Health
New mental health ward opens in Palmerston North
More than 11 years after the deaths of two patients at Palmerston North Hospital's mental health ward triggered damning reviews into the facility, a replacement has been opened. But the families of… Audio
Everything you need to know about measles
Explainer: Confirmation of a measles case in Auckland has put health authorities on high alert in case of another deadly outbreak.
Medical funding will make a difference to people's lives: Union
Health Minister Simeon Brown said a $65 million funding boost for scans, colonoscopies and other diagnostic tests will mean faster treatment for patients. Audio
Costs and eroding trust leading to decline in vaccinations: Report
The paper examined the reasons behind a widespread decline in childhood vaccinations for a range of diseases over the past five years.
$65m boost to cut wait times for key medical tests
Health Minister Simeon Brown says a $65million funding boost for scans, colonoscopies and other diagnostic tests will mean faster treatment for patients. APEX Union's national secretary, Dr Deborah… Audio
A glimmer of hope for families living with Huntington’s
A glimmer of hope has emerged for families carrying the gene for Huntington's Disease. It's very personal for RNZ Political Reporter Lillian Hanly, who spoke to Alexa Cook. Audio
Bloomfield recalls NZ experience at Scottish Covid inquiry
As well as providing written reports, he answered questions bout the pandemic response for about six hours, with the aim of providing a foreign perspective.
Danish PM apologises to victims of Greenland forced contraception
Between the late 1960s and 1992, authorities aimed to reduce the Inuit birth rate by forcing around 4500 women to wear a IUD without their consent.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 25th September 2025
In today's episode, Health Minister Simeon Brown says new funding for Health New Zealand will expand access and reduce wait times; There's déjà vu on the streets of New York as New Zealand's foreign… Audio
'Just fluff and diversion': Ex-health boss sceptical of minister's plan
Simeon Brown says the money comes from savings in other areas and a pool set aside by the government. Audio
'Same water': Taranaki residents push back on boil water notice
The council says the water supply carries risk of contamination, but residents say the water quality hasn't changed. Audio
Science with Ezzy Pearson
Science correspondent Ezzy Pearson on alien life, the toll of ultra-long-distance running, and what our four-legged friends can teach us about ageing. Audio
'Too wearying': Psychiatrist to work 56 hours this week, despite two-day strike
Jeremy McMinn says the situation is dire and when he returns to work on Thursday, he will be working for a 48-hour stretch covering three other missing doctors.
Schools still dealing with vapers months into reforms
A researcher studying the long-term health effects is calling for vapes to be made prescription only.
Alcohol increases risk of dementia later in life, study finds
The new study looked at data from nearly 560,000 people who participated.
Three months on from disposable vape ban students caught vaping
Three months since disposable vapes were banned from shelves some schools say they're still grappling with students vaping and a researcher studying the long-term health effects is calling for vapes… Audio
Is self-care making us selfish?
Self-care used to mean face masks, spa days and meditation apps. Now self-care is drifting into hyper-individualism that champions strict boundaries to 'protect your peace' says New York Times writer… Audio
Health risks of gas stoves
A report set to be released by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority has connected hundreds of annual deaths with pollution from gas stoves. Dr Lucy Telfar-Barnard, senior research fellow… Audio
500 New Zealanders a week develop dementia, study finds
Three New Zealanders are developing dementia every hour, according to alarming new research from Auckland University.
Melatonin overdose calls surge in Australia
One popular online retailer recently suspended sales of melatonin to Australia, after reports of a jump in calls to the WA Poisons Information Centre about children taking melatonin.
