Health
Pacific dengue cases surge, but don't cancel your holiday yet - health expert
Dr Marc Shaw advises travellers to use insect repellent and light clothing, warning that although dengue fever is serious, it is largely preventable. Audio
The Vagus Nerve and Mental Health
Our vagus nerves help us rest, digest and restore, but is there really a way to reset them to feel better? Audio
Concerns about patient safety with switch to 12-month prescriptions
The government says having to get a new prescription every three months is a waste of time and money.
Billy Joel cancels concerts after brain disorder diagnosis
The 76-year-old 'Piano Man' has been diagnosed with a brain disorder, prompting him to cancel all concerts.
Free health checks in Upper Hutt on Saturday
Thirty healthcare agencies are coming together for a 'Wellness Day' to make healthcare more accessible.
'When did it become okay?': Budget leaves blood cancer patients behind
No new funding for blood cancer medicines in Budget 2025 denies patients acces and causes harm, say patients, advocates and doctors.
Rotorua finally shrugs off polluted air status
For the first time in 20 years, residents can wake up and officially breathe in clean air.
Gisborne GP on Budget 2025
Some people will be able to get a 12 month long prescription instead of the current three month maximum under changes announced in the budget. The health minister said it will cut costs for patients… Audio
'Some have died': WADA condemns performance drug permissive Enhanced Games
The organisers of the 2026 competition say it will unlock a new level of "superhuman" while the World Anti-Doping Agency says the spectacle sacrifices athlete health for entertainment. Audio
Is the health system taking a hit in the 2025 Budget?
Some question whether the funding will keep up with rising costs.
How to conquer your inner critic
Many of us suffer from Imposter Syndrome, when the inner critic in us doesn't think we are good enough. Even former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern spoke about it in her speech at Yale this week… Audio
Shock headlines on suicide rates not what they seem
A global report ranks New Zealand as the worst for youth suicide rates, but researchers say the numbers are wrong.
Kicking my caffeine habit
![[England] Specialist coffee shop. A person working at a large coffee machine, with three percolating containers, handles and a pipe sending out steam. (Photo by Mint Images / Mint Images / Mint Images via AFP)](https://media.rnztools.nz/rnz/image/upload/s--UGjSONdd--/ar_16:10,c_fill,f_auto,g_auto,q_auto,w_288/v1746164377/4K80WA1_AFP__20160914__23218__v1__HighRes__SpecialistCoffeeShopAPersonWorkingAtALargeCoffeeM_jpg?_a=BACCd2AD)
This isn't a national call to quit caffeine. It's just a story about a girl who stopped to see how it would feel.
GPs dissapointed over lack of funding in Budget
Disappointed GPs say the lack of cash for them in the Budget may mean patient fees will have to rise, while the senior doctors union has dubbed it "the departure lounge budget". Ruth Hill reports. Audio
Misleading figures on New Zealand youth suicide rates
A global report ranking New Zealand as the worst for youth suicide rates grabbed headlines. But two researchers say the numbers are wrong. Audio
How much of the Budget will go to Nelson Hospital redevelopment?
Two buildings will be refurbished while a whole new building will be built.
Doctors can prescribe medication for 12 months from next year
For people with long-term health conditions - like asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure - renewing a prescription will get easier and cheaper. From next year doctors can prescribe medication for… Audio
Govt claws back savings from pay equity, Kiwisaver in Budget
In its budget the coalition's clawed back money from three main areas - Pay equity, Kiwisaver and Best Start payments. The bulk of the 5.3 billion dollars saved - in fact about half of it - has come… Audio
No Budget surprises in health, some prescriptions to go annual
For the health sector it's largely a 'no surprises' Budget, with all the big-ticket having already been announced.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 22 May 2025
In today's episode, we speak with ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley about what to expect in Budget 2025. We cross to Wellington issues reporter Nick James about a major Wellington City Council meeting… Audio
