Health
Avoiding the bloodsucking bugs: What works to repel them and stop the itch
Summer might bring the buzz and the bites but with the right tricks, you can keep your skin (mostly) unscathed.
School lunch provider cleared of mouldy lunch mix up
The food safety watchdog is recommending better traceability of delivered meals and better management of left over food following an investigation into how mouldy rancid lunches were served to… Audio
How to handle the build up to Christmas
As we hurtle into the so called silly season at break neck speed some of you may feel the wheels are about to fall off. On the family front there can be pressure to deliver the perfect day, cook a… Audio
Toxic algae warning for Selwyn River
Health NZ said people should avoid the area and animals should not be allowed near the river until the health warning was lifted.
The internal journey of the ingested $33,500 locket
A Fabergé pendant swallowed by a man during a heist made global headlines and raised the question how exactly it was "recovered". Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 10 December 2025
Christine Fleming cares for her adult son and was one of the two parents who took the legal action; Advocates for people with endometriosis are calling for a national endometriosis action plan, as new… Audio
Immunologist urges measles vaccination check before holiday travel
A New Zealand-based Tongan immunologist says vigilance around measles spread is particularly important as families prepare to travel over the Christmas period.
Advocates call for national endometriosis action plan
Advocates for people with endometriosis are calling for a national endometriosis action plan, as new research lays bare the cost of the condition. Dr Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith is the study's lead author… Audio
Minister mulls options as carers ruled government employees
Louise Upston has asked for advice after the Supreme Court ruled two people caring for their disabled children were government staff. Audio
New technique leaves heart bypass patients with fewer scars
The traditional way of harvesting a vein to use in the surgery involves a long cut down the leg. Audio
Fewer scars for Waitako heart bypass surgery patients
People needing heart bypass surgery in Waikato are now leaving hospital with fewer scars, thanks to a specially trained nurse team. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports. Audio
Could Australia's 'No Jab, No Pay/No Play' policies work in NZ?
Under Australia's long-standing 'No Jab, No Pay' legislation, parents must have kids immunised to qualify for family tax benefits and subsidised childcare. Audio
Should no jab, no play policy be introduced for NZ children?
Could compulsory childhood immunisation - like Australia's No Jab/ No Play policy - help boost New Zealand's low vaccination coverage? Since the current measles outbreak began 50 days ago, MMR measles… Audio
The internal journey of the ingested Fabergé egg
Dr Cameron Schauer is a gastroenterologist, interventional endoscopist and a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland and he joins Emile Donovan. Audio
Warning given to beachgoers this summer
Multiple water-related tragedies at Auckland beaches have triggered a warning to beachgoers from Surf Livesaving.
Iwi provider of school lunches withdraws from programme
'You can't be providing a service that costs you more than what you're getting in terms of funding", says the iwi.
Akaroa King Salmon products recalled over listeria risk
The recalled salmon products were sold in Christchurch and Dunedin.
Full-time carers' appeal for employee status upheld
Two parents who care full-time for their disabled children are, in fact, employees of the government - and should receive the same benefits and protections. Supreme Court rules.
Is laser eye surgery really all it's cracked up to be?
When filmmaker Dana Conroy's doctor suggested laser eye surgery, or LASIK, to correct her nearsightedness, it seemed like a good idea. With success rates touted near 99% and millions of people getting… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 9 December 2025
A blaze in Tongariro National Park is raging on. While crews are still battling to contain it, the local hapu says they're a lot further ahead than last time; The nurses union says people are waiting… Audio
