Health
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
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 13 November 2025
A new bowel cancer report shows people under 50 are more likely to be diagnosed in the more serious stages of the disease than older people; Schools, kindergartens and other early learning places are… Audio
No quick fix for soaring child obesity in Polynesia - health leader
The most obese 5-19-year-olds globally live in three Pacific Island nations, a UNICEF report found.
Prescription changes - but will it be good for our health?
From 2026 prescriptions are changing from three months to twelve months. The rule change means that patients on some long-term medications won't have to return to the GP every 12 weeks as they do… Audio
Industry body calls for more dentists to meet public needs
The New Zealand Dental Association is calling for more dentist trainees to ensure people can see a dentist as and when they need to. Its director of dental policy, Dr Robin Whyman spoke to Charlotte… Audio
Education centres on alert following product asbestos alert
Schools, kindergartens and other early learning places are on alert after an arts and craft product were found to contain asbestos. Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment product safety… Audio
Survey reveals lack of bowel cancer symptom awareness
A new bowel cancer report shows people under 50 are more likely to be diagnosed in the more serious stages of the disease than older people. Bowel Cancer NZ chief executive, Peter Huskinson spoke to… Audio
Calls for promises to be kept, one year after abuse in care apology
At last November's apology, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told survivors that a new independent redress scheme would be established. Audio
Private cancer patients to get publicly-funded medicine
This "transitional access" has been criticised by opposition politicians as "a subsidy for private insurers".
Mike King steps down as chief of I Am Hope charity
The outspoken founder of the mental health charity says it's time for the organisation to have a new voice and a new vision to take it forward.
NZ plummets 50 places in global tobacco control ranking
An anti-vaping group calls the ranking an "international disgrace". Audio
NZ named world’s most deteriorated for tobacco
New Zealand has been named the "most deteriorated" country in an international study assessing the interference of the tobacco industry on policy making. Vape-Free Kids co-founder Charyl Robinson… Audio
Advocacy group calls for drug law reform, government says no
Researchers, advocates and those who've struggled with addiction are renewing appeals for a complete overhaul of the 50-year-old Misuse of Drugs Act. Audio
