Health
Report calls for cross-party focus on wellbeing
A new report is calling for a cross-party focus on wellbeing and says health inequalities have gotten worse over the last 25 years. Former Green Party list MP Kevin Hague spoke to Guyon Espiner. Audio
The town with only one dentist for 10,000 people
A year-long search for a new dentist has attracted little interest as residents are forced to wait up to six weeks for appointments. Audio
Psychologists warn NZers turning to AI due to under-resourced sector
Psychologists warn the trend of using AI for help is a worrying symptom of an in-demand and under-resourced sector. Community psychologist Dr Rebekah Graham spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
California resident tests positive for plague
Officials believed the resident was infected after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the South Lake Tahoe area.
Kiwi kids see marketing for unhealthy products 76 times a day
Media headlines, industry figures and research confirm what many parents suspect: marketing to children has not only grown in scale but also in sophistication.
Tirau locals split over potential introduction of Burger King and Starbucks
Tirau locals are split over whether the arrival of a big burger and coffee brand could kill the village vibe or deliver dozens of jobs and an economic boost. The South Waikato council has appointed… Audio
'Relationship she might not have had': Hayley's AI partner changed her life
Hayley's AI companion is credited with changing her life, but for others they can be used for sex or even convey sinister overtones.
Winter illness forces schools to close across country
Schools are having trouble finding reliever teachers, forcing them to close entirely. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 21st August
In today's episode, a tourism leader is warning New Zealand's being left behind by Australia and is calling on the government to ramp up efforts to bring big events here; New Zealand is facing one of… Audio
Girls drop out of sport at twice the rate of boys by age 14: Study
A new study has found that by age 14 girls are dropping out of sport at twice the rate of boys. Sports psychologist Dom Vettise spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
'Playing with people's lives': The hospital with no overnight doctors
Dargaville Hospital overnight patients are being asked to sign a consent form to confirm they understand there is no doctor on site due to staff shortages. Audio
One in three adults suffer untreated tooth decay - Dental Association
The association wants more water fluoridation, a levy on sugary drinks, and publicly-funded dental care.
Dargaville Hospital patients sign disclaimer as no doctor on site overnight
Patients admitted to Dargaville Hospital overnight are asked to sign a disclaimer confirming they understand there is no doctor on site because of staff shortages. Ruth Hill reports. Audio
Dental Association launches roadmap to better oral health for NZers
New Zealand's oral health is in trouble, with one in three adults suffering from untreated tooth decay. Dental Association president Amanda Johnston spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Is our cervical cancer vaccine rate at risk from Covid scepticism?
Emile Donovan speaks to Professor Bev Lawton ONZM, the founder and director of the National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa, and the 2025 New Zealander of the Year. Audio
Food insecurity: Advocates push for South Auckland community gardens
Community gardens could help bridge the gap for families struggling, one local board chair says.
Stories from Our Changing World: Long term health
Claire Concannon has been investigating New Zealand's youth vaping rates, and what the long-term health impacts might be on our rangitahi. She heads to the Auckland Bioengineering Institute to learn… Audio
Lobbyists pushed policy makers to not raise alcohol tax
Documents the Health Ministry tried to keep secret show alcohol lobbyists pushed policy makers to not raise tax on alcohol, restrict its availability or replace industry sponsorship of sport. Guyon… Audio
Mental health charity targets reluctant gun owners
It's run by a man who gave up farming after losing his licence when he sought help for his own mental health.
What should I eat (and avoid) while breastfeeding?
If you're feeling extra hungry while breastfeeding, there's a good reason for it.
