Health
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
Govt would be 'foolish' not to fund Alzheimers support
The Aged Care Association is calling on the government to temporarily fund Alzheimers Otago, which is on the brink of collapse.
GP owners fear healthcare heading for duopoly like supermarket sector
Two large corporate healthcare providers have received approval from Health NZ to set up their own primary health organisations.
5 types of 'wellness woo' that borrow from mainstream medicine
Botox injections and vitamin drips are two of the legitimate medical therapies that have crossed into the weird borderland between health and wellness.
Wellington College case brings measles tally to 19
The latest case was infectious while catching Wellington school buses, and travelling through Wellington and Auckland airports. Audio
Asbestos found in Kmart Magic Sand as nationwide recall expands
Four Kmart products have tested positive for asbestos, prompting urgent warnings for parents, schools and early learning centres. Audio
Increasing pharmacist prescribers will free up GPs' time, pharmacist says
The chair of the Independent Pharmacy Group says it is unlikely pharmacists will be ready to start prescribing medicines from the moment a new law comes into effect. Audio
Research says workout intensity more effective than length
New research out of Australia has shown that working out harder could be far more effective than working out longer. Exercise New Zealand chief executive Richard Beddie spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
New rules will allow pharmacists prescribe some medicines
From February next year community pharmacists will be able prescribe some medicines, rather than having to go to your GP. Owner of Clive's Chemist in Wanuiomata and Chair of the Independent Pharmacy… Audio
Child obesity on the rise in the Pacific
Child and adolescent obesity is soaring in the Pacific and there is no quick fix, according to an eminent Pacific health leader. Audio
Codeine stocks in short supply
Stocks of the prescription-only painkiller codeine are in short supply due to shipping delays.
A new initiative bringing check-ups into the office
Health15, a new workplace initiative developed by some of the country's leading health charities, will provide thousands of workers with 15-minute on-site workplace health and wellbeing checks The… Audio
