Health
Dr Stephen Best: Restoring sight for all
Ophthalmologist Stephen Best can work modern-day miracles. For the past 25 years, the glaucoma specialist has removed cataracts, prevented blindness, and restored sight to hundreds, if not thousands… Audio
Defence's hazardous substances audit underway after years of stalling
The Ministry of Defence has begun auditing its handling of hazardous materials such as rocket fuel and tonnes of old ammunition.
Boris Heifets: Hope as a powerful placebo
Ketamine - an anaesthetic drug primarily developed as a horse tranquiliser - is also known to be a powerful psychedelic. Audio
Charity event in Auckland raise funds for autistic children
Charity event in South Auckland raise funds for autistic children. Audio
Health NZ chairperson resigns after less than a year in position
Dame Karen Poutasi has resigned after just over nine months in the job.
School attendance stats held back by sickness
Just over half of students regularly attended school in term four last year, up on the same term in 2022.
Auckland dentist continued practising despite suspension, clients claim
Authorities are continuing to investigate Dr Jacob Goldenberg of Total Health Dentistry after receiving dozens of complaints against him.
Pharmac inks deal for new cancer, HIV and COPD drugs
About 30,000 New Zealanders with ovarian cancer, lung disease, HIV and other conditions will get access to new medicines.
Hugging your way into feeling better and fighting depression
A hug can boost your health, even if you're hugging a robot. That's according to Dutch and German researchers. Jacqui Maguire is a clinical psychologist and a big fan of hugging. She talks to Jesse. Audio
Pseudoephedrine to be on shelves in time for winter
Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines, and pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. Associate Health Minister David Seymour spoke to… Audio
Pseudoephedrine could be back on the shelves by winter
Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing the medicine.
People turning up drunk at EDs increasingly older - study
The proportion of young people turning up drunk in emergency departments dropped from one in three in 2013 to under one in five in 2022. Audio
One in ten hospital admissions alcohol related: Study
A new study shows a spike in people aged 25 to 54 needing hospital level care for alcohol issues, rising by a third over a decade. Morning Report producer Tessa Guest reports. Audio
Ministry of Health 'taking the time to get it right' on puberty blockers
The hormone drugs are under increasing scrutiny internationally, with Britain's National Health Service last month banning their routine use outside of clinical trials.
Equitable access to childhood immunisations must be ensured
As we look towards the peak season for respiratory viruses, the announcement of new RSV immunisation programmes for children in a number of Australian states is welcome news, researchers say.
Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy effective?
There are many different approaches used by therapists, but Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of the the most studied fields. Gini McIntosh is a Clinical Psychologist, she speaks to Jesse. Audio
As Britain bans routine use of puberty blockers, will NZ follow suit?
Puberty blockers, often given to young transgender people, are being restricted overseas due to issues around effectiveness and safety.
Govt won’t say if it will follow UK move on puberty blocker use
The Health Ministry is refusing to say if it's considering following Britain's move to ban the routine use of puberty blockers for transgender children and teenagers. Ruth Hill reports. Audio
Lawmakers worry tobacco companies will outsmart ban
Lawmakers are worried tobacco companies will outsmart the government's looming ban on disposable vapes. The ban is set to come into force by the end of the year - along with new retailer restrictions… Audio
Heading Off: DOC non-great walks opened up for booking
Bookings have been opening for the next season of DoC walks - great and otherwise. To talk about some of these lesser-know gems is Department of Conservation heritage and visitors director Cat Wilson… Audio