Health
Workers injured by chemical at Taumarunui transfer station
An unknown chemical sent for recycling has injured two workers and forced the facility's closure.
'Zero sense': Health agency faces loss of 21 roles by April 2026
The staff cuts will see reductions to emergency management, pandemic preparedness and Māori health. Audio
US advisers scrap hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for most children
Disease experts say the move will reverse decades of public health gains.
Luxon, Waikato Uni break ground on third NZ medical school
Despite years of challenge from political parties and established schools, the construction of the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine was marked off with a groundbreaking ceremony. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 5 December 2025
Between the FIFA World Cup Draw, a spicy A-league derby, and the final battle for the Formula 1 drivers championship - it's a huge weekend of sport; The E tu union has notified Air New Zealand of a… Audio
How can we ensure our kids are safe playing sport?
We're all aware of the benefits of children playing sport; learning to work as part of a team, increasing fitness, developing self-confidence, the list goes on. But these benefits can only be realised… Audio
The 'groundbreaking' drones delivering medicine
A drone successfully delivered medical supplies to Bay of Plenty's Matakana Island during a simulated emergency as part of a healthcare trial. Audio
GP worries crowded housing will add to measles spread in Auckland
An Auckland doctor says the tight living conditions of some families makes them more vulnerable to the spread of the virus, and at higher risk for children to develop complications. Audio
Vaccination efforts ramp up as measles cases rise
Sausage sizzles and family days are among the many creative ways health providers are spreading awareness of the risk of measles and getting people vaccinated amidst the current outbreak. RNZ's Lucy… Audio
Changes to rules for retirement villages
The Government's changing the rules for retirement villages including introducing an independent disputes scheme, and ensuring former residents will be repaid within 12 months. Age Concern's Chief… Audio
Companies making ultra processed food sued in the US
San Francisco is suing the makers of ultra processed food or UPFs, arguing local government is picking up the bill for the serious health consequences from their products; including conditions like… Audio
Boil water notice issued for Paihia, Ōpua and Waitangi
People in three Far North towns have been warned to boil their tap water before drinking or cooking with it.
Process to register stillbirths to be changed
The minister for mental health is looking into changing the process of registering a stillbirth for grieving parents.
Concern new measles wave spreading undetected
"We should be really worried," the head of the Immunisation Taskforce says. Audio
Jump in number of measles cases
There's been a jump in the number of measles cases with five confirmed yesterday. Health New Zealand's Dr Matthew Reid spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
$283k to look into bullying claims at Starship Hospital
RNZ first reported on years-long ructions at the unit that treats abused children, Te Puaruruhau, in October.
Minister open to another alcohol levy hike
Last year, the government raised the levy from $11.5 million to $16.6m a year.
The four big targets the government may miss
We look at the government's nine key goals and see what it's achieved so far.
Prevalence of burnout of NZ Pacific people 'alarming' - study
A new study reveals an alarming prevalence of burnout among New Zealand-born Pacific peoples, highlighting urgent cultural and structural challenges impacting well-being. Audio
