Health
Morning Report Essentials for Friday 5th September 2025
In today's episode, Defence Minister Judith Collins says New Zealand's support for Ukraine remains "steadfast"; The Health Minister has written to Health New Zealand and the senior doctors' union… Audio
Authorities recommend doing 'absolute minimum' to fix Auckland hospital
Documents show the decision could lead to critical assets failing, resulting in patient harm.
New Zealand's obesity crisis and the high price of thin
Those who can afford it are getting thin by needle, but new weight loss drugs bring with them unanswered questions. Video
Cost deterring people from getting vital flu vaccine - pharmacist
Despite the worst of the flu season having already passed, cases are still appearing, especially among children and the elderly, she says. Audio
US senators pit Kennedy against Trump on vaccine policy
Democrats and Republicans have pushed US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy's Jr on his recent vaccine policies.
Neighbours of mouldy house in Wellington have had enough
People living near an abandoned, mouldy house in Wellington, have had enough of the rotting building and aren't convinced about the owner's promise to tear it down. Nick James reports. Audio
Minister calls for Health NZ and Union to enter arbitration
The Health Minister has written to Health New Zealand and the senior doctors' union calling on them to urgently enter binding arbitration. Health Minister Simeon Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Cost of flu vaccine putting families off: Pharmacist
While you may think the worst of the flu season has passed, there are still cases going around. Unichem Pakuranga's Vicky Chan spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
The cost to society of weight loss drugs
Those who can afford it are getting thin by needle, but new weight loss drugs bring with them unanswered questions. Audio
Serious stress fractures in the health system
Nurses are off the job again today; the second strike this week over pay negotiations. Meanwhile the Health Minister is trying to broker a solution to the stand-off between Te Whatu Ora and senior… Audio
Calls to protect students against dodgy landlords
Sick, disgusting and harassed, that's how a student's described her months living in North Dunedin flat, constantly monitored by a landlord who owns multiple properties. The student's still fighting… Audio
At risk teens return from expedition to build confidence
Tired but happy - a group of at-risk teens have returned from a three-day expedition in Canterbury's outdoors. The trip took thirteen 12-15-year-olds referred by Oranga Tamariki and police hiking… Audio
Health minister demands union and Health NZ go to arbitration
Health NZ has agreed to binding arbitration to resolve its protracted contract dispute with senior doctors - but the union has yet to commit.
Health minister and union disagree over nurses pay
The Health Minister has said the average earnings of a registered nurse are $125,000 a year, but the union claims his maths doesn't add up. More than 35,000 nurses have walked off the job for the… Audio
Nail polish ingredient banned in Europe - will NZ follow?
Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO has been linked to infertility in animal studies.
Health Minister sees 'little prospect' of Health NZ and doctors ending dispute alone
Simeon Brown has asked them to "urgently agree" to binding arbitration to end their long-running contract dispute.
Pharmacist's stolen image used in 'dangerous' deepfake adverts for weight loss drug
Mary Baker's photo was doctored to make it appear she had lost a dramatic amount of weight thanks to an unapproved medicine.
Student who went to school rugby tournament now in hospital with meningitis
The Christchurch high school student had been at the competition in Dunedin.
Doctors fear law change would gag healthworkers from speaking out
But Health Minister Simeon Brown insists the bill does not restrict workers from raising safety concerns.
Florida plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including for schools
The state's surgeon general is comparing vaccine requirements to "slavery".
