Health
Should NZ ban deals on junk food?
Buy one get one free, multi deals for junk or unhealthy food and free refills for fizz are now banned in England. The range of foods included is vast, from potato chips, pre package pizza and… Audio
New Pharmac boss' prescription for change
The country's drug buying agency, Pharmac, has a new leader after months without a chief executive. Audio
Biggest strike since the 1980s looms, union says
More than 11,500 physiotherapists, social workers and health assistants have voted to strike on 23 October. Audio
New freezer on the way after 'incredible' breast milk response
Some donors for a new breast milk bank had to be put on hold due to a lack of storage space in its first few weeks.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 2 October 2025
In today's episode, more than 11,500 allied health workers have voted to strike for 24 hours as part of a mega strike later this month; Meridian Energy says the government's long-awaited energy… Audio
Rural Health roadshow travels the country
The government is touring the country as part of a Rural Health roadshow, aimed at hearing directly from communities about their healthcare needs. Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey spoke to Corin… Audio
Foul environmental odours impact health: Report
A new report says foul environmental odours are common in New Zealand, and they can make people sick. Lead author Dr Jonathan Jarman spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
More than 11,500 allied health workers vote to strike
More than 11,500 allied health workers have voted to strike for 24 hours as part of a mega strike later this month. PSA delegate and mental health social worker Andy Colwell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
New Pharmac leader on stepping into the role
The country's drug buying agency, Pharmac, has a new leader. Natalie McMurtry spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
UK Peer to pay huge fine over PPE contract
A Conservative peer has been fined over breaching a covid PPE contract - Henry Riley has the story from London. Audio
Foul stench from sewage, meatworks can make people sick, agency says
The public health research agency says regulators are not doing enough about environmental odour pollution.
Thames Hospital nurses picket over understaffing, workload
Nurses say they continue to face under resourcing within the wards, ED and among the district nursing team. Audio
Which lab tested your sunscreen?
Consumer New Zealand say price is no indication of the effectiveness of sunscreens. Audio
Multiple sunscreen brands slapped with a recall in Australia
Almost two dozen sunscreens in Australia have been recalled, paused or are under review because of concerns over their SPF ratings. Some of them are available in New Zealand or can be bought online… Audio
Feature interview: Why you don't have to live with chronic pain
Chronic pain is one of medicine's oldest puzzles and most stubborn problems. About one in five people worldwide live with it, and don't really know why. Dr. Sanjay Gupta says it doesn't have to be… Audio
More mental health patients accessing timely care
But Minister Matt Doocey acknowledges there are discrepancies across regions and more work needs to be done.
Could NZ get a nasal spray flu vaccine?
An immunisation expert hopes New Zealand will soon get a nasal spray flu vaccine, like the UK already has and Australia is rolling out soon. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 1 October 2025
In today's episode, the government has announced its plan in response to the challenges facing the energy market; The Ministry of Health's flu tracker shows the number New Zealanders reporting both… Audio
Could a nasal vaccine help ease the burden of the flu?
The Ministry of Health's flu tracker shows the number New Zealanders reporting both fever and cough symptoms is currently higher than at the same time in the last four years. So could a nasal spray… Audio
Quarterly data for govt's mental health targets released
The latest quarterly data for the government's mental health targets is out on Wednesday, showing improvements in patients accessing timely primary or specialist mental health and addiction services… Audio
