies to help you adjust.
40-year study into water fluoridation released in United States
A major study into water fluoridation in the U.S has been published. The study looks at the cognitive effect of fluoridation and looks at data over 40 years. Professor of Sociology at the University… Audio
Government blocks puberty blockers for new patients
The coalition government has announced a ban on new patients accessing gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues - also known as puberty blockers - from next month. Professional Association for… Audio
'Snowed under': Asbestos companies working night and day on sand concerns
An asbestos removal company boss says he's been flooded with calls from emotional parents and schools wanting help. Audio
New Zealand pushes pause on puberty blockers pending UK trial
Green Party MP Ricardo Menéndez March says the government is "buying into imported culture wars" .
'Absolutely ludicrous': Costello defends plunge in tobacco ranking
New Zealand has gone from second in the world to 53rd in a major tobacco control index. Audio
20yo runs from Auckland to Wellington to support men's health
A 20 year-old from Kapiti is travelling on foot from Auckland to Wellington, clocking 50-plus kilometres a day to support men's mental health. Emma Upton spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
AI tool rolled out in emergency departments
While some clinicians are heralding the technology as "the way of the future", others say more evaluation is needed. Audio
NZ unlikely to meet smoke free target, despite numbers dropping
Smoking is on the decline in New Zealand, but the Ministry of Health's most recent health survey shows the Government is unlikely to meet its SmokeFree 2025 target. Associate health minister Casey… Audio
Auckland Council opens kids play sand drop-off centre
Auckland Council has opened up a drop-off site for kids' coloured play sand, over a nationwide recall. Morecroft Asbestos Removal's Jason Catterall spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Emergency departments to use AI consultations with patients
'Heidi' records consultations and automatically creates draft clinical notes, referral letters, and follow-up summaries for doctors to review and approve. Dr Benjamin Pearson is Hawke's Bay's Chief… Audio
Sex ed consultation walking out the door
Dr Rachael Dixon, senior lecturer in health sciences at the University of Canterbury and a health education expert, joins Emile Donovan to discuss. Audio
Daily smoking numbers plateau, slight increase in vapers
The prevalence for daily smoking had dropped just a fraction from 6.9 to 6.8 percent.
Auckland school returns positive results for asbestos in play sand
Several coloured play sand products have been recalled after tests found a naturally occurring asbestos. Audio
NZ receives 'Dirty Ashtray' award for poor tobacco control
Researchers say New Zealand is attracting international attention for all the wrong reasons.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 19 November 2025
Testing companies are getting busy as the spread of potentially contaminated children's play sand reaches council libraries; Fifteen years on from the Pike River disaster, some families are meeting… Audio
New measles case with contacts to Auckland Airport
Health NZ says rapid immunity checks are taking place at Auckland Airport.
