Health
Product safety rules for toys not fit for purpose - Consumer NZ
Product safety rules for kids toys and craft materials are not fit for purpose, with the rise in giant e-commerce retailers according to Consumer NZ. The safety of children's play things is centre… Audio
200kg of signatures: Petition to fix 'broken' health system presented to Parliament
Organisers says it is New Zealand's longest petition ever.
Wellington Hospital to get new 'hybrid' operating theatre
It allows for both traditional surgery and the use of imaging technology - meaning teams can complete complex procedures in one place.
Parents and staff concerned over asbestos contamination
An increasing number of schools and early childhood centres are closing due to potential exposure to asbestos, which has been found in types of educational play sand. Dr Terri-Ann Berry, board chair… Audio
Potential contamination closes dozens of schools
Parents who have the potentially contaminated asbestos sand in their homes want more guidelines as to how to manage the substance. Mother Janelle Hill spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Refuge organisations shocked at increase in women needing to escape abuse
Family violence service provider Shine says it has seen a 58 percent increase in women needing to use their refuges over the past financial year. Audio
Bench top manufacturer calls out use of potentially deadly engineered stone
About 1000 workers are thought to have been been exposed to high concentrations of respirable crystalline-silica dust while working with engineered stone slabs during the past 15 years.
The Panel with Jennie Moreton and Rajorshi Chakraborti, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Jennie Moreton and Rajorshi Chakraborti. First up, schools are shut and inspectors are carrying out urgent assessments across the motu… Audio
Schools close as more types of play sand test positive for asbestos
The findings expand an already significant recall that began last week, when rainbow sand products used widely in schools were found to be contaminated. Audio
IT system a 'constant risk' to patient safety, says union
Health NZ chief information technology officer Darren Douglass said performance problems arose in March. Audio
Childcare centres close over asbestos contaminated sand
More than 20 schools and childcare centres have closed, or plan to close, due to concerns about asbestos in contaminated coloured play sand that is sold in K-mart and a number of other stores. The… Audio
Rising threshold for police help in mental health callouts
The police are introducing higher thresholds for responding to calls from mental health workers to help deal with unwell patients or those who abscond.
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 17 November 2025
Police are still searching the scene of a fatal house fire in Sanson following the death of three children and their father; There is concern the potential cost to early childhood centres to remove… Audio
Labour selects doctor to take on Shane Reti
A high-profile emergency doctor has been selected to stand for the Labour Party against former Health Minister Dr Shane Reti.
Concern over cost of asbestos cleans in childcare centres
There is concern the potential cost to early childhood centres to remove and dispose of asbestos could be prohibitive. Simon Laube, Chief Executive of the Early Childhood Council spoke to Charlotte… Audio
Shock as ACC turns to AI to help decide who gets help
"It's all about 'how can we ramp up exits, how can we get more people coming off the scheme," says an ACC advocate Audio
Two antibiotic-resistant superbugs found at Christchurch Hospital
The infections have been difficult to treat because they don't not respond to medicines, Health NZ says.
Meta shuts down disability advocate's Facebook page
The social media giant told Blake Forbes he breached its "community standards" but he suspects he was targeted for activism. Audio
How Kiwi kids are becoming the new face of 'adult' diabetes
Type 1 diabetes used to be called 'juvenile diabetes', and Type 2 affected adults. But that's no longer the case, and the number of kids with Type 2 in New Zealand is rising.
How Kiwi kids are becoming the new face of 'adult' diabetes
Type 1 diabetes used to be called 'juvenile diabetes', and type 2 affected adults. But that's no longer the case, and the number of kids with type 2 in New Zealand is rising. Audio
