Latest Health Headlines
New Zealand Blood Service Needs New Blood - Call Out To Gen Z To Activate Their Superpower And Start Saving Lives
Monday, 9 June 2025, 12:11 pm | New Zealand Blood Service
New Zealand currently has just over 130,000 blood and plasma donors – less than 4% of the eligible population. More >>
What's Protein, Why Do We Need It, And How Do You Get More?
Saturday, 7 June 2025, 5:02 pm | RNZ
An expert explains the secret power of protein. More >>
New Breast Screening Campaign Launched To Empower Pacific Women
Friday, 6 June 2025, 2:41 pm | BreastScreen Aotearoa
Pacific screening rates remain below the national average. As of April 2025, the national screening target for eligible women stands at 70 per cent, but for Pacific women, coverage is only 68 per cent nationally, and even lower in some regions. More >>
Oceania Opens New Dementia Care Centre At Meadowbank Village
Friday, 6 June 2025, 9:49 am | Oceania
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday 4 June to mark the occasion, attended by The Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson, along with prospective residents, their families, and Oceania staff. More >>
S.L.U.T.S Might Be The Answer To Ending Syphilis Outbreak
Thursday, 5 June 2025, 8:10 pm | Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
“We hope that by flipping a sex-shaming term on its head, we can celebrate these people as heroes for taking responsibility for combatting our syphilis outbreak,” says Burnett Foundation Interim General Manager Alex Anderson. More >>
June Is Aphasia Awareness Month … But Do You Know What Aphasia Is?
Thursday, 5 June 2025, 8:06 pm | Aphasia NZ
June is Aphasia Awareness Month, but if you don’t know what aphasia is, you are not alone. More >>
Hato Hone St John Introduces Samoan Language To Caring Caller Programme
Thursday, 5 June 2025, 2:56 pm | Hato Hone St John
This Samoa Language Week, Hato Hone St John is announcing the introduction of Samoan language to their popular Community Health programme: Caring Caller, with new volunteer callers fluent in Samoan joining the team. More >>
Pharmac Urged To Widen Access To Covid Vaccines
Thursday, 5 June 2025, 11:41 am | Aotearoa Covid Action
Pharmac’s current proposal would fund only the Comirnaty vaccine, with alternative brands available solely through its Exceptional Circumstances framework. ACA believes this creates an exclusionary barrier that may prevent some people from getting vaccinated ... More >>
NZNO Backs People’s Pay Equity Select Committee
Wednesday, 4 June 2025, 5:35 pm | NZNO
NZNO Primary Health Care Nurses College chair Tracey Morgan says it was devastating to the 5000 primary health care members that their claim was scuppered without warning or legitimate reason. More >>
Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence On The Sharp Increase: Study
Wednesday, 4 June 2025, 3:40 pm | University of Auckland
The study found the MS prevalence rate had climbed to 96.6 per 100,000 people as of June 2022, an increase from 72.4 per 100,000 in 2006., Lead author Dr Natalia Boven, a postdoctoral fellow from the University’s COMPASS Research Centre, says. More >>
Healthline Celebrates Its 25-Year Anniversary Of Trusted Service And Impact - And Launches a GP Booking Initiative
Wednesday, 4 June 2025, 2:40 pm | Whakarongorau Aotearoa
An estimated 3.45 million people have contacted Healthline since it launched 25 years ago. The Healthline service has grown from an initial 16 nurses managing 20,000 calls in its first year, to over 150 nurses and paramedics managing 400,000 contacts annually ... More >>
Hospice West Auckland Announces Groundbreaking Palliative Care Initiative: He Whare Korowai – Home From Home
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 1:05 pm | Hospice West Auckland
The ground floor of Hospice House is being transformed to accommodate this new model of care, with renovations including the creation of a communal dining room and living space in a warm and comforting home environment. More >>
Broken Promise, Lost Lives: Government’s Bowel Cancer Screening Pledge 98% Undelivered
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 11:20 am | Bowel Cancer New Zealand
Bowel cancer screening is a $30 test that prevents an $80,000 cancer. The human cost of delay is tragic – and the economic case for early detection couldn’t be clearer. It is indefensible for more Kiwis to continue losing their lives to this preventable, ... More >>
Hato Hone St John Seeking $4.5m To Fund New Ambulance Stations
Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 8:20 am | Hato Hone St John
Money raised from this year’s Light the Way Annual Appeal will go towards 10 new builds and three major repairs of Hato Hone St John Ambulance stations. More >>
Sudden Arrivals: NZ Ambulance Crews Describe What It’s Like When Babies Are Born Out Of The Blue
Sunday, 1 June 2025, 3:49 pm | The Conversation
Ambulance staff face a unique and demanding situation when attending unplanned out-of-hospital births. New research shows just how crucial training and support can be. More >>
Run It And Brain Injuries: What You Need To Know
Sunday, 1 June 2025, 3:37 pm | RNZ
Explainer - A 19-year-old died playing a version of the controversial violent 'Run It' contest. Just how dangerous is it? More >>
Innovative Report Shows Collaboration To Improve Māori Health Would Increase Regional Productivity By $122m Annually
