Health
Seymour's plan for tipping millions of dollars into Pharmac - and Big Pharma
The Act Party minister is plotting a huge expansion of the state-run drug buying agency, despite being a proponent of small government. Audio
What you need to know about a surge in influenza A
Otherwise fit and healthy people have been hospitalised or died from influenza A this year. So what is it and why is it so bad?
David Seymour hopes for major Pharmac reform
Pharmac will get no more money in next year's budget unless David Seymour can deliver a major reform of the drug buying agency. Audio
New blood needed now
Plasma is labelled liquid gold, but it's worth more than that Audio
New postgraduate dentistry course hopes to improve dental care access
The University of Otago's new Adult Restorative Dental Care certificate will allow oral health therapists to give fillings.
Wairarapa Hospital short-staffed by 40 nurses
One experienced nurse has told RNZ recent demand has "brought staff to their knees".
What is "sleep divorce" and could it save your relationship?
'Sleep Divorce' is a growing trend around the world. Sleep psychologist Dan Ford shares the pros and cons of sleeping separately. Audio
Former chemical plant still potential to cause contamination
The operator says it could also affect human health and the environment.
Watchdogs press Oranga Tamariki on plans to cut children's service contracts
Two child protection watchdogs have written to Oranga Tamariki asking it to spell out its rationale for cutting millions of dollars of contracts for services to children.
Study reveals 'heartbreaking' stories from parents of children with autism
Social stigma and a lack of formal support is physically and mentally affecting parents' wellbeing regardless of their personal circumstances, a New Zealand study has found.
Relief on the way for Northland's dire health staffing, minister says
A visit to Northland for Shane Reti came against the backdrop of a staffing crisis in the region's rural hospitals.
Africa CDC likely to declare mpox public health emergency next week
Reported cases in Africa had risen by 79 percent from 2022-2023 and by 160 percent from 2023-24, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says.
The Panel with Mike Williams & Heather Roy (Part 2)
Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman and panellists Mike Williams & Heather Roy discuss: how the word "Weird" came to dominate US political debate, your car names, and United Against Cancer's latest… Audio
Drinking water ban lifted in Tokomaru
The drinking water ban in the Horowhenua township of Tokomaru has been lifted, three days after lead was detected in the water supply.
Westport's hospital closes again
The closure will be the hospital's third in a month, the seventh this year, and the 11th since Westport's new $21 million health centre opened in May last year.
Prisoners waiting up to three months to see healthcare professional
Inmates need to receive appropriate healthcare if they are to be released into society at a low risk of reoffending, a lawyer says. Audio
Pauline Hanna's mental health a focus in Polkinghorne trial
The mental health of an Auckland woman - allegedly murdered by her husband - was the focus of the cross-examination of her brother and a colleague in the High Court on Thursday. Philip Polkinghorne… Audio
Lengthy waits for surgery keep ballooning
Patients are facing months of wait-time for elective surgeries, while others are choosing the private route and spending thousands for timely treatment. Audio
Ministry of Education has 'moral duty' over asbestos removal: Report
A newly released report says the Education Ministry has a 'moral' duty to intervene over asbestos contamination in the face of schoolchildren drawing on damaged asbestos panels. Phil Pennington spoke… Audio
Data shows thousands waiting months for specialist appoints
Some patients are opting to pay for elective surgeries rather than wait months to go through the public system. Kate Green reports. Audio