Health
Part-time retail worker on sick leave law changes
The government's ditching the Holidays act and replacing it with the Employment Leave Act. After 6 months on the job all workers generally qualify for ten sick days a year .. regardless of whether… Audio
Thousands of doctors walk off the job in 48 hour strike
6000 senior doctors and dentists have today walked off the job, in a 48-hour strike that began at midnight. Union members are taking part in protests across the motu as drawn-out collective agreement… Audio
Cancer patients waiting too long for stem cell transplants
Some blood cancer patients are a facing a terminal disease prognisis after waiting so long for stem cell transplants their cancer is no longer curable. Piece meal funding and a lack of committment… 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
Coroner apologises to family over delays in 2021 hospital death case
Health NZ has been ordered to rewrite a report into the death, outlining what happened and what changes have resulted.
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
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 Niels 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".