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:15 pm | HBREDA
The research only further highlights the importance of Māori health to Hawke’s Bay’s future. This issue is not going to go away, especially as the working age population of Māori is expected to grow to 43,540 within the next two decades. More >>
Broken Promise
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 6:37 pm | Rob Crozier
Just 15 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia patients p/a are expected to benefit from the funding largesse,” said Dr Ruth Spearing, “and of these 15, 5 approvals are for Bendamustine — a derivative of nitrogen mustard, which was originally developed ... More >>
Health Professionals Concerned At Further Delays To Gender Affirming Healthcare Guidelines
Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:18 pm | PATHA
This is clear evidence of ideological interference in an operational, professional frontline medical resource that is being requested by the health sector. We reiterate our call for the Government to allow Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand to publish these ... More >>
NBS Dancing For A Cause 2025 Raises Record $670,000 For Nelson Tasman
Friday, 30 May 2025, 7:21 pm | Nelson Tasman Hospice
The $670,000 raised will help Nelson Tasman Hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to approximately 210 patients and their whānau/families every month. More >>
Unmasking The Appeal: TSANZ Releases New Vaping Cessation Guidance For Health Professionals On World No Tobacco Day
Friday, 30 May 2025, 7:19 pm | Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
The TSANZ Guidance is a practical, evidence-informed resource designed around common clinical scenarios More >>
Fixed Physio Highlights Key Recovery Services For Local Sports Injuries
Friday, 30 May 2025, 10:44 am | Fixed Physio
Fixed Physio provides sports physio in Christchurch for individuals recovering from athletic injuries or managing long-term biomechanical issues. The service includes assessment, strength reconditioning, mobility programming, and return-to-sport planning. More >>
Te Roopu Tupeka Kore Launches Powerful New Documentary On Māori Tobacco Control
Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:38 am | Hapai Te Hauora
Told through the voices of Māori tobacco control leaders, the documentary is a snapshot of decades of advocacy, offering a deeper understanding of the movement and the passion driving it. More >>
Smokefree 2025: A Promise Gone Up In Smoke
Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:29 am | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand
As the globe marks World Smokefree Day this Saturday, 31 May, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is reminding Kiwis that this was the year New Zealand was meant to become smokefree. More >>
Experts Examine Climate Impacts On Pacific Health
Friday, 30 May 2025, 7:31 am | University of Auckland
Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, a director of the university’s Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health, says the symposium will not only examine the health impacts of climate change in the Pacific, but share potential solutions. More >>
Warning: Fake Videos Targeting People With Type 2 Diabetes
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 8:46 pm | New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
The New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD) is warning people with type 2 diabetes to be cautious about health advice on social media, especially videos that appear to be from New Zealand doctors. More >>
KCDC Support For Improved Health Services In Kapiti Welcomed
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 4:58 pm | Kapiti Health Advisory Group
With this initiative, Kapiti Coast District Council hopes to lay the groundwork for a future where accessible and locally provided healthcare is no longer a distant hope but a tangible reality. More >>
New Data Shows Strain On Addictions Services
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 12:54 pm | NZ Drug Foundation
NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says this data shows the addiction services sector needs significant investment, especially in light of a recent doubling of methamphetamine consumption. More >>
Organ And Tissue Donation Helped Save And Improve The Lives Of Hundreds Of People In 2024
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 11:29 am | Organ Donation NZ
The report summarises deceased organ and tissue donations facilitated by Organ Donation New Zealand (ODNZ) in 2024, and shares insights on how donation can have a powerful and lasting impact on individuals, whānau and communities. More >>
National Campaign Returns This June—Raising Awareness And Support For New Zealanders Living With Motor Neurone Disease
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 11:25 am | Motor Neurone Disease Association NZ
Throughout June, the campaign will spotlight real stories from people living with MND and their whānau — highlighting the urgency of timely equipment, the emotional and physical load carried by carers, and the courage of those navigating the unknown. More >>
Global Study: COVID-19 And Adenoviral Vaccines Tied To GBS Risk, Not MRNA Vaccines
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 10:56 am | Global Vaccine Data Network
