Health
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 18 February 2026
New cancer meds are in the offing as Pharmac ups access to leukemia drugs: Minister David Seymour on the impact of this and how belives it refects a cultural shift: patitent advocates going from… Audio
Pharmac proposing two new therapies for adults with leukemia
Pharmac is proposing two new combination therapies for people with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Associate Health Minister David Seymour spoke to Guyon Espiner. Audio
Ear infections prevalent among children in PNG
The first ever study to estimate the prevalence of otitis media (OM) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has revealed some of the world's highest rates of childhood middle ear disease. Audio
Doctors, nurses plagued by IT issues
"It's all very well to have plans, intentions and work-around but when this is a daily issue it becomes very difficult, demoralising and dangerous."
Westport dental clinic hunting for dentist for over a year
A Westport dental clinic is struggling as it faces a major shortage. Wait times at the town's only adult dental practice are weeks long as the hunt for a second full time dentist drags on. Kawatiri… Audio
Pharmacists accept Health NZ pay offer
The agreement covers pay and conditions for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians.
Why are Olympic athletes at high risk for eating disorders?
Several Olympic figure skaters have spoken publicly of their eating disorders in recent years.
Could cancer actually protect against Alzheimer’s disease?
For decades, researchers have noted that Alzheimer's disease and cancer rarely occur in the same person, sparking speculation that one may protect against the other Now, scientists have identified a… Audio
Australia moves to make health star ratings on food mandatory
Australia is moving to make health star ratings on food mandatory, after more than a decade of the labels being optional. Professor of Population Nutrition at the University of Auckland, Cliona Ni… Audio
Dr Hinemoa Elder: We need more mental health care in NZ
The psychiatrist, author and former TV presenter says in these "extremely trying times" we have never needed more resources.
Boil water notice lifted in Christchurch
More than 14,000 households in the city's east were under the boil water notice, which has now been lifted.
'His legs were like jelly' - man hospitalised for huffing nangs
Fifteen months after being hospitalised for huffing nitrous oxide, a builder still can't work, and his mother says tougher regulation around nangs are needed.
'It's a fairly big problem': Plastic surgeon treating dog attack victims regularly
Dr Emily Yassaie told Checkpoint Aotearoa needs to reviews animal control laws and consider mandatory reporting of bites and dog related injuries Audio
Benefits of intermittent fasting 'fail to match the hype', major review finds
Researchers found little to no improvement in weight loss for people who were overweight or obese compared with having regular dietary advice or doing nothing at all.
Prisoner with burst appendix not taken to hospital for six days
A prisoner with a burst appendix was told it was a stomach bug, and waited six days to be admitted to hospital for surgery.
Mother's struggles with immunocompromised daughter amid boil water notice
A public health alert told many Christchurch residents that all water, including filtered water, needed to be continuously boiled for at least one minute. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 16 February
This morning we spoke to the Prime Minister after he confirmed Eden Park will host a State of Origin match next year. We also spoke to Sir Graham Lowe about the announcement; The Vaping Industry… Audio
Medical concerns amid Christchurch tap water warning
Christchurch's contaminated tap water has become a nightmare for the mum of an immunocompromised daughter. Kalah Blair spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Calls for vaping shop loophole to be closed
The Vaping Industry Association says a loophole that lets vape shops set up within dairies and petrol stations should be closed. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Ultra-proccessed foods are out and fat is in - but do we take it all with a grain of salt?
It's not so much what's in the recommendations as how they were put together that's concerning some in the medical and nutrition worlds
