Health
Calls for investigation into asbestos contaminated play sand
As schools and homes continue to dispose of asbestos contaminated play sand - the government is being urged to investigate how this happened. Chris Peace, a Senior Lecturer in Workplace Health and… Audio
Home pregnancy, Covid tests may be as accurate as flipping a coin
Pharmac can fund tests for use even when they have not been approved as safe and reliable by Medsafe - something that needs to change, a new study says.
New index challenges common beliefs about drug use and harm in NZ
A common proxy for judging a drug's harm is the extent to which it is linked to dependency.
The Panel with Ali Mau and Mark Knoff-Thomas, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Mau and Mark Knoff-Thomas. First up, the government is hitting pause on puberty blockers, saying the medication is unproven and… Audio
Government move to halt prescriptions for puberty blockers
A move to protect children or state sanctioned harm? The government's upcoming halt on new prescriptions for puberty blockers has provoked strong feelings on both sides of the debate: supporters say… Audio
Kmart sells nearly 70k units of potentially asbestos laced sand
It has been revealed Kmart has sold tens of thousands of potentially asbestos laced children's play things. The retail giant confirmed it has sold 67,000 units of coloured children's sand that are now… Audio
Govt on track to double amount of clinical psychologists: Minister
Minister Matt Doocey said the frontline workforce had grown by about 10 percent over the past year.
Govt's puberty blockers move attracts strong reactions
Cabinet has signed off on plans to halt new prescriptions for puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria, pending the results of a major clinical trial in the United Kingdom, expected in…
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 20 November 2025
The coalition government has announced a ban on new patients accessing gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues - also known as puberty blockers - from next month; Anti-stalking campaigners are… Audio
Ultra Processed Food - what should we be eating instead?
Yesterday on the show we started a conversation with Professor Boyd Swinburn about ultra processed foods, and new research he has been part of that shows just how damaging these foods are. Lots of you… Audio
Should I kick my diet soft-drink habit? Where do I start?
Here are three evidence-based strategies to help you adjust.
40-year study into water fluoridation released in United States
A major study into water fluoridation in the U.S has been published. The study looks at the cognitive effect of fluoridation and looks at data over 40 years. Professor of Sociology at the University… Audio
Government blocks puberty blockers for new patients
The coalition government has announced a ban on new patients accessing gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues - also known as puberty blockers - from next month. Professional Association for… Audio
'Snowed under': Asbestos companies working night and day on sand concerns
An asbestos removal company boss says he's been flooded with calls from emotional parents and schools wanting help. Audio
New Zealand pushes pause on puberty blockers pending UK trial
Green Party MP Ricardo Menéndez March says the government is "buying into imported culture wars" .
'Absolutely ludicrous': Costello defends plunge in tobacco ranking
New Zealand has gone from second in the world to 53rd in a major tobacco control index. Audio
20yo runs from Auckland to Wellington to support men's health
A 20 year-old from Kapiti is travelling on foot from Auckland to Wellington, clocking 50-plus kilometres a day to support men's mental health. Emma Upton spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
AI tool rolled out in emergency departments
While some clinicians are heralding the technology as "the way of the future", others say more evaluation is needed. Audio
NZ unlikely to meet smoke free target, despite numbers dropping
Smoking is on the decline in New Zealand, but the Ministry of Health's most recent health survey shows the Government is unlikely to meet its SmokeFree 2025 target. Associate health minister Casey… Audio
Auckland Council opens kids play sand drop-off centre
Auckland Council has opened up a drop-off site for kids' coloured play sand, over a nationwide recall. Morecroft Asbestos Removal's Jason Catterall spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