GBS is a rare but serious neurological condition that can cause progressive limb weakness and eventual paralysis, with an annual incidence of 1 to 4 cases per 100,000 people worldwide. It has been linked to various infections, including Campylobacter ... More >>
Chiropractic Services At The Healing Centre Address Posture And Pregnancy Needs
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 10:13 am | The Healing Centre
The clinic maintains that its services are not medical care, and it recommends that individuals consult with their healthcare providers before beginning chiropractic treatment. More >>
Providers Named After Failing To Meet HDC Recommendations
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 7:48 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
In October 2024, Mr Stoneman and NZDAT were found to have breached the Code and not provided Mr A and Mrs B with an appropriate standard of service. More >>
Dental Today Highlights Access To Braces And Hygiene Care In Auckland
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 4:52 pm | Dental Today
Dental Today sees patients from suburbs across South and Central Auckland, including Royal Oak, Mangere, and Mt Wellington. The team emphasises personalised care, patient education, and a preventive approach that supports both cosmetic and health-focused ... More >>
Teen Dies After Controversial Tackle Game – Expert Reaction
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 3:30 pm | Science Media Centre
"We must treat these impacts with the same seriousness as we do car crashes,” says Professor Patria Hume, Professor Human Performance, AUT. More >>
Auckland Theatre Nurses Begin One-Month On-Call Strike
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 2:58 pm | New Zealand Nurses Organisation
NZNO delegate and Starship perioperative nurse Haim Ainsworth says the month-long on-call strike follows rolling two-hour strikes by Auckland theatre nurses on 1 May. More >>
Health Agencies Highlighting Changes Limiting Promotion Of Vapes
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 1:28 pm | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Director of Public Health Dr Corina Grey says, three weeks out from these significant series of changes coming into force, today’s reminder focuses on one part of the changes, the new restrictions on product advertising and promotions. More >>
Pharmac Seeks Feedback On Potential Brand Changes From Annual Medicines Tender
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 12:21 pm | PHARMAC
Pharmac is now consulting on the potential impact of brand changes from this year’s tender. Pharmac is inviting feedback from people who take these medicines, and those who support them including prescribers, dispensers, and caregivers. More >>
Health Professionals, Medical Bodies & Community Orgs Call For Publication Of Guidelines For Gender Affirming Care
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 9:06 am | PATHA
Signatories to the open letter, which include medical bodies, health services, rainbow community organisations & individual practitioners are calling on the government to allow Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora to publish the updated Guidelines for Gender Affirming ... More >>
‘Icing On The Cake’ – Nelson Hospital To Get NZ-first Temporary Ward
Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 8:12 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
The Nelson Hospital redevelopment will get "more than half" of the billion-dollar budget allocation, and a temporary ward to boost capacity, Ministers Willis and Brown announced. More >>
Local HIV Diagnoses In Decline, Challenges To Achieving Elimination Goal
Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 10:48 am | Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
There were also 28 people diagnosed with AIDS in 2024, with 18 (64%) being MSM. This is the highest number of local AIDS diagnoses since 2010. Over 70% of these people (20) were diagnosed with AIDS within 3 months of their HIV diagnosis—indicating ... More >>
Health Warning Lifted At Waiau Uwha River At SH70
Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 10:09 am | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Latest water testing results show faecal bacteria levels in Waiau Uwha River at SH70 are now below guideline values and the health warning issued on 28 March 2025 has been removed with the water of Waiau Uwha River at SH70 suitable for recreational ... More >>
Health Warning Lifted For Algal Bloom In South Bank Tributary Of The Waiau Uwha River Above Waiau Bridge
Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 10:06 am | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Recent cyanobacteria surveys of the Waiau Uwha River above Waiau Bridge have shown the cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the river has reduced and is now below levels that are of concern to public health. More >>
Private Hospitals May Be Asked To Pay For Surgeon Training
Monday, 26 May 2025, 4:10 pm | RNZ
Doctors have raised ethical and logistical concerns about allowing publicly-paid surgical registrars to essentially provide free labour to private hospitals. More >>
Schedule Rule Changes Will Improve Continuity Of Cancer Care
Monday, 26 May 2025, 2:23 pm | PHARMAC
Pharmac is consulting on a proposal to amend the rules of the Pharmaceutical Schedule, following the Government’s decision to enable access to new publicly funded cancer medicines in private hospitals and clinics from 1 August 2025. More >>
Crown Withdraws Only Witness & Evidence Ahead Of Urgent Waitangi Tribunal Hearing Into Māori Health Reforms
Monday, 26 May 2025, 11:08 am | National Urban Maori Authority
The Crown also indicated that the Minister of Health is currently reviewing system settings within the public health sector, particularly the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022. Crown Law advised that details of this work programme remain confidential, More >>
Taking The Mic: Māori And Pacific Voices In The Media
Monday, 26 May 2025, 10:59 am | University of Auckland
Māori and Pacific people face significant health inequities, often exacerbated by media framing that places the burden of health on individuals rather than that of government or society. More >>
New Zealand Votes Hato Hone St John As One Of The Most Trusted Charities For 2025
Monday, 26 May 2025, 10:29 am | Hato Hone St John
Hato Hone St John Chief Executive, Peter Bradley, says the recognition is deeply moving and a reflection of the trust New Zealanders place in the organisation during life’s most critical moments. More >>
Budget 2025 Misses Opportunity To Give Primary Care A Leading Role In Addressing And Improving Healthcare In Aotearoa
Monday, 26 May 2025, 9:50 am | Royal NZ College of General Practitioners
The lack of any immediate funding for general practice and primary care in the Budget announcement to implement solutions that will alleviate pressures both on our workforce and in hospitals and EDs will be felt by all New Zealanders who access our services. More >>
How Rotorua’s Air Pollution Transformation Defied Expectations
Saturday, 24 May 2025, 3:59 pm | Laura Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Once the worst winter air, the city has today shed its label of 'polluted'. More >>
Daytime Boosts Immunity, Scientists Find
Saturday, 24 May 2025, 2:41 pm | Waipapa Taumata Rau
Kiwi scientists have discovered how daylight can boost the immune system’s ability to fight infections. More >>
Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata: Hāpai Te Hauora Responds To Budget 2025
Friday, 23 May 2025, 1:55 pm | Hapai Te Hauora
Finance Minister Nicola Willis promised no lolly scramble; but somehow, the sweet stuff still landed in boardrooms and business accounts, while the pantry stayed locked for whānau. More >>
Silence On Mental Health Initiatives In Budget 2025 Is Concerning
Friday, 23 May 2025, 12:55 pm | MATES in Construction
The government places a strong emphasis on welcoming overseas investors to fund its infrastructure pipeline, but we urge them to remain steadfast on the wellbeing of our workers who will put these projects into motion, says MATES in Construction Chief ... More >>
Budget 2025 Fails Rural Health Promises – Hauora Taiwhenua Warns Of Growing Inequities
Friday, 23 May 2025, 12:46 pm | Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network
The health budget has increased by 4.8% overall which doesn’t cover increases in the cost of health care delivery and population gains. The Budget lacks any specific commitment to address long-standing inequities in rural healthcare. More >>
Budget Boost To Early Childhood Education Hailed By Neurofusion
Friday, 23 May 2025, 12:18 pm | Neurofusion
Timetables, curriculum, assessment, and participation are still shaped by industrial-era logic which are built for efficiency, not for human variability. These structures create hidden barriers for anyone who doesn’t fit the mould, says Graeme Bennett, ... More >>
From WellSouth Primary Health Network CEO Mr Andrew Swanson-Dobbs
Friday, 23 May 2025, 10:13 am | WellSouth
Too often the focus is on secondary care – investing in hospitals. While this is important, general practice plays a critical role. Primary care will reduce hospital demand through early intervention and chronic disease management, and support community-based ... More >>
Budget 2025: A Missed Opportunity To Build A Stronger, Smarter Health System
Friday, 23 May 2025, 9:41 am | Digital Health Association
The Digital Health Association (DHA) believes Budget 2025 is a missed opportunity for digital health. “It offers small steps but falls short of delivering the bold, strategic investment needed to modernise New Zealand’s health system and unlock ... More >>
Patient Fees Could Rise 10 Percent Or More After Déjà Vu Budget Ignores General Practice
Thursday, 22 May 2025, 7:13 pm | General Practice Owners Association
GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers said the Budget was a missed opportunity and primary healthcare is hugely disappointed once again. More >>
Budget 2025: A Missed Opportunity To Build A Stronger, Smarter Health System
Thursday, 22 May 2025, 5:39 pm | Digital Health Association
Digital and physical infrastructure go hand-in-hand, Jensen says. A new hospital building is only as effective as the systems that support it. If we get this right, we’ll build not just for today’s needs—but for tomorrow’s opportunities. More >>
Shorecare Welcomes Initial Steps Towards Improved Urgent Care Funding — But More Is Needed
Thursday, 22 May 2025, 5:06 pm | Shorecare
Shorecare hopes this latest announcement signals the beginning of a more coherent, sustainable funding strategy for urgent care services across the country. Without this, New Zealand will continue to see clinic closures, increasing co-payments and ... More >>